Ever wanted to feel like you were in Top Gun: Maverick without the complexities of flying a multi-million dollar aircraft? Well, you are in luck as the Czinger 21C aims to achieve just that with its fighter jet seating where the passenger sits behind the driver, and its pursuit of speed. If you are hearing the Czinger name for the first time, it is because they have only been around since 2019, but they have quickly gained a lot of attention for their distinctive styling and construction techniques.

Czinger is a Los Angeles-based company pioneering new methods to build their 21C hypercar. The car uses 3D printed components throughout: everything from the suspension arms, exhaust housing, heat shields and the cockpit have been 3D modelled and printed. Does it actually help I hear you ask? Well, the numbers speak for themselves, with a high power output and low kerb weight, the base 21C can complete the 0-62 mph sprint in a brain-melting 1.9 seconds. 

That is Rimac Nevera territory, which is the current benchmark for straight-line performance. However, fear not, the 21C is not fully electric. Behind the tandem cabin is a 2.9-litre twin turbo V8 that produces 950 bhp and revs to 11,000 rpm. In combination with three electric motors - one for each front wheel and one connected to the engine - the powertrain produces a very impressive 1,233 bhp. Just as impressive is that the car weighs only 1,250 kg even with the trio of electric motors and pair of batteries onboard.

There are three versions of the 21C currently on sale, beginning with the “base” 21C which is fully road-legal. There is also a  21C Blackbird edition, paying homage to the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird - the spy plane capable of over three times the speed of sound. Only 4 of the Blackbird editions will be made, while the original 21C is limited to just 80 units with each costing upwards of £2 million.

There is also a new 21C V Max version - a wingless longtail with more of a focus on outright speed over downforce. The V Max has a claimed top speed of 253 mph, almost 50 mph faster than the “regular” version; think of them like the Attack and Absolut variants of the Koenigsegg Jesko with one focused on corners and one geared towards straight-line pace. 

2024 isn’t Czinger’s first visit to Goodwood, as their radical hypercar was first seen in 2022. This year they have brought the 21C in a striking ‘Rattlesnake Green’ exposed carbon fibre finish, inspired by the rattlesnakes found in California. Taking part in the hill climb, the 21C set a time of just 48.82 seconds, placing fifth overall and being the only road-legal production car in the top ten! It made some minor contact with a hay bale on its way, but who needs to look backwards when going that quickly along the famous hill? You can watch the impressive time being set below.

This run put the 21C almost half a second clear of the Rimac Nevera, the previous road legal record holder. This run will aptly place Czinger in the hall of fame for this year’s Festival of Speed and leaves me wondering what the manufacturer has planned to improve on its rapid hill climb time.

Czinger 21C sets new Goodwood Hill record