Emerging from the heart of Warsaw, Arrinera Automotive S.A. has evolved to carve a unique niche in the automotive industry. Founded in 2008 by brothers Łukasz and Marek Tomkiewicz, the company aimed to bring Polish engineering to the global stage. A significant step towards this objective was taken in 2011 when the first proof-of-concept car was announced. Featuring a mid-engine, rear-drive layout, this prototype opened the doors to further innovation. In the subsequent year, the company rolled out its second prototype, initially dubbed the Venocara but later renamed as the Hussarya.
The Hussarya, in particular, serves as a hallmark of Arrinera's commitment to innovation and performance. Designed to meet FIA GT3 specifications, the Hussarya GT was unveiled at the Autosport International automotive show in Birmingham, UK, in January 2016. In a moment of national pride, this vehicle became the first Polish car to participate in the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 2016, competing in the supercar class.
Performance lies at the core of the Hussarya GT. Its heart is a General Motors LS7 V8 engine, also found in the Chevrolet Corvette, capable of delivering a whopping 500 bhp. Coupled with a six-speed sequential racing gearbox operated by paddle shifters, this car is clearly engineered for speed and agility. Safety and control have not been compromised, as indicated by its modular steel spaceframe chassis, pushrod suspension, 380 mm brake discs, ABS, and traction control.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team has contributed to the Hussarya GT's success. Pavlo Burkatskyy is credited with the car's compelling body design, while aerodynamics were meticulously calculated by Janusz Piechna of Warsaw University of Technology. The mechanical aspects were expertly handled by Krzysztof Stelmaszczuk. Furthermore, the car is constructed in Cambridgeshire, blending Polish innovation with British craftsmanship.
Yet, the journey hasn't been without its challenges. Arrinera entered the Hussarya GT in the DMV GT & Touring Car Cup round in Hockenheim in April 2017. In the first race, the car finished 22nd out of 24 runners. Moreover, the car had to retire from the second race due to an alternator failure. Similarly, in September 2017, the car was withdrawn from the Donington round of the Britcar championship after its engine failed during qualifying.
Despite these setbacks, the company's pursuit of perfection remains relentless. The Hussarya GT underwent rigorous testing in 2016 by Anthony Reid at Snetterton and Donington Park circuits, reflecting Arrinera's commitment to fine-tuning and optimization.
