Aurora 122C: The Brazilian Super Sports Car

When talking about Brazilian cars that marked an era, it is impossible not to remember the Aurora 122C, one of the most notable examples of the national automotive industry. Back in 1990, Aurora Projetos Automobilísticos introduced an outstanding model to the market that challenged the standards of the time, combining innovation, performance and European design.

In this article, you will explore the history, to the technical specifications and legacy of this super sports car that continues to be an icon among car enthusiasts in Brazil. Get ready to learn all the details of a car that brought to light the true potential of national automotive engineering.

The Origin of Aurora 122C

O Aurora 122C was created with a clear objective: to create a Brazilian super sports car that could compete with the big names in the global market. The project was developed by a group of passionate car enthusiasts who founded Aurora Projetos Automobilísticos with the aim of producing exclusive, high-performance vehicles.

Inspired by European sports cars, the Aurora 122C's design featured sleek, aerodynamic lines, reminiscent of iconic models such as Ferrari and Lamborghini. The bodywork was made of fiberglass reinforced plastic, a solution that guaranteed lightness It is durability to the model.

The car was introduced to the public in 1990 and immediately attracted attention for its bold appearance and innovative proposal. It stood out for being a national 100% product, something rare in a market dominated by international automakers.

Aurora 122C Technical Specifications

O Aurora 122C It wasn't just impressive in terms of looks. Its technical specifications also made it stand out, rivaling imported sports cars of the time.

Full Technical Sheet:

• Year of release: 1990
• Manufacturer: Aurora Automotive Projects
• Body: Monoblock in fiberglass reinforced plastic
• Motor: Repowered version of the Monza's 2.0 engine, with 2200 cc
• Power: 214 hp
• Weight: Approximately 1 ton
• Maximum speed: 204 km/h
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9 seconds
• Doors: 2
• Places: 2
• Price at the time: About 60 thousand dollars (approximately R$ 290 thousand in values corrected for 2024)

The Aurora 122C's engine was one of its great differentiators. Based on the reliable Monza 2.0 engine, it has been adapted to deliver more power and performance. Thanks to a turbo compressor, the car reached 214 hp, an impressive number for the time.

Furthermore, its lightweight construction contributed to dynamic performance, making the Aurora 122C a real pleasure to drive. With just 1 ton weight, it had a power-to-weight ratio that put it on par with many imported sports cars.

Road Performance

O Aurora 122C offered a respectable performance. His maximum speed of 204 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 9 seconds were sufficient to compete with models like the Porsche 944 and Toyota Supra from the same period.

The car also stood out for its balance between performance and comfort. Despite being a super sports car, it offered user-friendly handling, allowing it to be used both on tracks and on regular roads.

The Market and Acceptance

When launched, the Aurora 122C attracted the attention of enthusiasts and collectors, who saw the model as an opportunity to own a exclusive national super sports car. With a price of 60 thousand dollars At the time, it was positioned as a viable alternative to imported sports cars.

However, the opening of imports in the early 1990s brought great challenges for the Aurora 122C. International models began to be imported more easily, which significantly reduced interest in national off-the-shelf cars. Aurora Projetos Automobilísticos, like many other independent manufacturers, faced financial difficulties and closed its activities in 1993.

The Legacy of the Aurora 122C

Despite its short history, the Aurora 122C left an important legacy. It symbolizes a moment of boldness and creativity in the Brazilian automotive industry, showing that it was possible to develop a competitive and innovative super sports car in Brazil.

Today, the Aurora 122C is considered a rarity, being highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts. Well-preserved examples can reach high values, reflecting their historical importance and appeal among car enthusiasts.

Fun facts about the Aurora 122C

1. Inspired Name: The name “122C” referred to the increased displacement of the engine (2200 cc) and the fact that it was a coupé car.
2. Limited Production: Few units of this model were manufactured, which makes it even rarer today.
3. Custom Design: Each car could be customized according to the customer's preferences, from the interior finish to paint details.

Conclusion

O Aurora 122C is more than a car; it's a milestone in Brazilian automotive history. It represents the dream of creating a national supercar capable of competing in a highly demanding market. Although its trajectory was short, its impact remains to this day, inspiring new generations of engineers, designers and automotive enthusiasts.

If you're a fan of classic and unique cars, the Aurora 122C deserves a special place on your list of favorites. After all, few cars capture the essence of Brazilian automotive passion as well as this 1990s icon.