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Etox
Etox
Etox
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Etox is the first Turkish automobile manufacturer dedicated exclusively to building sports cars. The company is based in Ankara, Turkey. Its first model, the Etox Zafer, is the second Turkish sports car after the Anadol STC-16, which was produced from 1973 to 1975.

Key Information

Prototype

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Designing the Etox Zafer took 6 months after testing and surveying among hundreds of prototypes. The latest prototype was created by 46 Turkish engineers in 2 years. The 100,000 kilometer quality tests of the Etox Zafer were completed in 2007.

Mass production

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The license for mass production of the Etox Zafer was granted by the Turkish Government in 2007.[1] The Zafer is to be assembled in Turkey, with engines built by French, German and Swedish auto manufacturers, though Etox plans to develop its own engines in the near future.[1] The 1.5 liter diesel engine which produces 125 bhp (93 kW) is a Renault engine with slight ECU modifications; the 3.0 liter diesel engine which produces 225 bhp (168 kW) is a BMW engine; while the 3.0 liter gasoline engine which produces 272 bhp (203 kW) is a Volvo engine.[1] Apart from the three standard engines, a 450 bhp (340 kW) engine is also available for special orders.[1]

The Etox Zafer costs between 85,000 and 150,000 TL (10,000 and 18,000 USD) depending on the model and engine type.[1]

Official introduction of Etox Zafer

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Etox Zafer Coupe on a Turkish road
Etox Zafer Coupé near Göksu Park in the Eryaman district of Ankara

The first official introduction of Etox Zafer took place on 30 August 2007. August the 30th is the Zafer Bayramı (Victory Day) in Turkey (the word Zafer means Victory in Turkish).[2]

Technical specifications

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Dimensions

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  • Length: 4215 mm
  • Width: 1980 mm
  • Height: 1290 mm
  • Axle distance: 2575 mm
  • Front trace gap: 1700 mm
  • Rear trace gap: 1698 mm

Engines

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Etox Zafer is powered by 3 standard engines, and 1 optional engine:

  • 1.5 litre, 125 bhp (93 kW) diesel engine (standard production)
  • 3.0 litre, 225 bhp (168 kW) diesel engine (standard production)
  • 3.0 litre V6, 272 bhp (203 kW) gasoline engine (standard production)
  • 450 bhp (340 kW) engine (optional)

References

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Etox

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from Grokipedia
Etox is a Turkish automotive company based in , founded in 2006 by Ercan Malkoç as the country's first manufacturer dedicated exclusively to sports cars. The company developed the Etox Zafer, its debut model and the second Turkish after the 1973 STC-16, which received government approval for mass production in 2007. The two-seat coupe features a body and is powered by engines from , , or , including options such as a 1.5 L diesel (125 bhp), 3.0 L diesel (225 bhp), and 3.0 L V6 petrol (272 bhp), with a top speed of around 185 km/h (115 mph). Priced between 85,000 and 150,000 (approximately 65,000–115,000 USD as of 2007 exchange rates), only prototypes and a limited number of units were produced, with no large-scale manufacturing achieved. As of 2025, Etox appears inactive, with no reported ongoing production or new developments.

Company Overview

Founding and Motivation

Etox was founded in 2006 by Ercan Malkoç in , , to focus on the development and production of . The primary motivation for establishing Etox arose from a personal incident experienced by Malkoç at an international automotive exhibition in , where he was denied entry to a Ferrari showroom because he did not appear wealthy enough to the salespeople. This snub, described by Malkoç as an encounter with "snobby bastards," fueled his determination to build a luxury of his own, viewing it as both personal and a patriotic effort to reduce 's dependence on imported high-end vehicles. Malkoç's vision for Etox was to create the second domestically produced in Turkish , succeeding the STC-16 from the , while prioritizing affordability relative to international luxury brands and strong performance suited to the local market. Priced initially around 30,000 euros, the cars were intended to make high-performance driving accessible to Turkish consumers without compromising on quality or national engineering pride. The early development phase assembled a 20-member team comprising automotive designers, mechanical engineers, and even an aircraft engineer, who collaborated intensively to realize the initial concepts over the following years.

Facilities and Operations

Etox was headquartered and assembled its vehicles in , . The company secured government approval for vehicle assembly operations in the country in , marking a key step in establishing its manufacturing presence. In its sourcing strategy, Etox partnered with international suppliers for critical components, particularly engines, to leverage established technologies while minimizing initial investment. Available engine options for models like the Zafer included a 1.5-liter unit from producing 125 horsepower, a 3.0-liter engine delivering 225 horsepower, and a Volvo-sourced powerplant rated at 272 horsepower. During its active period circa 2006-2016, Etox operated as a small-scale startup, focusing on limited production volumes and cost efficiency through these external partnerships. This approach supported initial pricing for the Zafer in the range of $40,000 to $80,000, positioning it as an accessible sports car option within Turkey. In 2011, Etox announced development of an electric version of the Zafer, aiming for a top speed of 120 km/h and 250 km range, with a planned price around $20,000, though it was not confirmed to enter production. The company's official website, etox.com.tr, provides basic information on its branding and offerings, though it has seen minimal updates and activity as of 2025.

Development and Introduction

Prototype Phase

The development of the Etox Zafer prototype began in 2005 under the leadership of Ercan Malkoç, founder of Ertex Otomotiv, drawing from his prior experience in automotive interior manufacturing and inspired by being denied access to a Ferrari at an auto show. The overall project was completed in nearly one year, culminating in the primary prototype by mid-2007, involving a team of 46 Turkish engineers focused on creating a domestically produced sports car. Styling efforts emphasized a sporty aesthetic inspired by European models such as the TVR and Aston Martin, which influenced the car's aggressive front fascia and sleek profile. This design approach incorporated a rear-wheel-drive layout paired with a 5-speed manual transmission to achieve dynamic handling suitable for a compact sports coupe. Prototype testing commenced in 2007, encompassing extensive quality assessments totaling 100,000 kilometers to evaluate , structural , and road handling under varied conditions. By late 2007, initial prototypes had undergone rigorous trials, including simulated high-mileage stress to ensure reliability for the Turkish market, with two units—one in and one in —serving as test beds. These tests highlighted the vehicle's robust and suspension tuning, derived from affordable, locally sourced components adapted to mimic the performance of premium European sports cars. A key engineering challenge during prototyping was integrating exotic, visually striking elements—like the low-slung body and flared wheel arches—with cost-effective, compact parts to position the Zafer as an accessible entry-level for domestic consumers, avoiding the high costs associated with imported luxury alternatives. This balance was critical for market viability in , where affordability and local manufacturing were priorities. In , the Turkish granted production licensing following successful prototype validation, paving the way for further refinement.

Official Launch of Etox Zafer

The Etox Zafer was officially unveiled to the public on August 30, 2007, coinciding with Turkey's (Zafer Bayramı), a date chosen to symbolize national pride and achievement in the automotive sector. This timing underscored the vehicle's role as a milestone for Turkish engineering, marking Etox as the nation's first dedicated manufacturer of domestically developed sports cars. The launch event took place in , drawing significant media attention for its representation of Turkey's growing capabilities in the . Following the completion of prototype testing, the ceremony highlighted the Zafer's emergence from a project initiated by entrepreneur Ercan Malkoç, positioning it as a bold step toward self-reliant production. Early announcements emphasized plans for development, with intentions to produce proprietary motors within a year and achieve a fully Turkish-made , including powertrains, in the coming years. Pricing was set at 75,000 to 85,000 Turkish liras (approximately $58,000 to $65,000 USD at the time), designed to broaden accessibility beyond elite buyers and appeal to a wider, middle-class demographic. Contemporary media coverage praised the Zafer's distinctive, elegant design as a unique expression of Turkish , often dubbing it the "domestic Ferrari" for its sporty flair, though producers stressed its original identity. The event garnered enthusiastic responses from government officials, industry figures, and the public, with pre-orders already secured from nine buyers, including celebrities, signaling strong initial interest. However, reports noted the vehicle's current dependence on imported components, particularly engines, as a temporary measure pending domestic advancements.

Design and Specifications

Exterior and Interior Design

The Etox Zafer measures 4,215 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, 1,290 mm in height, and has a of 2,575 mm, contributing to its compact and agile footprint as a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive . These dimensions underscore its low-slung profile, designed for enhanced and road presence in the sports car segment. The exterior adopts an aggressive, athletic styling with taut proportions that evoke classic aesthetics, drawing visual parallels to the from the front and the or in side profile. As the second Turkish sports car following the STC-16 of the 1970s, it pays homage to national automotive heritage through its balanced, performance-oriented silhouette, despite utilizing a front-engine layout rather than the mid-engine configuration of its predecessor. Inside, the Zafer features a compact two-seater tailored to the individual driver's size and weight for optimal and comfort. The interior incorporates basic luxury elements, including produced with precision techniques, blending sporty functionality with practical everyday usability while highlighting Turkish craftsmanship in its construction.

Engines and Performance

The Etox Zafer offers a range of engine variants, with a primary emphasis on diesel powertrains to cater to demands in the Turkish market. The entry-level option is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four sourced from , delivering 125 horsepower (93 kW) and 185 Nm of torque. Mid-tier models feature a 3.0-liter BMW producing 225 horsepower (168 kW). For performance-oriented buyers, a 3.0-liter V6 engine provides 272 horsepower (203 kW), with an optional factory-tuned variant boosting output to 450 horsepower. Performance across the lineup is characterized by configuration and a five-speed , prioritizing direct power delivery. The base 1.5-liter model achieves 0-100 km/h acceleration in 13 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h. The diesel-centric approach underscores as a key attribute, aligning with regional preferences for economical operation in everyday driving. The suspension system is calibrated for sporty handling, contributing to the vehicle's agile dynamics on varied Turkish roadways. Initially dependent on imported engines from European suppliers, Etox outlined plans to transition toward domestically produced alternatives to enhance self-sufficiency as of 2007.

Production and Legacy

Mass Production Efforts

In 2007, the Turkish government granted Etox a license for of the Zafer sports car, allowing local assembly in and marking a significant step toward establishing a domestic automotive . This approval enabled the company to pursue plans for producing affordable s aimed at both the domestic market and exports, with an initial target of 20 units per year scaling to a maximum of 500 annually. Components, including engines from European suppliers like , , and , were to be sourced internationally to meet performance goals while keeping costs around €30,000–40,000 per vehicle. Despite these ambitions, Etox faced substantial challenges in transitioning to full-scale , including financial constraints that limited operations to a small team of about 20 engineers and a modest facility lacking advanced testing , such as dedicated crash test sites—relying instead on 31 computer simulations. The company sought international investors to fund expansion and develop a more powerful 200–300 hp diesel for broader appeal, but sustained investment proved elusive amid Turkey's competitive automotive landscape dominated by established joint ventures like and , which focused on high-volume assembly for global brands. These larger players, producing hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually, overshadowed niche entrants like Etox by securing preferential supply chains and government incentives. As a result, production remained confined to prototypes and small batches; by 2009, only two Zafer vehicles had been completed, with one sold and around 20 orders received, half from Turkish expatriates in . There is no verifiable evidence of large-scale output reaching the planned levels by 2011 or in subsequent years, with the project stalling due to unresolved funding and infrastructural hurdles.

Reception and Current Status

Upon its 2007 launch, the Etox Zafer garnered positive media attention for its bold design and the founder's personal backstory, often framed as a "" tale against a Ferrari dealer who dismissed his earlier business ambitions. Coverage in outlets like Jalopnik highlighted the car's striking and government approval for production, positioning it as a symbol of Turkish innovation in sports car manufacturing. However, skepticism emerged early regarding its market viability, with projected prices ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 depending on engine options, raising doubts about demand in a nascent domestic industry. The project is now regarded as a bold yet ultimately unsuccessful endeavor in Turkish automotive , emblematic of the hurdles independent startups face amid reliance on imported components and limited . By 2011, announcements of an electric variant underscored ongoing ambitions but also revealed dependencies that stalled progress, with no confirmed production timeline. As of 2025, Etox appears defunct, with no reported ongoing production or sales; its website remains active but features only minimal, outdated content without updates on operations. The unfulfilled 2011 electric plans marked the last significant public development. Etox's legacy endures as a in startup challenges within Turkey's OEM-dominated automotive sector, where foreign manufacturers like Ford and drive the majority of output—nearly 1.5 million vehicles in 2023 alone—highlighting barriers to local innovation and mass-market entry.
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