What is the FAST F61H hydrogen supercar?
The FAST F61H is a hydrogen-powered V12 supercar that uses an internal combustion engine instead of batteries or fuel cells. Officially launched in the UAE, it delivers zero CO₂ emissions while preserving the sound, feel, and engagement of a traditional high-performance engine.
Positioned as a world-first, the F61H is presented as the first street-legal hydrogen internal combustion engine supercar, blending sustainability with motorsport-inspired engineering.
Why did FAST choose the UAE for the global launch?
FAST selected the UAE for the F61H’s world premiere due to the country’s strong commitment to hydrogen infrastructure, clean-energy initiatives, and advanced automotive culture. Abu Dhabi’s focus on sustainable mobility made it an ideal launchpad for hydrogen performance vehicles.
The official unveiling took place on 10 December 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Abu Dhabi, followed by a public preview at Yas Marina Circuit during the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 weekend, giving the car exposure to a global motorsport audience.
- Strong regional investment in hydrogen technology
- Growing clean-energy and sustainability initiatives
- High global visibility through Formula 1 and motorsport events
How is the FAST F61H different from electric supercars?
Unlike battery-electric supercars, the FAST F61H relies on hydrogen combustion rather than large battery packs or fuel cells. This approach eliminates CO₂ emissions while avoiding concerns around battery degradation, recycling, and long-term collectability.
FAST believes hydrogen internal combustion offers a future-proof alternative for enthusiasts who value mechanical character, fast refuelling, and emotional driving experiences.
Hydrogen combustion vs battery-electric performance
- Zero CO₂ emissions during operation
- Fast refuelling similar to petrol vehicles
- No heavy battery packs affecting weight distribution
- Traditional engine sound and mechanical feedback
What is the design inspiration behind the FAST F61H?
The FAST F61H Birdcage draws its design DNA from motorsport heritage and classic Italian race cars. It is based on the Kode61 Birdcage, Ken Okuyama Cars’ latest petrol-powered one-off, which has already gained recognition at elite concours events.
Design leadership came from Ken Okuyama, the renowned automotive designer behind iconic cars such as the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati MC12.
Key exterior design highlights
- Open-top barchetta body style
- Long, sculpted nose with compact rear section
- Three signature portholes behind the front wheels
- Extensive use of lightweight carbon fibre bodywork
The overall shape prioritises cooling efficiency and aerodynamic balance rather than aggressive styling excess, staying true to classic motorsport principles.
What engine powers the FAST F61H?
At its heart, the FAST F61H uses a hydrogen-fuelled 5.5-litre V12 internal combustion engine. The engine originates from an Italian-made petrol V12 and has been converted specifically for hydrogen use in collaboration with hydrogen engineering specialists FLAT FIELD Co., Ltd.
This configuration allows the F61H to retain the emotional appeal of a naturally aspirated-style V12 while operating with zero carbon emissions.
FAST F61H engine and drivetrain specifications
- 5.5-litre hydrogen-powered V12 engine
- Maximum output of up to 500 horsepower
- Approximately 300 hp available at 7,000 rpm
- 307 Nm of torque
- 12-cylinder independent electronic hydrogen injection
- BorgWarner hydrogen injectors
- Motec engine management system
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Rear-mounted transaxle layout
The hydrogen fuel tank is positioned at the rear of the vehicle to support optimal weight distribution and handling balance.
Can the FAST F61H be refuelled easily?
Yes, the FAST F61H is designed to be refuelled at existing standard hydrogen filling stations. This allows refuelling times that are significantly quicker than charging battery-electric vehicles, making it more practical for real-world use.
FAST highlights refuelling speed as a major advantage of hydrogen combustion, particularly for performance-focused vehicles.
What are the dimensions of the FAST F61H?
The F61H features compact, performance-focused proportions that support agility, stability, and lightweight construction.
- Length: 4,657 mm
- Width: 1,985 mm
- Height: 1,140 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,500 mm
These dimensions reflect its barchetta architecture and front-engine, rear-drive layout.
What is the interior like inside the FAST F61H?
The interior of the FAST F61H follows a minimalist, driver-centric philosophy. Rather than digital screens and infotainment systems, the cabin focuses on mechanical simplicity and direct driver engagement.
The cockpit is split into two individual seating areas, separated by a central structural spine that increases chassis rigidity while visually reinforcing the car’s race-inspired character.
Interior highlights
- Separated driver and passenger cockpits
- Central structural spine for rigidity
- Retractable window shields for individual airflow control
- Analogue gauges with no digital instrument cluster
- Gated six-speed manual shifter with exposed linkage
Carbon fibre dominates the interior surfaces, while exposed mechanical elements remind occupants that the F61H is engineered first and foremost for driving purity.
What are the environmental advantages of hydrogen combustion?
Hydrogen internal combustion offers several environmental and practical benefits when compared to traditional petrol engines and battery-electric powertrains.
- Zero CO₂ emissions during vehicle operation
- Lower production costs than hydrogen fuel-cell systems
- Reduced reliance on large battery packs
- Retention of internal combustion sound and feel
FAST and Ken Okuyama Cars position hydrogen combustion as a realistic pathway for sustainable performance vehicles that still appeal to enthusiasts.
What is FAST’s long-term hydrogen strategy?
The F61H is not a one-off experiment. FAST confirmed that the model is part of a broader global hydrogen development programme led from Dubai. The company plans to continue refining hydrogen combustion technology in partnership with FLAT FIELD.
Future development will focus on increasing performance, improving efficiency, and expanding real-world usability for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Why is the FAST F61H important for the future of performance cars?
The launch of the FAST F61H demonstrates that zero-emission performance does not need to rely solely on electric motors. By combining hydrogen combustion with a V12 engine, FAST offers a compelling alternative that balances sustainability with emotional driving experiences.
Its UAE debut reinforces the region’s growing role as a global hub for next-generation automotive innovation.
How does the FAST F61H fit into the UAE automotive market?
The UAE has become a key testing ground for advanced mobility solutions, from electric vehicles to hydrogen-powered transport. The F61H’s launch highlights how the region supports both innovation and exclusivity in the automotive space.
Enthusiasts in the Emirates continue to show strong interest in cutting-edge supercars, whether powered by electricity, hydrogen, or advanced combustion technologies.
Explore the latest performance and luxury models available on new cars in the UAE.
FAQs
What is the FAST F61H?
The FAST F61H is a hydrogen-powered V12 supercar that uses an internal combustion engine and produces zero CO₂ emissions during operation.
How is the FAST F61H different from hydrogen fuel-cell cars?
Unlike fuel-cell vehicles, the F61H burns hydrogen in a traditional engine, allowing faster refuelling, simpler mechanical design, and a more engaging driving experience.
Where was the FAST F61H launched?
The global premiere took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with additional public previews at Yas Marina Circuit.
What transmission does the FAST F61H use?
The F61H is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and a rear-mounted transaxle layout.
Can the FAST F61H be refuelled at hydrogen stations?
Yes, the vehicle is designed to work with existing standard hydrogen filling stations, offering quick refuelling times.
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