Unveiling the $3.2 Million Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera: An 1100-HP Carbon-Fiber Beast
Step aside, supercar aficionados! The latest marvel to grace the automotive world is none other than the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera. Proudly flaunting a rear-drive, quad-motor EV setup, this Spanish beauty catapults into the supercar stratosphere with a staggering 1100 horsepower. Designed with an affinity for the track, the Carmen Sagrera promises exceptional cooling and braking prowess, making it a beast for those hot laps.
Firstly, a stroll down memory lane: Hispano Suiza, a brand once thought to be consigned to the annals of automotive history, was revived a few years back. The company introduced the Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne in 2021, an 1100-hp EV that came with a jaw-dropping €1.5 million price tag, equating to nearly $2 million USD. Fast forward to the present, and we have the Carmen Sagrera, unveiled to commemorate the illustrious 120th anniversary of this iconic Spanish marque. However, this grandeur comes at an elevated price point of approximately $3.2 million USD.
The Carmen Sagrera retains its core structure, which boasts a carbon fiber monocoque and bodywork. However, a pivotal enhancement lies in its battery pack upgrade. The new pack holds 103.0 kWh and weighs 1350 pounds, remarkably lighter than the old 80.0-kWh battery, which tipped the scales at 1750 pounds. This weight reduction isn’t the only advancement; the peak charging rate now stands at 100 kW, up from the previous 80 kW, albeit still leisurely by industry benchmarks. On the range front, Hispano Suiza touts a 300-mile driving distance per the optimistic WLTP cycle, translating to under 250 miles if it were to undergo EPA certification. Weight distribution has also improved, shifting from a 40:60 front/rear configuration to a more balanced near 50:50 ratio.
Powering the Sagrera is an unconventional powertrain setup, featuring four 275-hp electric motors that solely drive the rear wheels. Each side is powered by a pair of these motors through a shared single-speed gearbox. The combined peak output is an awe-inspiring 1100 horsepower, accompanied by 855 pound-feet of torque. Intriguingly, the car employs a 'virtual differential,' a software algorithm that navigates the torque split between the rear wheels, replacing a traditional mechanical differential.
Track-Optimized Excellence
The Sagrera is tailored for enhanced track performance, with the most conspicuous alteration being the 'stork wing shaped' rear spoiler. This feature sports individual elements ascending from the car's center on each side. The aesthetic transformation is complemented by cooling enhancements, including additional vents adorning the front and rear, as well as the front fenders. The suspension system is meticulously engineered with lightweight dual wishbones and adaptive dampers, while the braking system benefits from carbon-ceramic brakes featuring monoblock calipers. Visually, the bronze hue showcased in the images underscores the vehicle's allure.
The interior is no longer an afterthought. The new cabin, refined by Italy’s Italdesign, introduces a revamped center console equipped with directional control buttons. This sophisticated makeover significantly raises the bar from the somewhat unfinished look of previous models.
From Spain with Power
Sergio Martínez Campos, CEO of Hispano Suiza, revealed that the company has already delivered four Carmen models, with four more in the production pipeline. For those eager to park the Sagrera in their garage, the wait will be around nine months and will require a hefty investment of €2.5 million (approximately $3.2 million USD) before taxes. Yet, despite its 'Show and Display' limitations in the U.S., the buzz has been so substantial that Hispano Suiza is contemplating opening a dealership in Miami.