Piëch Automotive's 1,000-HP Electric Sports Car: The Game-Changer We've Been Waiting For
Piëch Automotive's initial electric sports coupe, the Mark Zero, wowed the audience at the 2019 Geneva Motors Show but fell short of making it into production. Now, the Swiss startup is revitalizing its efforts. While things didn’t go as planned the first time, the automaker is back with a vengeance, unveiling a more advanced iteration of its electric sports car. Meet the Piëch GT, a cutting-edge electric sports coupe aimed at rewriting the rules of the game.
A New Vision Takes Shape
Founded in 2017 by Anton Piëch—son of former VW Chairman Ferdinand Piëch—and Rea Stark Rajcic, Piëch Automotive’s original dream of an electric sports car faltered. With new leadership, including ex-Mercedes-AMG and Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers and chief technical officer Ralph Illenberger, the company is taking another shot. Their redesigned Piëch GT concept is essentially a 2-plus-2 coupe that pushes boundaries in both design and performance. Although still in its 'clay model' stage, the excitement surrounding this project is palpable.
Cutting-Edge Engineering and Supercar Credentials
The Piëch GT is a marvel of modern engineering. It measures 188.2 inches in length, 78.7 inches in width, and stands 53.1 inches tall, set on a 109.4-inch wheelbase. It features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, housing a 16-module battery pack with a 90 kWh capacity using 312 cylindrical 21700 cells. Promising to break the 1,000-horsepower barrier, the GT boasts two electric motors—one on the front axle and one on the rear—delivering a combined 811 lb-ft of torque. This all-wheel-drive monster can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 187 mph. Not to mention, its 90-kWh battery offers a range of 312 miles, as per Europe's WLTP cycle.
Technological Wonders and Customization Galore
The Piëch GT is not just about brute force; it's a technological marvel too. Featuring two-speed transmissions for each motor, independent wheel control, and multi-link steel sprung suspension, this car promises exceptional driving dynamics. It also rides on imposing 22-inch wheels, with optional carbon fiber brake discs available. But the real game-changer is the unprecedented level of customization offered to buyers. Tobias Moers declares that no two Piëch GTs will be the same. From color and trim options to personalized software settings, each car will be a unique expression of its owner’s taste.
The Emotion-Driven Experience
Piëch Automotive is building its vehicles with more than just speed and acceleration in mind. The company's mission is to craft cars that deliver a unique emotional experience. 'Our cars are engineered for a new way of life,' the startup proclaims. The high degree of customization even extends to the car's soundtrack, drive modes, and artificial vibrations, ensuring each mile is a journey steeped in visionary technology.
Partnerships and Production Plans
To bring the Piëch GT from concept to a tangible reality, the company has teamed up with Canada's Multimatic, the same firm behind the Mustang GTD supercar and the second-gen Ford GT. Production plans are equally ambitious. Piëch Automotive aims to manufacture around 2,000 units within the first two years, with each unit priced at about 200,000 euros (approximately $215,000 at current rates). They are targeting a product release by 2028, marking five years of intensive development.
The Piëch GT promises to be a landmark in the realm of electric sports cars. With its combination of raw power, cutting-edge engineering, and unparalleled customization, this could be the revolutionary vehicle we’ve been waiting for. As the clock counts down to 2028, the anticipation is already electric.