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Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Carmen Sagrera: Redefining Luxury in the Electric Age

📢New EV BEAST - In the world of classic European cars, the name Hispano Suiza might not be as well-known to everyone, especially outside the circle of car enthusiasts. However, this brand has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1904. Though it might be better remembered by some for its World War II aircraft engines, Hispano Suiza made a significant mark in the automotive world by producing 12,000 luxury cars between 1940 and 1946. After that, the brand seemed to fade into history, at least until recent years.
The Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera boldly signaled the brand's return to the modern automotive world, drawing inspiration from the 1920s and the iconic Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII. (Picture from: BincangBincangMobil)
Fast forward to 2019, and the name Hispano Suiza made a bold return with the launch of an electric sports car called Carmen. This reemergence was more than just a nostalgic nod to the past; it was a statement that the brand was back and ready to compete in the modern automotive world. 
This is an example of the Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII, which inspired the creation of the Carmen Sagrera. (Picture from: Classic)
The latest iteration, the Carmen Sagrera, was unveiled on June 14, 2024, continuing this legacy. What sets the Carmen Sagrera apart is its design, which takes inspiration from the 1920s, particularly from the Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII. This gives the car a unique, almost timeless appearance that stands out even among the most advanced electric hypercars of today, such as the Rimac Nevera and Pininfarina Battista.
The design and structure of the Carmen Sagrera retain the core elements of its predecessor, featuring a carbon fiber monocoque and bodywork. (Picture from: PalTV)
In terms of exclusivity, the Carmen Sagrera is in a league of its own, with only 24 units being produced. This rarity adds to its allure, making it a sought-after collector’s item for those who appreciate both history and cutting-edge technology. The car is not just a rehash of its predecessor, the Carmen Boulogne, which was introduced in 2021 as a 1,100-horsepower electric marvel. The Carmen Sagrera is a celebration of Hispano Suiza’s 120th anniversary, and it comes with a price tag that reflects its special status—surpassing even the nearly $2 million price of the Carmen Boulogne.
The cabin of the Carmen Sagrera seats two and features an elaborate interior, enhanced with additional carbon and Alcantara trim, along with lavish detailing. (Picture from: BincangBincangMobil)
The design and structure of the Carmen Sagrera maintain the core elements of its predecessor, with a carbon fiber monocoque and bodywork. However, the front of the car, while still recognizably a Carmen, has been given a more aggressive look. One of the standout features is the new “stork wing” spoiler at the rear, which gives the car a distinctive appearance and likely contributes to its improved track performance. This spoiler, combined with new vents added to the front and rear, not only enhances the car’s cooling system but also makes it visually striking, especially in the bronze color showcased in the official images.
The Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera provides ample storage space in its front compartment. (Picture from: TopGear)
The suspension system of the Carmen Sagrera uses lightweight dual wishbones and adaptive dampers, ensuring that it handles as well on the track as it does on the road. The braking system has also seen an upgrade, with carbon-ceramic brakes and monobloc calipers for better stopping power. These changes are part of the car’s overall focus on performance, which is further evidenced by its powertrain.
The suspension system of the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera uses lightweight dual wishbones and adaptive dampers, ensuring that it handles as well on the track as it does on the road.. (Picture from: TopGear)
Underneath its elegant exterior, the Carmen Sagrera houses four 275 bhp electric motors, all driving the rear wheels. This setup allows the car to achieve a peak power output of 1,100 horsepower, the same as the Carmen Boulogne. The motors are managed by a sophisticated “virtual differential” system, which uses software to control the torque distribution to each rear wheel, enhancing the car’s handling without the need for a traditional mechanical differential. With 855 pound-feet of torque on tap, the Carmen Sagrera can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds, making it a true hypercar in every sense of the word.
The Hispano Suiza Carmen Segrera features a new “stork wing” spoiler at the rear, which gives the car a distinctive appearance and likely contributes to its improved track performance. (Picture from: TopGear)
The Carmen Sagrera also benefits from an upgraded battery pack, which now has a capacity of 103.0 kWh. This new battery is not only more powerful but also lighter, weighing in at 1,350 pounds compared to the previous 80.0 kWh battery that weighed 1,750 pounds. This reduction in weight helps improve the car’s weight distribution, bringing it closer to a 50:50 balance, which is ideal for handling. The battery’s peak charging rate has been increased to 100 kW, though this is still considered slow compared to other hypercars in the same segment. Nevertheless, Hispano Suiza claims that the Carmen Sagrera can achieve a range of 300 miles on the European WLTP cycle, although this would likely be less than 250 miles on the more stringent EPA cycle in the United States. | p5opyXNaGW |
Owning a Carmen Sagrera is an experience that transcends the typical notion of driving. It's a seamless blend of history, artistry, and cutting-edge technology, marking the triumphant revival of a storied brand. This remarkable vehicle not only brings Hispano Suiza into the modern era but also pays deep homage to its rich heritage. With only 24 units in existence, the Carmen Sagrera provides a rare opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking driving experience while owning a piece of automotive history that connects the golden age of motoring with the future of electric hypercars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HISPANOSUIZACARS | GOODWOOD | TOPGEAR | CARANDDRIVER | ELECTREK.CO | MOTORAUTHORITY | WALLPAPER | CLASSIC ]
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