Here it is Piëch Mark Zero with sophisticated fast charging technology

When asked what is the biggest weakness of electric cars, the majority might answer the charging time. Sure enough, even fast charging technology developed by Porsche has so far only been able to record 15-20 minutes to fill 80% of the total car battery capacity.

Piëch Mark Zero with sophisticated fast charging technology has debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JYfWmD)

That is obviously much longer than filling gas. But that does not always have to be a scourge of the electric car segment. A new company named Piëch Automotive wants to prove that an electric car can also be recharged as fast as refueling of a conventional car.

So far you might be wondering, who is the figure behind Piëch Automotive, and why does his name sound so familiar? Piëch is an automotive company based in Zurich, Switzerland, and has no affiliation with the Volkswagen Group.

Left side view of Piëch Mark Zero. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2HSKx31)

The automotive company was founded in 2016 by Anton 'Toni' Piëch, who is the son of Ferdinand Piëch - a very successful former leader of the Volkswagen Group and great-grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, the original Beetle Volkswagen designer and founder of the Porsche brand.

On their debutant car is a two-door car concept that is different from electric vehicles from startup brands because it does not use the 'skateboard' chassis type, as popularized by Tesla. This car is based on a modular platform developed by Piëch with the help of 200 employees.

This new debutant car is named Piëch Mark Zero and is claimed to only require 4 minutes 40 seconds to fill 80% of its total capacity thanks to the use of a new type of battery cell that is able to cope with high electric currents without the risk of overheating. Under five minutes actually it is appropriate to be compared with the time needed to fill gas tank. And those battery is provided by a Chinese company, Desten.

Rear three quarter view of Piëch Mark Zero. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TJw2QM)

Not only is the battery charging time fast, its efficiency is no less impressive, with claims of 500 km in one charging time. The car performance is also not spared from Piëch's attention: Mark Zero packs three electric motors (one in front, two in the back) with a total power of 450 kW, capable of carrying it from 0-100 kph in just 3.2 seconds, with top speed in range of 250 kph.

Also interesting is the modular principle whose Piëch applied to its car design. This means that what can be updated is not just the software, but also the hardware, such as battery units that have started to age and drastically reduced in capacity.

This modular architecture also means Piëch can offer its design to other interested car manufacturers. Business with consumers they serve, then they can also serve other fellow businessmen.

Turning to Mark Zero's physicality, the shape of the car looks like a combination of Aston Martin and Porsche. But Piëch doesn't want to focus on the sports car segment alone, they also have plans to realize a number of other models, including an SUV.

Piëch Mark Zero has been officially introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Although it sounds so potential, Piëch Automotive's ambitious vision will depend on the availability of infrastructure, and this infrastructure has actually succeeded in making Tesla the leader in the electric car segment today.

And reportedly, the company is preparing a battery charging infrastructure to be provided by a German company-Sino, and China's company Qingdao TGOOD, which operates more than 210,000 charging points in 310 cities. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1]

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An electric-powered Da Vinci concept shown off in Geneva

One of Italian famous automotive coachbuilders, Italdesign introduced a new concept car named Italdesign DaVinci. Yes, as the name implies, this two-door coupe concept car is indeed dedicated to a true genius artist Leonardo DaVinci whose work has gone global. This car is made as a Grand Tourer (GT) with electric power.

At the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, Italdesign launched a concept car named DaVinci in coupe style. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uC066K)

Besides have a sporty design, the Italdesign DaVinci Concept's exterior design also looks elegant. There's trapezoidal airway in this car at a glance looks like a gaping human lips. In the A pillar section there are interesting details, namely the Italian flag surrounded by chrome accents.

Front view of Italdesign DaVinci Concept with its gullwing doors opened. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/2K5hBqP)

This concept car comes with Pirelli-made tires specifically designed for plug-in hybrid and electric powered cars. Meanwhile on the back there are four units of OLED lights and a circular shape that at a glance reminds us of Ferrari-made supercars. In addition, this car is equipped with an active spoiler.

Interior view of Italdesign DaVinci Concept. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/2TFRO80)

To enter the cabin, don't be surprised because you will be welcomed by special Gullwing door types. As a result, access to and out of the car is very easy for both front and rear passengers. While inside the DaVinci's cabin there are three display units. The first is behind the triple crossbar and is digital. Then the second one is placed in the center console with a vertical position (portrait), and the last one is right in front of the front passenger and will display various entertainment features.

Rear three quarter view of Italdesign DaVinci Concept. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/2TFRO80)

As mentioned in the first paragraph, DaVinci driven by electric power. This car has two units of electric motors and the batteries are placed under the floor of the car. Interestingly with a little modification, this two-door supercar can also accommodate a 4,000 cc conventional car engine with a V8 cylinder configuration.

Until now, the Italdesign DaVinci is still a concept and there are opportunities it going to enter production lines and of course made in a very limited numbers. Are You interested to have these Da Vinci? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | IMPERIAL CARS | DRIVING]

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An extraordinary Chinese electric supercar

The 2019 Geneva Motor Show has made a surprise with the first appearance of the Koenigsegg Jesko supercar which has the ability to spit out up to 1,600 horsepower. But actually the Koenigsegg Jesko is not the only monster-powered car present in Geneva.


A Chinese monstrous powered electric supercar named BAIC Arcfox GT has debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Oykb7a)

The Swedish super car is actually overshadowed by a Chinese branded car, Arcfox GT. Maybe you are not familiar with the name Arcfox. Naturally, because the name is indeed only known in the China region.

Moreover, Arcfox is one of the sports divisions under Beijing Electric Vehicle. Well, this Beijing Electric Vehicle is one of the programs owned by Chinese car manufacturers that is well known to many people, namely BAIC, a Chinese state-owned car company.

BAIC Arcfox GT has a power of 1,609 horse power purely of its electric motors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Oykb7a)

Back to Arcfox GT, which was able to overshadow the Koenigsegg Jesko car. The power of this car is indeed on par with the Koenigsegg Jesko. If the Koenigsegg Jesko has the ability to produce power up to 1,600 horsepower, Arcfox GT has the power of 1,609 horsepower.

Rear three quarter of BAIC Arcfox GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Oykb7a)

The difference is, if the Koenigsegg Jesko produces that much power using a conventional V8 engine with a 5,000 cc cylinder capacity with dual turbo instead Arcfox GT purely produces that much amount of power from its electric motors.

Uniquely, Arcfox actually made two variants of this car. The first is the GT variant with 1,600 horsepower, another is the Street Edition variant with a maximum power of 1,009 horsepower.
This builds off a two-seat concept car Arcfox showed a few years ago (see one of them, Arcfox 7), and declares the GT ready for production.

Strangely, the company is building these Arcfox cars in Spain, where they're to be produced at the research and development center of the BAIC Group in Barcelona. And then where Arcfox will ultimately sell the GT is still unknown. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAWN | AUTOBLOG] 
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Another Hispano Suiza's newest supercar from Switzerland sides

As is well known, that Hispano Suiza has just launched the latest supercar named Carmen Electric GT, which is a 100 percent electric super car at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, one of the world's biggest automotive exhibition events. But at almost the same time those Spanish coachbuilder also heard released a supercar that was completely different from what had appeared in Geneva.

Hispano Suiza Maguari HS1 GTC. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UZCe8v)

If Carmen Electric GT is built by a Spaniard auto manufacturer named Hispano Suiza Cars, while the super car in question is the Maguari HS1 GTC is a supercar that is being developed by an automotive manufacturing company from Switzerland named Hispano Suiza Automobile Manufacturing AG.

Both Hispano Suiza Cars and Hispano Suiza Automobile Manufacturing AG claimed to have rights to the Hispano Suiza brand. And this indicates that legal disputes between them are very likely to be occured.

The 'Maguiri' bird shaped emblem that sticks out from the center of the front bumper just below the Hispano Suiza legendary logo. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UZCe8v)

As quoted from Carscoops, the Maguari HS1 GTC will be born as a modern exotic coupe by combining the style of 1930s car with a big engine as its main characteristic, and 'Maguari' naming is inspired by storks found in South America that have inspired this supercar design.

The design of this car is directly handled by two auto designers who are also owners of the company, Erwin Leo Himmel and Olivier Boulay. Erwin is an Austrian talented car designer.

"He is known as leading the transformation of Audi into a sporty premium car manufacturer. He also designed a number of Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti models, "said the company that was founded in 1991 on their official website.

And Olivier Boulay is a Frenchmen, the former Mercedes-Benz chief designer, who has designed a number of models from the famous German auto manufacturer, one of which was Maybach. He also designed the Audi Quattro Spyder, and a number of important Porsche models.

The supercar appearance is cool with a line of bodywork that is firm and dynamic, and also has dynamic on the back are an expression of its performance. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UZCe8v)

Also reportedly this car will carry a V10 engine with a capacity of 5,204 cc which is similar to Lamborghini Huracan engine, but has added two electric compressors. Those combination is claimed to be able to produce power up to 1,070 horsepower at 8,200 rpm and maximum torque of 1,050 Nm at 6,650 rpm.

Rear view of Hispano Suiza Maguari HS1 GTC. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UZCe8v)

The power is channeled to the wheels using a 7 sequential paddle shift automatic transmission. This transmission system uses a twin plate clutch. So it is not surprising that this car will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km per hour in 2.8 seconds and run fast until the maximum speed that translates into a number of 379 km per hour (electronically limited).

The interesting part of this supercar design is seen from the use of the 'Maguiri' bird shaped emblem that sticks out from the center of the front bumper just below the Hispano Suiza legendary logo. Then there is also the design of sharp headlights, a low roof, a lightbar that connects two rear lights, the selection of white rims and a dashing quad tailpipes.

"As in the concept car, the Maguari HS1 GTC is an amazing combination of uncompromising design, powerful engine performance, with maximum technical exclusivity that is perfect," Olivier said.

The supercar appearance is cool with a line of bodywork that is firm and dynamic, and also has dynamic on the back are an expression of its performance. This super car has a carbon ceramic braking device as well as four cool shaped exhausts.

It is planned to be made only 300 units. But unfortunately there is no mention of the price offered for each unit. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HISPANO SUIZA | CARSCOOPS]

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An Italian 'e-Kangaroo' jumps out at Geneva

A while ago GFG Style, an automotive company founded by leading designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio stated will present a new concept model at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

Those newest concept vehicle given a name GFG Style Kangaroo. Of the many supercars and hypercar available and shown at one of leading auto expos in Europe, the Kangaroo appears a little different and unique. Yes, these newest GFG Style concept car later known as the electric-powered hyper-SUV that can accommodate only two people inside the cabin.

The sleek two-seater electric-powered Kangoroo was created by fledgling Italian design house GFG Style, headed by legendary designers Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

The Hyper-suv concept has two 180 kW electric motors capable of producing 483 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. The power generated is then sent to the four wheels and allows the Kangaroo to accelerate from a standstill up to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds.

And those electric motor was known developed jointly with a Chinese company named CH Auto and said that the concept car also has a 90 kWh battery which is able to store enough power to reach distances exceeding 450 km.

GFG Style Kangaroo is powered by twin electric motors that jointly developed with a Chinese company named CH Auto. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

What makes these GFG Style Kangaroo more unique is the suspension system. These Hyper-SUV driver can choose the Racing mode that will reduce the height of the car to 140 mm. Next is the Road mode suspension arrangement, where the height of the vehicle is raised to 190 mm, and the Off-Road mode increases the height of the suspension further to 260 mm.

GFG Style Kangaroo has a multitude of screens in its luxury and cozy cabin. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

GFG Style also claims that when Kangaroo is driven in Racing and Road mode configurations, its shock absorbers work with a single spring. While when the Off-Road mode is selected, its shock absorbers work with two springs simultaneously. In addition, these hyper-SUV also has a number of sensors on the roof that allow it to drive autonomously.

GFG Style Kangaroo’s fancy butterfly doors look expensive. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

This concept vehicle sits on an aluminum space frame platform, and all of its body are made of carbon fiber, besides that there are also polycarbonate fenders. The main highlights on the exterior include the butterfly door, the headlights and the taillights are very slim and the front bumper sharp. This car also uses large 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion tires so make it has high ground clearance and look dashing.

GFG Style Kangaroo is styled by the same people that designed the legendary DeLorean and Lotus Esprit. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

While in its the cabin, there are steering wheel inspired by racing cars and digital instrument clusters. Then right above it, there is an additional screen that might display a number of the main functions of the vehicle, and the third, there is a vertical screen sitting in the center of the dashboard.

However, until now GFG Style has not released a complete specification for the vehicle, but stated that these unique hyper-suv has AWD and 4WS (4 wheel steering) abilities so it is claimed to be able to cross various terrains ranging from asphalt roads up to off-road lanes. Similarly, there has been no news whether Kangaroo will continue to the production stage. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ADELAIDE NOW]
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Carmen, a gorgeous electric GT from Spain

Hispano Suiza, as one of the car brands that triumphed in the early 20th century. As well known, Hispano Suiza is one of the Spanish automotive brands that has been established by Damián Mateu and Marc Birkigt in 1904, and finally closed in 1968. 

But now, there are parties who are trying to revive this brand by building cars in a modern style, refurbished designs and of course fully electric powertrain.

All-new 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT has debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JBTkZ5)

This certainly creates a legal dispute which ultimately involves the court to decide who is most entitled to this brand.

Who are they, the parties are being in fighting for the right to use the Hispano Suiza brand legally? 

The first party is an automotive manufacturing company based in Switzerland named Hispano Suiza Automobile Manufacturing AG. This manufacturer claims to have built a supercar named Maguari HS1 GTC on an Audi manufacturing base.

Front three quarter view of 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CMJNbV)

The second party is Hispano Suiza Cars, a Spanish manufacturing company that has also succeeded in building a typical grand tourer electric car.

This manufacturing company is based in Barcelona, ​​Spain, and is owned by Miguel Suque Mateu who still has a kinship relationship (the great-grandson) of the founder of Hispano Suiza, Damián Mateu.

Interior view of 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CMJNbV)

Mateu has the dream of realizing an electric car to the world market. At that time, Hispano Suiza had produced an electric car prototype that had never been produced. Then he planned to build the newest Hispano Suiza car since 1937, with the name Carmen Electric GT. By carrying out a great fender style, like the one circulating in cartoons.

The exterior appearance of this car was inspired by an Art Deco car in the early 20th century, namely 1938 H6C Dubonnet Xenia. While in the interior the designers choose quality leather, and a simple dashboard is equipped with a digital instrument cluster.

1938 H6C Dubonnet Xenia was the inspired model of the 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2WlivjU)

In the development of Carmen Electric GT, Mateu was assisted by Saoutchik, a French coachbuilding company responsible for design, then QEV Technologies, a manufacturer that specialized in making electric powertrains and having relations with the Mahindra Formula E racing team. 

By using carbon fiber body, Carmen Electric GT looks rigid and lightweight. While the powertrain is capable of spraying up to 1,000 hp of power, and accelerating from 0-62 mph below 3 seconds. While the highest speed is recorded at 155 mph. Carmen has a battery of 105 kWh that can carry this car running up to 250 miles.

Rear three quarter view of 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CMJNbV)

The plan, Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT will be produced in Barcelona, ​​and only 19 units will be built. While the price offered reaches $1.7 million, and the first shipment in June 2020. But there is something quite surprising, when Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT has been part of a series of prototypes introduced at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show.

Despite these positive plans, two variants of Hispano Suiza (Maguari HS1 GTC and Carmen Electric GT) are struggling to use the famous Spanish auto brand as an electric model and become a production model. Unfortunately the problem is still stuck in court and it seems that it still takes a long time to determine which party has the right to use the Hispano Suiza brand legally. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOS SOURCES | HISPANO SUIZA | CARSCOOPS | MOTOR1]
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