Founded by Olivier Lombard, driver of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and winner of the LMP2 category in 2011, the Hopium brand is banking on a carbon-free future based on hydrogen. After a first Machina Alpha 0 prototype presented at the VivaTech 2021 show, the French brand returns to the front of the stage at the Paris Motor Show with a Machina as close as possible to the production model to come, and opens pre-orders.
A fuel cell and zero emissions
The Hopium Machina in the middle of its stand © The Digital
It is in the middle of a minimalist stand that sits the Hopium Machina. For the Mondial de l’Auto, the French brand played the card of sobriety. With its soft lines and futuristic look, the Machina catches the eye.
Breaking away from the widespread electric craze, the hydrogen-powered super GT is heading in a different direction. If it is driven by electric motors, it is a hydrogen fuel cell that provides the necessary energy. The latter works according to the principle of oxidation-reduction (2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O) thus releasing electricity, heat and water. Local CO2 emissions are therefore zero, enough to keep the promise of a carbon-free car.
To transport this energy, the car stores hydrogen in long cylinders pressurized at 700 bars, placed in the floor and the central tunnel.
Weighing less than 2 tons, the car offers a high level of performance, counting on a power of around 500 horsepower and a 0 to 100 km/h shot in less than 5 seconds. Autonomy should reach 1000 km, enough to make a Paris-Marseille without a second thought, before refueling, in 3 minutes.
Resolutely futuristic
Lighthouses represent water wave © Hopium
The brand’s minimalist stand showcases Hopium’s GT sedan well. La Machina is also intended to be sober, devoid of any superfluous element. The door handles have disappeared in order to minimize the drag coefficient, as have the mirrors which have been reduced to simple appendages. The front grille framed by its uniquely styled headlights is pierced with mini-holes that can be opened and closed. Far from providing only an aesthetic signature, this mesh panel serves other purposes, in particular ensuring a flow of air to cool the components.
Pre-orders open
Pre-orders are already open for 2025 © Hopium
On the occasion of the Paris Motor Show, the Hopium brand opened pre-orders for its GT sedan. With prices starting at €120,000, the brand is asking for a deposit of €656, in reference to the wavelength of hydrogen. First-time buyers will be invited to personalize their car before arranging delivery, which should arrive in 2025.