The 1020 hp of power of the Model S and X Plaid are among Tesla’s technological advantages over its competitors. Except that a Chinese manufacturer, Zeekr, decided that it was going to tackle these performances.
The Zeekr brand is not really known yet, but that could change quickly. It is a new brand launched within the bosom of the Chinese group Geely (Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Smart, etc.). It is the latest to tackle the electric car market and internationally. What better way to make yourself known than to attack the private domain of the undisputed leader in the sector?
Zeekr continues to increase the pressure on the Chinese media before the formalization on September 1 of the new sports version of its 001 model. But beyond the power delivered, Zeekr could be the first manufacturer to integrate 4 electric motors into a mass production model.
A 4-engine version like on Rimac’s luxury models?
A little earlier in August, the brand already published on its social networks a “Plaid is boring” (“Plaid is dull”) to announce the color. A few hours ago, on August 28, another publication on the Weibo social network revived the debate. In the form of a question, Zeekr asks “ Can 4 wheels think independently »?
If the electronics already allow the different wheels to turn at different speeds, to deliver all the traction to the most advanced models, the question raised here is different. With a big 4 in red, Zeekr might want to make it clear that it has developed a sports version on Zeekr 001 with 4 electric motors. This would allow it to easily exceed 1000 hp of power. However, Chinese rumors spoke of a more classic 3-engine configuration, like the Lotus Eletre R from the same group.
Most electric cars have a single electric motor, located either on the front or rear axle. To offer versions with all-wheel drive (4 wheel drive), manufacturers add a second motor on the vacant axle. If the manufacturer wants to develop a high-performance model, it can add a third engine. This is the case of the Model S Plaid and Model X plaid, the Lucid Air Sapphire, the Lotus Eletre R…
4 motors in the Zeekr 001 FR, that sounds like a particularly exciting innovation. Especially since the model is currently estimated at around €127,000 in China, the same price as the Model S Plaid from the Chinese Tesla configurator. Currently, this configuration is reserved for luxury hypercars like the Rimac Nevera, with powers of more than 1900 hp and stratospheric prices in the millions. So, Zeekr’s bluff or real innovation? We will have to wait until September 1 to find out. In any case, it is impossible to reproach a lack of audacity to Zeekr.
A model that could be sold in Europe
Chinese manufacturers are multiplying the models that can offer performance and technologies superior to those of the historical brands. Even Tesla is not necessarily guaranteed to keep its technological advances for long. On the other hand, few of these models will really be exported outside the Chinese market.
This is not the case with Zeekr. The brand began its conquest of Europe with its first model: the Zeekr 001 (in its normal versions). The Zeekr X should follow soon after. The first vehicles were loaded onto a freighter a few days ago.
The sale in Europe of a sports version is therefore not excluded. Even if it will be necessary to succeed in approving it to European standards, it is not impossible that this Zeekr 001 FR will come to Europe to challenge: Porsche Taycan, Audi RS e-tron GT, Lotus Eletre and Tesla Model S and X Blanket.
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