The
2019 Geneva Motor Show will see the world debut of the ‘Carmen’ – a
fully-electric hyperlux grand tourer from iconic Spanish luxury car brand
Hispano Suiza. The 2019 Geneva Motor Show will be held from March 7 to March
17, 2019 (Press days March 5 and 6).
Named after Carmen Mateu, granddaughter of
Hispano Suiza’s founder, the new model is the ultimate expression of
classically-inspired design, next-generation technology, exhilarating power and
expertly-engineered dynamics.
Designed,
developed and manufactured in Barcelona, the handcrafted Carmen is based on a
super-stiff, hand-laid carbon fibre monocoque. This provides the foundation for
the car’s exceptional luxury, comfort, innovation and attention to detail,
which are uniquely combined with technologically-superior, fully-electric
performance.
While
the new model takes inspiration from the Dubonnet Xenia, one of the elegant and
luxurious vehicles built by Hispano Suiza in 1938, development and build of the
Carmen and its custom-designed electric powertrain will be led by the company’s
production partner, QEV Technologies.
Also
based in Barcelona, QEV Technologies boasts a team of highly-skilled engineers
with experience across design, engineering, R&D and production for
Formula-E teams, supercar brands and mainstream car manufacturers.
QEV
Technologies has its foundations in motorsport with Campos Racing and is also
the technology arm of Mahindra Formula-E Racing, plus the European R&D
facility for Chinese firm BAIC.
Hispano
Suiza is a historic car brand owned by the fourth generation of the Suqué Mateu
family. Between 1904 and 1946, Hispano Suiza built more than 12,000 luxury
performance cars and 50,000 aeroplane engines.