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Hispano-Suiza Carmen: Electric Return

PHOTOS HISPANO-SUIZA CARMEN AND H6C DUBONNET XÉNIA: HISPANO-SUIZA CARS

Our most loyal readers will surely remember the history of the Bugatti Type 56 from 1931. Used as the founder's personal transport within the domains of his factory, this small device gave 1CV of power. Obviously it is not the technological peak of the brand, but it shows that the great protagonists of combustion knew and used electrical technology.

With Hispano-Suiza it is said that something similar happened around 1904. It is not entirely certain, but some sources such as Miquel Suqué Mateu - great-grandson of the founder - point to the fact that, already then, the company tried to create an electric that finally did not reach series. Be that as it may ... The truth is that 115 years after its birth, the stork brand takes flight with the Carmen.

hispanic switzerland carmen dubonnet xenia

A futuristic sports car but with clear nods to the past. And no, we are not talking about the electrified anecdote ... But about the clear connection that it has with one of its most extravagant creations: the H6C Dubonnet Xenia. Inspired by its streamlined shapes, those responsible for the current Hispano-Suiza have molded a fully electric sports car. A milestone that gives enough to talk about the resurrection of the company (once again).

And this is serious. The Carmen is not a simple prototype, but a reality that is already in production. In fact, next 2020 the first of the 19 planned units will be delivered. This time the resurrection might not be a bluff ...

HISPANO-SUIZA CARS: THE TURN OF A MYTH

In today's financial world, brands pass from hand to hand like simple coins. In this sense many legend names have little to do with their beginnings. Examples? Well, the same Bugatti. Being owned by Volkswagen we can say that it exists but… Without any connection with the roots that made the brand great.

The case of Hispano-Suiza is different. The association created for his resurrection is Hispano-Suiza Cars, a consortium owned 70% by the Suqué Mateu family and 30% by investors still unknown. In sum, with the fourth generation of the brand founder at the helm… It is clear that Hispano-Suiza continues to be an almost family business with clear connections to its roots.

In fact, the name Carmen is a tribute to the mother of the current president of the company, great-grandson of the founder. In addition, far from having sought a new location far from the origins the current Hispano-Suiza designs and manufactures very close to Barcelona, although for now they prefer not to reveal the exact location of their workshops.

HISPANO-SUIZA CARMEN: CARBON FIBER AND TWO ELECTRIC MOTORS. THE FUTURE IS LIKE THIS

The Dubonnet Xénia was a mechanical landmark in its time. Created from the platform of an H6C, this model raised striking aerodynamic solutions in the bodywork signed by Jacques Saoutchik. In addition, some shock absorbers designed by the client were mounted. Hispano-Suiza Carmen seems to drink from that innovative spirit.

For us the most striking thing is the chassis. A 195 kg monocoque completely made of carbon fiber. Structure on which a two-seater weighing 1690 kilos is built, powered by two engines capable of delivering 1019CV. These are located on the rear axle, and although we are now in full bloom of supercars with all-wheel drive… The Carmen has rear-wheel drive.

hispanic switzerland carmen dubonnet xenia

Its electrical devices are signed by the Catalan QEV Technologies. They will have to be seen in action, but the experience of this company in engines for Formula E heralds a good sporting kick. Of course, always combined with the luxury and comfort reminiscent of the great historical Hispano-Suiza. A great car with which to travel at least 400 kilometers at a stretch thanks to its 80kWh batteries.

Obviously, we know that the Hispano-Suiza Carmen is not a classic. But it is the return of one of the most fascinating historical landmarks, and also in continuity and communion with his past, at least with a part. We can only rejoice.

P.D.: At the last Geneva Motor Show, the Maguari HS1 GTC from Hispano-Suiza Automobile Manufaktur AG. Far from being developed in Spain by the followers of the historic brand, this German company has given itself the name Hispano-Suiza to manufacture a sports car at the height of the Chiron equipped with a Lamborghini engine. This brand has nothing to do with the Hispano-Suiza Cars that we have named in our newsletter.

What do you think?

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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