While Apollo Automobili, the company created from
the ashes of Gumpert, continues to make teenagers weak at the knees with the
Intensa Emozione, Roland Gumpert has been busy working on his latest automotive
venture. This is the result.
The result of a partnership between Gumpert and
Chinese electric startup Aiways, the RG Nathalie is an impressive sports car
that utilizes an advanced electric powertrain and has looks reminiscent of the
Audi Sport Quattro Concept.
Powering the vehicle, named after one of Gumpert’s
daughters, are four electric motors. However, rather than receiving their juice
from a battery, the RG Nathalie instead uses a hydrogen fuel cell stack. Things
don’t stop there.
Aware of the lack of hydrogen fueling stations
around the world, Gumpert and Aiways have implemented a methanol reformer. This
system takes in methanol and can split it into carbon dioxide which is released
into the air while hydrogen is funneled into the fuel cell.
With this setup, the RG Nathalie will reportedly
accelerate to 100 km/h)in a rapid 2.5 seconds and continue through to
a 300 km/h top speed. What’s more, the car will reportedly travel 595 km when driven fast and over 1126 km when operated more
conservatively.
Unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show, this particular
show car is finished in an attractive shade of purple. The front fascia
incorporates sharp lines, large air intakes, and upper headlights similar to
those from the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan. Swing around to the sides and
you’ll notice matte black wheels and an angular roof. At the rear, the RG
Nathalie comes equipped with LED taillights and additional lights where air
vents would traditionally sit.
Aiways intends on commencing deliveries of the model
in 2019 and has yet to specify pricing. However, considering all the technology
crammed into the sports car, we know it won’t be cheap.
