It’s been some time since a claimed supercar
manufacturer has appeared out of nowhere with promises of a game-changing
vehicle. However, Bulgaria’s Alieno has put an end to that dry spell, unveiling
its first proposed model. As per usual, it is making some bold claims.
The company was reportedly formed in 2015 and gets
its name from the Italian word ‘alieno’ which translates to alien. Despite
having no experience in the automotive space, the company claims to be working
on its first ever model, dubbed the Arcanum, complete with performance specs to
rival the Devel Sixteen.
Four variants are said to be in the works. The first
delivers 2,610 hp and 3,275 lb-ft of torque, the next most powerful pumps out
3,482 hp and 4,366 lb-ft, a third model comes with 4,351 hp and 5,458 lb-ft
while a flagship features 5,221 hp and 6,490 lb-ft. No, you’re eyes are not
deceiving you, these really are the claimed figures.
As you probably guessed, these insane figures won’t
be achieved with a road-legal internal combustion engine. Instead, all models
will utilize a “direct drive electric powertrain.” In range-topping 5,221 hp
guise, this powertrain will apparently consist of six electric motors per wheel
to make for a total of 24 small electric motors, each of which can be
controlled individually.
Performance will be brisk to say the least. While
Alieno hasn’t published acceleration times, it claims the 5,221 hp model will
reach 488 km/h. The size of the battery pack, complete with graphene
LiPo cells and supercapacitors, varies between 60 kWh and 180 kWh and in its
largest form, delivers up to 1020 km of range on a single charge.
The bold claims don’t stop here. Alieno says the
Arcanum uses so-called “robotic suspension” alongside traditional double
wishbones, pushrods, and adjustable anti-roll bars. Braking will be provided by
a hydraulic system, a regenerative electromagnetic system and air braking.
Alieno says its order books for the Arcanum are now
open, with prices ranging from € 750,000 (US$ 878,000) to € 1.5 million (US$ 1.755
million) depending on the model. Don’t be surprised if you never hear of Alieno again.
