Hispano Suiza used last year’s Geneva
Motor Show to introduce the Carmen and now they’re following up with a
motorsport-inspired Boulogne variant. Bound to draw attention, the Carmen
Boulogne has an exposed carbon fiber body which is contrasted by copper accents
on the mirrors, side skirts and grille surround.
While the Boulogne closely echoes standard
model, it features new 10-spoke wheels that are backed up by a carbon ceramic
braking system which features six-piston calipers and 15-inch (380 mm) discs.
The model also eschews rear wheel covers and Hispano Suiza says this helps to
emphasize the “sports focus.”
Inside, the Boulogne sees the Carmen’s
wood trim replaced by black Alcantara and suede upholstery. The model also has
leather-wrapped carbon composite seats, orange tulipwood accents and a
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other highlights include a digital
instrument cluster, a wireless smartphone charger and a six speaker audio
system with a subwoofer.
The model is “almost infinitely
customizable” as buyers can select their preferred shade of leather as well as
the “setup of the interior mood lighting.” Customers can even help to develop a
unique perfume for the car.
On the performance front, the Carmen Boulogne
has an upgraded powertrain with two electric motors that power the rear wheels.
They enable the car to produce a combined output of 1,100 hp and 1,600 Nm of torque. This is 94 hp more
than the standard model. The motors are feed by an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery
pack and they enable the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less
than 2.6 seconds. The Carmen Boulogne can also hit a top speed of 290
km/h and travel more than 400 km in the New European Driving
Cycle.
Sticking with the performance theme, the
model has a carbon fiber monocoque which only weighs 195 kg. Overall,
the car tips the scales at 1,630 kg and this makes the Boulogne 60 kg lighter than the standard Carmen. In order to drop weight, the
Boulogne has a new sub-chassis, a carbon fiber roof and unique CNC parts.
There’s also an “optimized” suspension which is lighter and stiffer than the
one used on the standard model.
Production will be limited to five units
and pricing starts at € 1.65 (US$ 1.84 / £ 1.44) million. The first deliveries are
slated to occur in 2022 and prospective buyers can register their interest with
the automaker.
