Hispano Suiza celebrates 120 years of history with the presentation of its new hypercar, the Carmen Sagrera

In 2019 the Hispano Suiza Carmen arrived, a year later the Carmen Boulonge joined it, and now, more than three years later, the Hispano Suiza Carmen range expands with a new version of this hypercar with Spanish roots: the new Carmen Sagrera, which also arrives to celebrate no less than 120 years of history of this iconic brand.

The Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera has been presented at Finca Mas Solers, and it does so with a spectacular body colour, the Cava Gold shade, which, depending on how the light falls, is meant to evoke the wine-making culture. Its bodywork also features small changes compared to the two previous models, made in favour of greater sportiness for the Carmen Sagrera.

Its front end features a grille with reshaped contours inspired by the Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII, along with new air outlets on the front bonnet that not only align aesthetically with the rear ones but also serve an aerodynamic purpose, as do the new side skirts. At the rear is where most of the changes aimed at improving aerodynamics are concentrated, such as the new, enormous and spectacular two-section rear wing and the new rear diffuser with copper details, as well as other small aerodynamic appendages.

If the exterior of the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera is a true exercise in design and engineering, the interior is no less so: technological, sporty and luxurious in equal measure. Changes are also made here, concentrated especially in a new design for the centre console area, from the clock located at the top to the buttons and their placement at the bottom. In addition, the infotainment system has been updated with all possible connectivity features, while the upholstery is in Alcántara leather, combined with red and black leather.

Where there are no changes is in the power generated by its four axial-flux permanent-magnet electric motors of 205 kW each, which produce a spectacular combined power of 1,114 CV and a torque of 1,160 Nm transmitted to the rear axle with the help of the virtual limited-slip differential. These figures also allow it to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 2.6 seconds. It is worth noting that the wishbones have also been lightened using a material of military origin, and lightened brake calipers of 500 grams each have been fitted, which grip 400 mm carbon-ceramic discs on both axles, allowing braking that has been improved by 5%.

Hispano Suiza, on the other hand, has used the Carmen Sagrera to introduce improvements to its batteries, which are now second generation with a capacity of 103 kWh, compared with the 80 kWh of the previous generation. This lithium-ion battery has a total of 15 modules of 24 cells, 360 in all, and weighs “only” 612 kg, capable of operating at a maximum voltage of over 750 VDC. The most significant point for its owners is that range now increases by 100 kilometres, reaching 480 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle, which is fundamental in a vehicle whose range can vanish in an instant if you make the most of its performance.