Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera is the ultimate hypercar. Presented last June as a celebration of the brand's 120th anniversary, it represents a step forward in terms of performance, efficiency and driving range. The Carmen Sagrera is powered by four electric motors delivering 1,114 hp and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds, providing the thrilling driving experience a true gentleman driver seeks.
This exclusive model is handcrafted at the company's Barcelona headquarters and involves a painstaking process that combines innovation, design and craftsmanship. These are the five fundamental steps in its creation, incorporating some of the recent evolutions that make this car a true work of art on wheels.
Phase 1: Pre-assembly of components and battery production
Production of the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera begins in parallel with the customer's configuration of the vehicle. As this is a highly customisable model, which makes each unit unique in line with the hyperlux concept coined by the brand, the company's design team is in regular contact with the future owner to adapt the car to their tastes and inform them of the progress of production.
The first steps involve the pre-assembly of various items, such as the front and rear subframes, the suspension system, the axle shafts and the interior dashboard. The steering is installed on the front subframe, the rear subframe is fitted with the support for the inverters and the propulsion system (motors and gearbox, which have been previously tested and calibrated on the dynamometer).
At the same time, the company's technical team starts building the 103 kWh battery pack, manufactured in-house, which made its debut on the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera last year. Thanks to it, this model has a driving range of up to 480 km. At the same time, another team starts producing the high-voltage wiring.
Phase 2: Assembly of the chassis
The production of Hispano Suiza's latest hypercar continues with the installation of the different body elements on the carbon-fibre monocoque, a process that is carried out by hand, with great attention to detail so that each piece fits perfectly. Some interior elements are also installed.
Phase 3: Painting, upholstery and rolling chassis assembly
After the pre-fitting and adjustment of all the parts, the painting process begins, in the colour specification selected by the customer from among the virtually infinite possibilities offered by the brand. This work is also carried out by hand by Hispano Suiza technicians, highlighting the company's care and attention to detail. The final treatment of the body parts is also carried out.
The wiring, cooling system, steering and brackets are installed, whilst the front and rear subframe, and all the rolling chassis components - suspension, brakes, wheels – are also assembled.
In parallel, the interior upholstery, featuring high quality materials such as Alcantara or leather, is cut and sewn by hand, according to the owner's selection.
Phase 4: final assembly and infotainment
The production process of the Hispano Suiza Carmen is drawing to a close. With the chassis already assembled and ready to roll, the technical team is focusing on the final assembly and adjustment of the interiors, which includes installing the infotainment and all the comfort systems it includes. The final assembly of the exterior is also carried out, including the emblems and logos with the stork as the main protagonist.
Phase 5: Final validation and handover
Once it has been built, the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera is ready for delivery to the client. Around eight months will have passed since the start of the process. The last phase consists of the validation of the assembly during a test drive, both on the road and on the track, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Montmeló), located next to the brand's facilities. Once it has been thoroughly checked that the vehicle is in perfect condition and that all the systems are working correctly, it will be handed over to its new user, who will be able to enjoy a supreme driving experience.
Link YouTube video: https://youtu.be/prSGhf5fJZkAbout Hispano Suiza:
Hispano Suiza is a historic Spanish automobile brand owned by four generations of the Suqué Mateu family. Hispano Suiza Fábrica de Automóviles S.A. was founded in Barcelona in 1904 by Damián Mateu, with the help of technical director and engineer Marc Birkigt, also a partner in the company. In 2024 it celebrates 120 years of history, being one of the brands with the greatest legacy in the history of the automobile industry.
Between 1904 and 1946, Hispano Suiza produced more than 12,000 high-performance luxury vehicles and 50,000 aircraft engines. In 2019, the brand unveiled the Hispano Suiza Carmen, its 100% electric 'Hypercar', and a year later, it would up the ante with the Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne. This 2024, the Carmen Sagrera completes the range of electric hypercars redefining the Gentleman Driver concept and marking the future design line of the brand. A total of 24 exclusive and limited units.
120 years later, and following in the footsteps of the successful Hispano Suiza, the great-grandson of the founder Miguel Suqué Mateu continues to preserve the brand, providing impetus and dynamism with a clear vocation for the future and permanence.
Photo credit: Hispano Suiza posted on conceptcarz.com
