The Carmen Sagrera: Hispano Suiza's Latest Electric Hypercar Debuts

This new model commemorates the 120th anniversary of Hispano Suiza's founding and pays homage to the La Sagrera district of Barcelona, where the company established a factory in 1911.

A Leap in Power and Efficiency

The original Carmen debuted in 2019 and delivered a robust 1,000 horsepower (hp). A year later, the Carmen Boulogne was introduced with an enhanced output of 1,100 hp. The Carmen Sagrera continues this trend, matching the Boulogne’s power but incorporating a new, in-house developed 103-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. This innovative battery design increases the car's energy capacity and fits into the same T-shaped space within the carbon-fiber tub as the earlier 80-kWh battery.

Despite the larger capacity, the new battery weighs 1,350 pounds and offers an impressive range of almost 300 miles based on the WLTP test cycle, though this figure would likely be lower under the stricter EPA test cycle.

Enhanced Performance and Aerodynamics

In addition to the upgraded battery, the Carmen Sagrera features several other enhancements. The car has an improved cooling system, bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, and a lighter yet more responsive carbon-ceramic brake package. The aerodynamic design has also been refined, especially at the rear, where a divided spoiler reminiscent of a stork's wings—an allusion to the brand’s logo—significantly boosts downforce and grip.

The vehicle’s formidable 1,100-hp output is produced by four axial-flux motors mounted at the rear axle, with each rear wheel driven by two motors paired in series. This setup allows the Carmen Sagrera to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds.

Limited Production and Global Ambitions

Hispano Suiza’s production numbers for the Carmen series are extremely limited. Only 14 units of the original Carmen were made, with an additional five Boulognes. The company has not disclosed how many Carmen Sagreras will be produced.

While availability in the U.S. remains uncertain, there is potential for a launch later this year. At the car's reveal, CEO Sergio Martínez Campos expressed the company’s ambition to “conquer key markets” in 2024, specifically mentioning the U.S. Notably, a Carmen Boulogne has already made its way to American soil, delivered in 2022 to mattress magnate Michael Fux in his signature Fux Fuchsia purple.

As Hispano Suiza continues to blend its historical legacy with cutting-edge technology, the Carmen Sagrera stands as a testament to the brand’s enduring innovation and luxury.