Qoros presented the Model K-EV in Shanghai, a prototype for a 100% electric “super saloon”. And we found Koenigsegg as a partner in its development.
For those who don't know, Qoros is one of the most recent car manufacturers, with just 10 years of existence. Headquartered in China, precisely in Shanghai, it is the result of a joint venture between Chery and Israel Corporation. The start-up of operations did not meet the desired success, which did not prevent the brand from expanding its range and investing in the future. And as we all know, the future will be electric.
The Model K-EV is not Qoros' first experience with electric vehicles. The brand had already presented electric versions – called Q-Lectric – of its 3 and 5 models, a saloon and an SUV, respectively. This year, the 3 Q-Lectric hits the production lines.
But to serve as a technological standard-bearer, there's nothing better than dazzling with a high-performance electric vehicle. It was the motto for the Model K-EV, which, according to those responsible for the brand, is more than a prototype. There are plans to put it into production in 2019, albeit initially on a limited basis.
The Qoros Model K-EV is a four-seat individual saloon. It stands out for its style and, above all, for its asymmetrical design. In other words, the Model K-EV has four doors – almost entirely transparent – but they open in different ways depending on which side we're on in the car. On one side, we have a “gull wing” style door that allows access to the driver's seat, while the passenger accesses the interior through a door that can open conventionally or slide forwards. The rear doors are of the sliding type.
Despite the saloon typology, the way it is built and the performances advertised are more worthy of a super sports car. Underneath the intriguing design is a carbon fiber monocoque, which is also the main material that defines the interior.
And where does Koenigsegg come in?
Koenigsegg joins this project as a technology partner. The Swedish super sports brand developed the powertrain for the 'super saloon', based on the development carried out for the Regera, Koenigsegg's first hybrid.
The Model K-EV is, however, a 100% electric model, using four electric motors totaling 960 kW, or 1305 horsepower. Power that allows 2.6 official seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, and a limited top speed of 260 km/h. Qoros also announces a range of 500 km thanks to a battery pack with a capacity of 107 kWh. Is there a rival to the Tesla Model S, Faraday Future FF91 or Lucid Motors Air?
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It is not the first time that Qoros and Koenigsegg have teamed up. Last year we got to know a prototype from Qoros that featured an internal combustion engine without a camshaft. The technology, called Freevalve (which gave rise to the company with the same name), was developed by Koenigsegg. The partnership with Qoros – which renamed the technology Qamfree – was a decisive step towards seeing this technology reach production models.
