Revolutionary Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera: Celebrating 120 Years of Unparalleled Legacy

Hispano Suiza has introduced the Carmen Sagrera, the latest addition to its lineup of electric hypercars, marking the brand’s 120th anniversary. This new hypercar boasts a refreshed design, improved performance, and a new 103 kWh battery.

The unveiling took place at Finca Mas Solers, commemorating the company’s 120-year milestone. The Hispano Suiza team, media representatives, brand ambassadors, customers, and friends gathered for the event. Miguel Suqué, Hispano Suiza’s President, stated, “We undoubtedly continue to uphold the trailblazing spirit that defined my great-grandfather Damiàn Mateu and his close friend and business associate Marc Birkigt 120 years ago. This is a tale of people, cars, and numbers, but above all, it’s about a team of people who are passionate about a unique and soulful project.”

Sergio Martínez Campos, Hispano Suiza’s CEO, highlighted that “the Sagrera allows us to elegantly expand the Carmen range that originated in 2019. We take great pride in our accomplishments over the past five years. 2024 is a year of growth, during which we aim to penetrate key markets like the United States, complete European homologation, and of course, celebrate our heritage.”

The new Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera was introduced on stage by development driver and brand ambassador Luis Pérez Sala, accompanied by a light and dance show performed by internationally acclaimed dancer Sol Picó. The performance was inspired by the oriental legend of the red thread, symbolizing that certain meetings are destined to happen.

The re-evolution of electrical technology

The Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera is equipped with the brand’s second-generation batteries, boasting a total capacity of 103 kWh. As noted by the brand’s Technical Director, Juan Fernández, “this technology has been entirely developed and produced at the Hispano Suiza facilities in Montmeló, Barcelona.”

The new battery has been enhanced in all crucial aspects, incorporating cutting-edge lithium-ion cell packs: it consists of 15 modules, each containing 24 cells, totaling 360 cells. It has a weight of just 612 kg and can function at a peak voltage of over 750VDC.

The battery’s capacity has been boosted from 80 kWh to 103 kWh, improving energy density by enabling more energy storage within the same space. This enhancement increases the driving range by roughly 100 km, yielding a total range of 480 km as per the WLTP cycle.

Alongside the new cells, the Carmen Sagrera sports an upgraded cooling system that is lighter, simpler, and constructed from more eco-friendly materials. Fernández states, “this leads to more efficient temperature regulation and reduced energy usage.” The battery’s central T-shaped placement also enhances the vehicle’s weight distribution and dynamic performance.

Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera: a declaration of intent

The Sagrera’s front-end design evolution boldly showcases its sporty nature, with a sharp grille shape that pays tribute to the luxurious Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII sports cars from the early 20th century. The redesigned front bonnet vents not only enhance the aesthetics but also improve functionality, now integrating seamlessly with the rear vents. New side sills elegantly ascend along the car’s profile, harmonizing with the design of the rear panel.

Francesc Arenas, Hispano Suiza’s Head of Design, explains that his team aimed “to preserve the brand’s sporty heritage, drawing inspiration from iconic designs such as the Alfonso XIII and the original Gentleman Driver concept. I dare say,” he notes, “that with the Sagrera, we have fine-tuned the concept of sportiness, while upholding our tradition of excellence and paving the way for future designs, meeting the aspirations of our customers.”

The rear-end has undergone substantial design and aerodynamic modifications, underscored by the addition of a large spoiler that resembles stork wings, a nod to the brand’s emblem. This split spoiler optimizes aerodynamics, seamlessly merging solid-painted side panels with carbon fibre, while the diffuser, adorned with copper accents in Boulogne style, enhances both aerodynamics and design, adding a touch of elegance and tradition.

These aerodynamic improvements significantly boost downforce and grip, enhancing cornering and lateral acceleration capabilities. Inside, the sporty atmosphere persists, with a revamped centre console and infotainment system, upholstered in alcantara with black and red leather accents, emphasizing exclusivity and quality.

The multimedia system provides extensive connectivity options, with customizable welcome messages for each user.

For its global debut, the Sagrera is showcased in a Cava Gold hue, selected for its rich shades that evoke the wine culture embedded in the DNA of the Perelada Group, owned by the Suqué Mateu family, which also owns Hispano Suiza. A matte finish that changes with the light, a first in the Carmen range, perfectly strikes a balance between elegance and sportiness.

Performance and technology to match the design

The Sagrera is equipped with four motors, each delivering 205 kW (approximately 275 hp), resulting in a total power output of 1,100 hp and 1,160 Nm of torque. This allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.6 seconds. The motors, which are axial-flux permanent magnets, are connected in series: two on the left rear wheel and two on the right.

The vehicle’s transmission, which transfers power to the rear axle, features a virtual self-locking differential. This ensures optimal track performance and efficient torque transfer to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres. These tyres, developed in collaboration with Michelin’s technical centre, have a unique design inspired by the storks and mosaics of the renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, adding to the vehicle’s exclusivity.

The Sagrera’s suspension system, designed based on comprehensive dynamic simulations, offers racing-level performance. Both axles are equipped with a deformable parallelogram suspension with adjustable shock absorbers for compression and extension settings, along with coil springs that can be adjusted in hardness and height. This setup is complemented by an anti-roll bar that links both sides.

The engineers at Hispano Suiza have constructed lightweight suspension wishbones and axle shafts from a special military-grade material, which is up to eight times stronger than conventional steel. Aerospace and racing-grade bolts ensure robust fastening.

The Sagrera also boasts an advanced braking system. Single-block brake calipers provide superior rigidity and improved braking feel, while reducing weight by 500 grams. The vehicle is fitted with 400mm carboceramic discs on both axles, capable of withstanding the intense braking demands of racetrack conditions and extended runs without fatigue. An enhanced cooling system improves the system’s performance, allowing it to operate at temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius.

A stiffer pedal board offering increased grip, along with specific steering adjustments, completes the upgraded braking system, delivering 5% more braking power for the new Sagrera.

Following its global debut, the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera will make its dynamic debut on the iconic hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in mid-July in the UK.

Technical specifications Carmen Sagrera

KERB WEIGHT	1875* KG
LENGTH	4733 MM
WIDTH	2382 MM
HEIGHT	1242 MM
MAX POWER	820 KW/ 1114 HP
MAX TORQUE	1160 NM
RANGE	480 KM
O-100 KM/H	2,6 SEG**
IN-HOUSE DESIGNED BATTERY PACK
15 MODULES
103 KWH (UPGRADABLE)
360 CELLS
740 V
LIQUID COOLING