Tesla thought that the Model S Plaid would make the rules in the segment of high-performance electric sedans forever. But it turns out that forever has just ended. Here is the Seeker 001 FR.
The Zeekr 001 FR comes with a quad motor setup, while the Tesla Model S Plaid sports three of those. The powertrain made up of four silicon carbide electric motors of the 001 FR generates 1,265 horsepower and 943 lb-ft (1,278 Nm) of torque, while the Model S Plaid has to settle for the 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft (1,420) that it got.
The new 001 FR is the performance version of the 001 mid-size model that has recently hit the European market. Before this one came out, the most potent version of the Zeekr FR was the dual-motor version with 536 horsepower (544 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. But it doesn’t even come close to the new range-topper.
Tesla’s sedan is not the quickest in the 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) run either anymore. It takes 2.3 seconds for the run (1.9 for the 0-60 mph/0-97 kph), while the 001 FR only needs 2.07 seconds. What might turn things around is the Chinese manufacturer indicating a rolling start scenario, but no details. Lucid Air Sapphire is also a contender here with its 1,234-horsepower (1,252 PS) and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 1.89 seconds.
Photo: Zeekr
A 100-kWh CATL battery pack stores the energy, but the carmaker keeps data about range under wraps for the moment. The pack allows ultra fast charging, as it only takes 15 minutes to charge from 10 to 80%.
Zeekr 001 FR is equipped with torque vectoring, with the carmaker saying that the system can push maximum power to each wheel and adjust power to each wheel in a matter of milliseconds. The model is also able to tank turn like the Rivian R1T or the upcoming EGQ, the electric variant of the G-Class off-roader.
Easily recognizable compared to its standard siblings, the 001 FR comes with an aggressive styling. In order to reduce weight and boost performance, Zeekr came up with carbon fiber elements, while aerodynamics is ensured by a body kit that includes a prominent front splitter, roof spoiler, a fixed rear wing, and an air diffuser.
Geely-owned Zeekr will start deliveries of its performance model in October in China before it goes to Europe. Production is limited to only 99 cars per month. There is no official information on the pricing just yet, but the manufacturer announced this past summer that the 001 FR should start at above 1 million yuan, the equivalent of 137,720. That is way above the price of the Tesla Model S Plaid in China, where it starts at 836,900 yuan ($115,258), but way below the price of the Lucid Air Sapphire - 1,743,000 yuan ($240,046).
Google News