Piëch GT electric sports car begins testing

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Zürich-based Piëch Automotive has shared an update on the Mark Zero concept that debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The concept has taken what appears to be a production form, and the name has been simplified to Piëch GT. However, the market launch is not gonna happen until mid-2024.

Compared with the concept, there are some subtle differences in the front and rear fascias, but otherwise, the prototype retains most of the concept’s styling elements. The wheel design (20-inch front and 21-inch rear) is also different here in the prototype. The company has relocated its German development centre from Munich to Memmingen (in southern Germany), where the testing has commenced.

Klaus Schmidt, who spent 30 years at BMW’s M division, now heads Piëch’s Engineering division. “The second prototype will be completed by next March, with a further series of prototypes to follow before the end of 2022. Based on the test results from these prototypes, another batch of prototypes will then be built in 2023. Piëch is exactly following the tried-and-tested testing cycles of German premium manufacturers here, with trials in heat and dust, in sub-zero temperatures with ice and snow, and on demanding roads and racetracks such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife, to be able to meet our target of starting series production in 2024,” he said.

The Piëch GT has three 150 kW electric motors—one at the front axle and the other two at the rear, offering a combined 450 kW (612 metric hp). Piëch is targeting a curb weight of less than 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) and a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of less than 3.2 seconds. The company has partnered with Hong Kong’s Desten Group for the battery pack which is housed in the centre tunnel. The 75 kWh pack is claimed to be capable of getting recharged to 80% in 8 minutes at any CCS2 fast-charging station. And, a fast charger specially developed by Hong Kong-based TGOOD is claimed to enable this process to be completed in under 5 minutes. The battery pack uses pouch-type cells which help keep the car’s curb weight in check. Piëch is targeting a WLTP range of up to 500 km (311 mi).