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2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen announced with 1005bhp


Underneath, the Carmen has a completely flat floor, a front splitter and rear diffuser to reduce lift.

The classic design theme is carried through inside, although again blended with modern technology. Entrance is via partially powered scissor doors. The two carbonfibre-composite seats are heated, four-way electrically adjustable and upholstered in leather and Alacantara. The latter also goes for the doors and rooflining. All is handcrafted and each buyer will be offered a “custom perfumed interior”.

The dashboard remains traditional, with wood veneers, machined aluminium and toggle switchgear. There’s also an analogue clock in its centre that’s built by an unspecified Swiss watchmaker and a triangular gear selector that reflects the art deco dashboard of 1930s Hispano Suiza models.

The modern touches come from LED ambient lighting strips on the doors and in the footwells, a multifunction steering wheel and, most obviously, a 10.1in touchscreen infotainment system.  This features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, USB and a seven-speaker premium stereo. Some functions of the car can also be controlled by a smartphone app.

On-road testing of the Carmen is scheduled to begin this summer, before production of the 19 examples begins in late 2019. Customer delivieres commence in June 2020. Each car will cost £1.3 million before taxes.

A story of two companies 

There will be controversy at the Geneva motor show, because two unrelated companies using the Hispano Suiza name will be present.

Hispano Suiza Cars, creator of the Carmen, comes from Grup Peralada, a Spanish conglomerate primarily focused on leisure and culture businesses that is owned by the Suqué Mateu family. It began its journey in July 2018. Head of operations, Miguel Suque Mateu, is the great-grandson of Damián Mateu, co-founder of the original Hispano Suiza company in 1904, along with Mark Birgikt.

Meanwhile, Hispano Suiza Automobilmanufaktur AG is owned by Austrian car designer Erwin Leo Himmel, and announced itself at the 2010 Geneva motor show with the Audi R8 V10-based Grand Tourismo Coupé concept.

At this year’s show, it will unveil a devlopment of that, the new Maguari HS1 GTC supercar. This, like the Carmen, is claimed to blend the classic Hispano Suiza look with modern technology.

Its 5.2-litre petrol V10 is boosted by two turbochargers, a supercharger and electric compressors to produce 1071bhp. A 0-62mph time of 2.8sec and an electronically limted top speed of 236mph are claimed.



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