Back in 2019, the world got its first glimpse at the Piech Mark Zero electric sports car at the Geneva Motor Show. At that time, it was just a concept.
Now, Piech has released further information on its electric GT sports coupe which has successfully entered its trial phase with series production expected for 2024 ahead of a market launch in Europe.
“Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have managed to overcome the resulting delays and keep our project fully on track. The financing rounds to date have been successful, and we can now confidently continue our journey towards market launch,” said Toni Piech, co-founder and chief executive officer of Piëch Automotive.
The Piech GT reminds us of styling found on brands such as Porsche, Jaguar and Aston Martin.
Piech Automotive was founded in 2017 by Anton ‘Toni’ Piech, the son of former Volkswagen Group chairman Ferdinand Piech and the great-grandson of Ferdinand Porsche. The company employs several ex-BMW, Porsche, Tesla and Volkswagen employees so it certainly has the expertise on hand.
Electric coupe targets high power, high range, low weight
One of the biggest advances Piech Automotive has had with the GT is its battery technology.
The car can be charged to 80 percent in just eight minutes at any CCS2 fast charging station. Using a specified fast charger developed by TGOOD, the process can be completed in just five minutes, which is remarkable for an electric vehicle.
The Piech GT will have 500km of range and produce 450kW of power.
The coupe has an impressive range, too, being able to travel 500km on the WLTP cycle thanks to a 75kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The GT makes 450kW of power and weighs less than 1800kg, meaning that it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than three seconds.
Three electric motors help get the car moving, with one 150kW motor on the front axle and two 150kW motors at the rear – which should mean an entertaining 66% rear bias.
The batteries are located in a T shaped layout, which helps create a lower seating position for the driver whilst also providing similar axle load distribution and handling to that of a combustion-engined sports car. Weight distribution front to rear is 40/60.
Minimalistic headlights help round off the design language.
Positioning the batteries just behind the driver should give a familiar mid-engined feeling which Porsche is currently working on for its next 718 Cayman/Boxster.
Hyundai Motor Company released a similar battery concept with its Vision FK hydrogen car which also had a T shaped battery arrangement to give better handling balance and a lower driving position.
With many ‘skateboard’ battery layouts, the batteries take up significant room under the floor which lifts the seat height. The T layout solves this problem.
A good looker
Looks are always subjective but we think the Piech GT is a good looking thing. Design elements remind us of the Jaguar F-Type, Mercedes-AMG GT coupe and even the latest generation Toyota Supra.
The rear end will have 300kW of power going through it. Could be fun!
“We created a sports car with a timeless design, just like we would dream ourselves. And we spoke at length with car enthusiasts about what is missing on the market. The result was a modern classic that is not bound by any consumer cycles,” said Rea Stark Rajcic, co-founder and chief design officer of Piech Automotive.
Clean lines running from the front right to the rear create the quintessential sports coupe look, with simple LED headlights and a small ‘grille’ at the front. Flush door handles help complete the look of minimalism.
More Piech models are on the horizon
The Piech product range will not stop with the GT. There are plans in the pipeline for a Piech SUV and a sports sedan called the Piech Sportlimousine. The company says the initial focus is on the GT but that it expects the SUV to bring in additional sales volume.
If the GT is anything to go by, the SUV could be a real sales hit.
The Piech GT will be built at the facilities of “a renowned automobile manufacturer” and roughly 1,200 are planned to be produced in the first year.
