Piëch GT: A 1,000-Horsepower Second Coming of Electric Performance
Image Credit: Piëch Automotive.
Well, well, well… Piëch Automotive is back from the dead, and they're not messing around. After a spectacular flop in 2019, they're taking another swing at the electric sports car market with their 1,000-horsepower Piëch GT. But is this just another overhyped concept car, or could it actually be the real deal?
First things first - the numbers. This two-plus-two-seater boasts a combined output of over 1,000 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque, thanks to two electric motors. It can allegedly hit 62 mph in a blistering 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 187 mph. Electrifying? You bet! Revolutionary? Well… The supercar game has moved on, and the hypercar category requires much better numbers than those just to be allowed in. It seems the Piëch GT might be a tad stuck in the revolving doors of the supersonic EV progress.
Image Credit: Piëch Automotive.
Never mind the numbers. The Piëch team is promising a truly emotional driving experience, thanks in part to their innovative Dual2Drive system. This setup uses a two-speed gearbox and an electric motor for each rear wheel, allowing for independent torque vectoring and traction control. Sounds complicated, but impressive, and it promises to deliver the gear-shifting experience we're used to without calling up any fake software solutions.
To be honest, I'm a bit skeptical. The GT looks amazing, and its design has been clearly influenced by classic Aston Martins, which is not a bad thing in my book. Why the skepticism? After all, this is the same company that promised a revolutionary two-seat sports car with an even more revolutionary battery back in 2019, only to crash and burn shortly after. Maybe they've learned from their mistakes and are ready to deliver this time around?
Image Credit: Piëch Automotive.
There's absolutely no denying that the Piëch GT is a looker. With its sleek lines, intricate headlights and taillights, and machined 22-inch wheels, it's a head-turner. The interior is still a mystery, but Piëch claims it will offer a wide range of customization options, ensuring that no two cars will be identical.
But before you get all excited and start looking for excuses to raid your children's college fund, there's a catch. This car is still just a clay model, and production isn't slated to start until 2028. So, while the Piëch GT might look like a dream on paper, it's still a long way from becoming a reality.
Image Credit: Piëch Automotive.
Now, let's talk about the clay elephant in the room: the moolah. With a starting price of over $200,000, the Piëch GT is clearly aimed at the high-end market. The end of the market that doesn't mind putting money down and waiting another four years to find out if this dream comes true. The company claims it'll produce as many as 2,000 of these beauties between 2028 and 2029, with the number going up to 5,000 for the yet-to-be-revealed four-door model. By 2033, these guys will have an SUV in their portfolio and manufacture 8,000 premium electric vehicles yearly. Do you see why my skeptical senses are doing a Macarena?
Despite my skepticism, I can't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the Piëch GT. The team behind it is certainly ambitious, and they've partnered with Multimatic, the company behind the legendary Ford GT. So, maybe, just maybe, they can pull off this miracle. And let's not forget that 20 years ago, we were all laughing at a guy stuffing his Lotus Elise with laptop batteries. Look at him now.
Image Credit: Piëch Automotive.
In the end, the Piëch GT is a gamble. It could be a groundbreaking electric sports car that revolutionizes the industry. Or it could be another overhyped concept car that never sees the light of day. Regardless, I'll be watching closely and'll be the first to tell you if this car is the real deal or just another pie in the sky. Until then, keep your fingers crossed and your expectations in check. And remember - in the world of electric cars, anything is possible.
