The Zeekr 001 FR: Because 'Normal' is Overrated!
You know, in the vast realm of electric liftbacks, you've got your average run-of-the-mill cars, and then you have those that take the cake, eat it, and then ask for a second slice. Enter the Zeekr 001 FR. Don't confuse it with its milder sibling, the Zeekr 001. Oh no, this is like the 001 went to the gym, spent six months there, and decided that it wanted to flex more than just its muscles.
Let's talk about the exterior, shall we? Now, I'm all for subtle touches here and there, but Zeekr seems to have whispered in the ear of their designers, "Let’s kick it up a notch." So, what did we get? A beast of a front bumper with air intakes that look like they've been taking deep breaths in yoga class and a vibrant red stripe. It’s like the car is winking at you, saying, “I’m faster than your average liftback.”
Zeekr 001
And while the car plays its cool, suave game upfront, the back isn’t left out either. More aggression. More flair. And a sporty diffuser which looks like it’s ready to break some dance moves on the road.
Okay, let's talk about this optional LiDAR sensor on the roof. Now, don't get me wrong, I love innovation, but a sensor on the roof? It's like giving the car its little crown. Or perhaps it's a tiara. Either way, it’s saying, “I’m royalty.”
Inside, we see where Zeekr has decided to go all out. And by all out, I mean they gave the 001 FR a brand-new LCD instrument panel. Now, this isn't your grandfather's instrument panel; it's shaped like a semicircle. It’s like watching a movie in an IMAX theatre, only you're the driver, and the movie is real life.
Seats? They got a makeover too. And the door cards? Changed. It's as if the Zeekr 001 FR just came out of one of those extreme home makeover shows, except this isn’t a home. It’s a car. And it’s fabulous.
But let's dig deeper because, with cars, it's what's under the hood that truly matters. Or in the case of electric cars, what's under the floor and frunk? The numbers are yet to be released, but if we take the 001's powertrain options as a reference, we might be in for some surprises. Imagine a liftback that's a few millimeters off from the dimensions of a Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, but possibly with the punch of a heavyweight boxer. Intriguing? You betcha.
And here’s a zesty factoid: The regular Zeekr 001 has a battery that lets it go up to 641 miles (1,032 km) (CLTC). That’s more than the length of some of my relationships.
Now, the price is something to gawk at. A special version with a price tag north of $138,700? Bold move, Zeekr. But given the tweaks, the shifts, and the sheer audacity of the 001 FR, it might just be worth every penny.
All said and done, I've seen many cars in my day. Some are like your everyday peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Reliable, but predictable. The Zeekr 001 FR? It's like someone added a dash of hot sauce to that sandwich. Unexpected, but oh-so-delicious!
