When it comes to high-performance electric vehicles, the Tesla Model S Plaid has reigned supreme for more than two years. However, this may soon change, at least in China. Introducing the new Zeekr 001 FR, a new rival to Tesla that promises electric power and breathtaking speed.
The 1,020-horsepower Tesla Model S Plaid has been the sole player in the high-performance EV market for more than two years. However, that will change as soon as next month, at least in China. Tesla's first rival, the Zeekr 001 FR, will begin deliveries in China in October with an electric powertrain delivering 1,265 horsepower (943 kW). While the most powerful version of the regular Zeekr 001 offers a twin engine with 536 horsepower (400 kW) and 516 pound-feet of torque (700 Nm), the 001 FR is a real beast with 1,265 horsepower from four silicon carbide electric motors. This allows the Zeekr 001 FR to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 2.07 seconds.
To cope with the extreme performance of the Zeekr 001 FR, the model features “direct oil cascade cooling technology” and rear motors wrapped in carbon fiber. These help keep things running smoothly, although maximum performance is only available for 10 seconds at a time and only when the car has more than 50% of charge.
However, that's not all. Zeekr 001 The FR isn't just fast in a straight line; it's also quick in the corners, thanks to the torque vectoring capabilities enabled by the distributed four-wheel e-drive and proprietary software and hardware technologies. The Zeekr 001 FR is also fast charging, with a 100 kWh CATL Qilin battery that supports ultra-fast charging. As a result, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes.
From a design point of view, Zeekr 001 FR differs from the regular 001 with unique exterior and interior designs with a focus on weight reduction. The FR variant boasts a motorsport-inspired body kit with a more aggressive front bumper, sharper front splitter, larger air vents, bigger wheels and more.
Zeekr announces that deliveries of the Zeekr 001 FR will begin in October 2023 in China, with production limited to 99 cars per month. Owners will receive personal training sessions to drive high-performance vehicles.
Zeekr, the electric vehicle brand of Geely Automobile, has announced that their first luxury sports car will soon be on the market, with a price tag exceeding 1 million yuan ($140,000). A person with direct knowledge of the matter added that the company plans to unveil the Zeekr 001 FR sports car in a few weeks and aims to deliver the first batch of cars later this year.
While Chinese EV manufacturers have increased efforts to develop more cost-effective products, some of them are also moving into the higher segment of high-performance EVs in search of higher margins. Founded in 2021 as a premium EV brand, Zeekr has three models for sale with prices starting from 189,800 yuan to 499,000 yuan.
Zeekr 001 FR is more than just a new electric car on the market. It is a statement about where the automotive industry is going and what we can expect in the future. With impressive specifications and design features, the Zeekr 001 FR is poised to take the lead in the world of high-performance electric vehicles.
