Tuesday 2nd March 2010

Geneva: Hispano Suiza Returns

Former Audi design wizard pens new 750bhp supercar

---

The legendary Hispano Suiza marque has been relaunched at Geneva, in the shape of this swoopy coupe that features a 750bhp supercharged V10.

The new car's engine, space frame and running gear are from the Audi/Lamborghini stable, although the Audi R8 frame is has been lengthened and widened, while the engine has been treated to what the car's designer Erwin Himmel describes as 'a very large compressor'.

Like its historic ancestors, the new Hispano Suiza is designed - and priced - for extreme exclusivity. Herr Himmel tells us he plans to build between 25 and 50 cars annually, and they'll cost roughly £700,000 a pop.

According to the designer the Hispano Suiza brand will be extended in future with a four door coupe and a SUV- type vehicle both on the drawing board.

In case the name is familiar, Erwin Himmel is a former big cheese designer from the VW/Audi group, with a list of credits that include Audi's 1991 Frankfurt show car, the Quattro Spyder, and pretty much every Audi production car from 1982 to 1990.

As well as making a new name for itself in the luxury automotive sector, Hispano Suiza apparently intends to spread its brand liberally across various 'ultimate luxury' lifestyle sectors, with plans for everything from Hispano Suiza watches to luggage and even yachts.

[louismchuge]

looks a bit like a modern bmw csl batmobile - very cool

[Noble Ox]

Rear - Beautiful
Front - Hideous

[kambites]

Hmm. Can't really make up my mind on that one.

[huge]

I'm sure our friends in Brussels are going to love that pedestrian-friendly front end ??....maybe the rules only cover knocking someone down....perhaps there is indeed nothing against chopping them in half ....

[soad]

Not sure if i like it, front looks odd to me.

Any interior shots?

[Whitean3]

A beuatiful amalgamation of an Audi R8 and a speedboat. I'm pretty sure it will remain extremely exclusive with the abomination at the front. Rear looks quite good though!

[Garlick]

I'm about to wander over that way, I'll see if I can get some interior shots.

[johnaachen]

Car looks purple from some angles....

[soad]

Garlick said:

I'm about to wander over that way, I'll see if I can get some interior shots.

Thanks.

Purple classic car on the other hand looks good to me.

[plasticpig]

Someone tried this in 2000 with this effort:




I doubt the new abomination will get any further.

[soad]

plasticpig said:

Someone tried this in 2000 with this effort:

Much prefer the earlier effort, even if it resembles a Veyron.

[Roberty]

It's not as bad as that Hasbro thing but it's pretty bloody close

[Dangermouse78]

I like it, shark style front very early BMWish..... Nice styling effort. Doubt it'll go into production but as a concept it really works

[Strawman]

Looks like something from the film 'speed racer' terrible.

[Frimley111R]

I think that it could have looked really good. Its halfway there, just needs refining. Nice and different though.

[The Milfman]

I quite like the side view but that's it.

[chunkymonkey71]

Looks like one of those cheap plastic patio tables that's melted in the sun.

[stewy68]

They've run low on budget trying to complete the concept and welded the front end of a Mitsubishi Galant on to it.
Rear is fine though.

[beefcake42]

R8 with a bodykit? Or am I missing something?

Edited by beefcake42 on Tuesday 2nd March 16:18

[Duke Thrust]

The side profile is a lot like the Noble M600 - not keen on the front view at all though.