Hispano-Suiza Carmen Boulogne: The Ultimate Electric Hypercar

La Hispano-Suiza Fábrica de Automóviles SA first introduced us to their electric Carmen hypercar at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, and now they’re back for 2020 with an updated and upgraded version, the Carmen Boulogne. This remarkable vehicle boasts more power, less weight, exposed rear wheels, and an alluring clear-coat finish. The Barcelona-based company plans to build just five examples, bringing the total production of Carmens to 19.

Performance and Specifications

While the Carmen focuses on luxury, the Boulogne is all about Hispano’s racing heritage. The twin-motor electric powertrain receives a 94-hp increase, achieving a phenomenal 1,100 hp. This combined with taller gearing raises the car’s top speed by 25 mph to 180 mph. The motors produce a staggering total of 1,180 lb-ft of torque, allowing for 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in just 2.6 seconds.

Design and Features

The changes in structure lighten the Boulogne’s weight to just under 3,600 pounds, which is 132 pounds less than the regular Carmen. This weight reduction comes largely from the elimination of the rear fender skirts, which dramatically alters the car’s aesthetics and proportions. While the original Carmen featured silver paint—a tribute to the Hispano-Suiza Dubonnet Xenia of 1938—the new model showcases its hand-laid carbon-fiber weave beneath a clear coat varnish, accented with copper details and a new set of 20-inch wheels. Trapezoidal openings in the wheel faces provide essential cooling air for the six-piston carbon-ceramic brakes.

Luxurious Interior

Inside, the Carmen’s wood trim is replaced with black Alcantara and genuine suede, and the chrome trim is exchanged for metal anodized in orange. Similar to the Carmen, the Boulogne is equipped with carbon-composite seats upholstered in hand-sewn leather and Alcantara.

Technological Innovations

The Carmen Boulogne utilizes carbon fiber extensively throughout its structure; Hispano refers to it as “one of the most carbon-fiber-intense cars in the world.” The carbon fiber monocoque chassis itself weighs only 430 pounds. Additionally, the T-shaped battery pack, running down the center of the car, acts as a tuned mass damper to mitigate vibrations. This in-house design features 700 cells with a total capacity of 80 kWh and an integrated temperature control system. Consequently, the reported range exceeds 250 miles on the European NEDC cycle, equating to approximately 175 miles on the EPA cycle.

Heritage and Production

The original Carmen was named after Carmen Mateu, granddaughter of Hispano-Suiza founder Damia Mateu Bisa, while the Boulogne name pays homage to the town in France that hosted the 1921 George Boillot Cup, where Hispano-Suiza showcased their H6 Coupe.

The Carmen Boulogne was designed and developed entirely in Spain, which also accounts for the origin of 75 percent of the car’s parts. Delivery of the five examples slated for production is expected to commence in 2022, with an estimated price of €1,650,000, or around $1.84 million.

Hispano-Suiza Carmen Boulogne Fast Facts:

• Powertrain: Two electric motors each driving one rear wheel with torque vectoring
• Horsepower: 1,100 hp
• Torque: 1,180 lb-ft
• 0-62 mph: 2.6 sec
• Top speed: 180 mph
• Battery : 80-kWh lithium-ion
• Range: 250 miles NEDC/175 miles EPA (est)
• Chassis construction: Carbon-fiber monocoque
• Seats: 2
• On sale: 2022
• Price: $1,840,000 (est)