Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera: A Modern Tribute to a Century of Heritage

Celebrating its 120th anniversary, Hispano Suiza has unveiled its newest creation: the Carmen Sagrera. This fully electric hypercar represents the crowning point of engineering and design for the storied brand, blending its rich legacy with cutting-edge technology. Revealed at an exclusive event in Barcelona, the Sagrera is the third model in the Carmen range and stands as a testament to Hispano Suiza’s dedication to innovation, artistry, and performance. The Sagrera’s debut, held at the prestigious Finca Mas Solers estate, marked more than just the launch of a car; it was a celebration of 120 years of heritage. The event brought together Hispano Suiza’s leadership, customers, and media representatives to honour a brand steeped in automotive history. In the words of Miguel Suqué Mateu, the company’s President, “This is a story about people, about cars, but above all, about a team driven by passion and ambition for a unique and visionary project.” CEO Sergio Martinez Campos added, “The Sagrera is a bold consolidation of the Carmen range. In just five years, we have achieved incredible milestones, and 2024 will see us accelerate into new markets such as the United States while preserving our legacy and pushing innovation further.”

At the core of the Carmen Sagrera lies an advanced 103 kWh battery pack, marking the second generation of Hispano Suiza’s proprietary technology. The battery, developed entirely in-house at the brand’s Montmeló facility in Barcelona, offers an impressive range of 480 km under the WLTP cycle. With 15 modules and a total of 360 lithium-ion cells, the battery delivers optimal energy density and efficiency while keeping weight to just 612 kg. The Sagrera’s powertrain is nothing short of groundbreaking. Four axial-flux permanent magnet motors, two per rear wheel, combine to produce an astonishing 1,114 horsepower (820 kW) and 1,160 Nm of torque. This immense power catapults the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds, delivering performance that rivals the best hypercars in the world. The Carmen Sagrera pays tribute to Hispano Suiza’s iconic past while embracing the future. The front grille, shaped with precision, echoes the brand’s Alfonso XIII models, while redesigned front vents seamlessly blend aesthetics and function. New side sills rise gracefully along the car’s profile, complementing its aerodynamic flow and highlighting its sporty character. At the rear, the Sagrera features a stunning split-wing spoiler inspired by the brand’s iconic stork logo. Beyond its visual appeal, this aerodynamic enhancement increases downforce and grip, optimizing handling at high speeds. Carbon fibre panels with copper-accented diffusers, designed in the Boulogne style, add a touch of elegance and heritage. Inside, the Carmen Sagrera reflects both sportiness and luxury. The cabin features black and red leather upholstery, Alcantara trim, and a redesigned centre console that elevates the driving experience. Customisable infotainment displays and thoughtful connectivity options ensure drivers enjoy both exclusivity and convenience.

The Carmen Sagrera is not just a design marvel; it is a technological powerhouse. Developed with a focus on dynamic performance, the Sagrera incorporates a sophisticated deformable parallelogram suspension system with adjustable dampers for compression and rebound settings. Coil springs, adjustable in hardness and height, provide exceptional agility while maintaining ride comfort. Braking performance is equally impressive. The Sagrera features 400 mm carbon-ceramic discs on both axles, ensuring durability under extreme conditions. Single-block brake callipers enhance rigidity and feel, reducing weight while improving stopping power. The advanced cooling system allows the brakes to operate at temperatures of up to 1,000°C, making the Sagrera ready for both road and track. Hispano Suiza engineers also developed lightweight suspension wishbones and axle shafts using materials of extraordinary quality, which are up to eight times stronger than conventional steel. Every component has been crafted to deliver precision, reliability, and confidence behind the wheel.

From its heritage-inspired design to its futuristic technology, the Carmen Sagrera embodies Hispano Suiza’s philosophy of blending the past with the present. Francesc Arenas, Head of Design, remarked, “The Sagrera refines the concept of sportiness while staying true to our tradition of excellence. It is a design inspired by our Gentleman Driver concept and by our most iconic models.” Finished in an exclusive Cava Gold tone, the Sagrera’s paintwork reflects elegance and tradition. Inspired by the Perelada Group’s wine heritage, also owned by the Suqué Mateu family, the matte finish shifts with the light, creating an ever-changing visual experience. Following its world premiere in Barcelona, the Carmen Sagrera is set to make its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in mid-July, where it will showcase its performance on the legendary hill climb. As a limited edition hypercar, only 24 units of the Carmen Sagrera will be produced, ensuring exclusivity for its select group of owners. This third model in the Carmen range is more than a car, it is a declaration of Hispano Suiza’s commitment to pushing boundaries while honouring its storied past.