Switzerland’s first hypercar due to be released in 2023
- Morand hypercar set for launch in 2023
- Use of natural fibres promises a composites revolution
- Former F1 team principal Eric Boullier part of the company management team
Switzerland’s list of motoring manufacturers isn’t exactly long. Sure, there’s the Sauber operation that runs the current Alfa Romeo F1 team, and has produced mainly midfield troubling single-seaters since 1993, having won Le Mans before that with Mercedes. But aside from a bit of mid-grid F1 fun, and ignoring the niche garage-run operations, that’s about it.
But the country that boasts fine craftsmanship, engineering and technical nous, and hosts the Geneva Motor Show each year finally has a hypercar manufacturer to call its own.
Morand cars, founded by former Le Mans team owner Benoit Morand and former Lotus and McLaren F1 Team Principal Eric Boullier, plans to launch a 250mph monster in 2023, and is set to offer both an electric and a hybrid version.
The hypercar will, according to Morand, “combine the performance of a Formula 1 and a 24 Hour of Le Mans prototype with a modern and luxurious interior finish and a fully immersive digital experience.”
It is expected that the electric version of the yet to be named machine will pump out more than 2,000 horsepower, while the hybrid version is thought to be a 690 horsepower V10.
The EV will feature four electric motors, weigh under 1250kg and include a 1250kg battery pack. A range of just over 300km is expected with a charging time of 10 minutes depending on the charging point used.
Meanwhile, the hybrid will feature three electric motors in addition to its V10 and is expected to reach 200km/h in under 6.5 seconds, despite weighing in heavier than the EV at 1370kg. It will also feature an F1-style regeneration system (MGU-K).
Morand is benefiting from the support of a core team of leading Swiss innovators, designers and high-tech manufacturers, while also forming a major partnership with Bcomp, a composites producer.
Bcomp’s involvement will see the Morand hypercar constructed out of composites, with natural fibres being used for the external bodywork and interior, while a carbon fibre monocoque will form the main chassis. The natural fibres will offer a 75% reduction in CO2 footprint and can be recycled rather than ending up in landfill, but crucially offer the same qualities and strengths as traditional carbon fibre.
This technology has already found its way to F1, with Bcomp assisting McLaren with the first natural fibre composite racing seat.
Per Mårtensson, Bcomp CSO comments:
We are excited to be part of the first Swiss hypercar and to work with such leading profiles from the motorsport world.
The Morand vision to create a sustainable, Swiss hypercar using the latest technologies is very much aligned with both macro trends and our beliefs at Bcomp – that sustainability is an integral part of performance.
Boullier adds:
As we develop the Morand Hypercar we are enjoying the opportunity to work with Swiss companies at the top of their field. Bcomp is a true leader not just in their field but as a trailblazer bringing sustainable solutions to high-performance applications. We have a shared outlook and goal, to lead the way in sustainable performance.
Richard Randle is a motorsport PR professional working with the UK’s top racing circuits and the UK’s premier single-seater category, the BRDC British F3 Championship.
