[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com]
Faraday Future is a new electric visionary that’s hoping to make a big splash in the automotive world, starting with its first concept, the FFZERO1 revealed today at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show.
The company, which is based in the U.S. but backed by a Chinese billionaire, claims the car outputs 1,000 horsepower and can get from zero to 60 mph in under three seconds. Faraday has been closely watched recently after it sealed a huge deal to build a new plant and went on a hiring spree.
This concept was made with a completely digital design process using virtual and augmented reality, in addition to 3D printing. The result is that the FFZERO1 uses the brand’s new Variable Platform Architecture (VPA) that will underpin all the company’s upcoming vehicles. This modular architecture will help Faraday Future get vehicles to market quickly and cost-effectively. As seen with this concept, it’s extremely versatile, at least enough for a fast-looking prototype like this.
SEE ALSO: Nevada Lawmakers Approve $335M Deal for Faraday Future Plant
In order to make headlines at the Consumer Electronics Show, a car has to have some high-tech features, and the FFZERO1 delivers, with its smartphone-powered steering wheel. Faraday Future also notes that the car will feature adaptive personalization, seamless transfer of custom vehicle configurations, access to live images and real-time data visualization. The company also plays with the idea of autonomous driving, saying this concept could drive itself to the track to meet its owner, and maybe set a few baseline laps of its own, although these bold claims can’t really be substantiated at this time.
The interior of the car is very minimalist. Clad in all white with a seat designed with NASA, the car features a propeller-shaped instrument cluster. Faraday Future says that the panel runs with a unique Halo Safety System that integrates head and neck support while supplying oxygen and water to the driver through a prototype helmet. The system can also gather biometric data about its driver.
Looking at the concept, there’s no denying its driver-focused exterior design, as the whole car wraps around the cockpit and sports an aerodynamic teardrop design. The concept’s unique LED lighting is the brand’s signature design, called a UFO-line.
But enough about design, let’s talk performance. This concept is powered by four electric motors, one for each wheel, giving this car approximately 1,000 horsepower and the ability to hit 60 mph in under three seconds. The company says this vehicle is designed with the track in mind and is capable of reaching more than 200 mph. Tesla is clearly in Faraday’s scope.
Faraday Future says the power source will use a string of batteries, which can be more easily replaced or changed than a single battery. This also allows for easier creation of new vehicles that need more power or greater range by adding or subtracting strings of batteries.
The reveal of the FFZERO1 comes on the heels of an announcement by Faraday Future that it plans to invest $1 billion in the creation of a 3 million square foot, state-of-the-art, environmentally conscious manufacturing facility in North Las Vegas. The company will break ground on this phase one investment in the next few weeks, and ultimately employ 4,500 people.
[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com]
The post Mysterious Car Company Out-Teslas Tesla with 1,000 Horsepower Electric Vehicle appeared first on AutoGuide.com News.