Zeekr 001 FR - 1,247HP & 280KMH Top Speed - Tesla Plaid Killer With Good Looks!

Geely Groups most powerful offering, the Zeekr 001 FR was launched on September 1st and is claimed to be a formidable competitor to the Tesla Model S Plaid. There have also been claims that the Zeekr 001 FR is now the world's fastest mass-produced car. This all-wheel-drive high-performance EV boasts an impressive 1,247 horsepower and would reach a top speed of 280 km/h.

The Zeekr 001 FR party piece is its  lightning-fast acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, clocking in at an astonishing 2.07 seconds from a rolling start scenario and 2.37 seconds from a stand still.

Another function worth mentioning even though we feel would not be much used is the ability to perform tank turns somewhat like the YangWang U8. According to Zeekr, when performing this manoeuvre, the car can generate a peak torque of up to 10,000 Nm at the wheels.

The Zeekr 001 FR is powered by four independent electric motors, two 155 kW units drive the front wheels, while two 310 kW m motors power the rear, giving it a rear bias all-wheel-drive configuration akin to a supercar. The rear motor utilises carbon fibre for its rotor, achieving an impressive total power density of 4.4W/kg.

As for the outlook, the Zeekr 001 FR is differentiated to its more basic sibling with the addition of carbon fibre aerodynamic kit consisting of a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear GT-style wing. Even the roof and side mirror housing received carbon fibre touches.

Carbon fibre touches in all corners makes this Zeekr 001 FR special to its lesser sibling

Being a performance purpose built machine, the Zeekr 001 FR can handle a maximum lateral (side-to-side) force of 1.4G. Hence to keep all these power in control, Zeekr had top-notch parts from well known makers fitted in the 001 FR. The braking system would feature AP Racing 10-pot callipers in the front and 4-pot callipers in the rear all mated to a set of Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors. The car would also ride on 22" forged aluminium wheels wearing GTR2 tyres from Giti Motorsport with ride handling tasked to a set of KW adjustable coilover shocks.

Well known performance brands employed to make the Zeekr 001 FR truly perform

The Zeekr 001 FR is built on 800V architecture paired with a 100kWh QILIN battery from CATL capable of achieving 10% to 80% state of charge in just 15 minutes. It is important to point out here that Zeekr has also launched the V3 800kW supercharger which offers a maximum output of 1000V and an output current of 800A. These V3 superchargers would begin operating in Q1 2024 with 1000 supercharging stations planned to be deployed by 2024.

Inside, the car boasts an array of technology, including an in-built satellite phone and navigation. The infotainment screen is a sizable 15.4 inches, accompanied by an 8.8-inch instrument cluster, all powered by Zeekr OS 5.0.

The Zeekr 001 FR also comes equipped with Navigation Zeekr Pilot (NZP), Zeekr's driver assistance software akin to Tesla’s Autopilot designed for highway driving by leveraging Mobileye's SuperVision technology.

The uptake for the Zeekr 001 FR during its launch was extremely encouraging as 99 bookings were received just within the first 15 seconds. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in October, and its actual retail price is expected to exceed USD140,000 (RM640,000). 

Source: CarNewsChina