Zeekr 001 FR Launched, "Raikkonen Mode" Bumps Power To 1,282HP

Forget what is being shown and presented at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 for a moment, as the Chinese have essentially upped the ante when it comes to vehicle concepts in the field of electrification by a few folds.

We featured the Zeekr 001 FR back in September, claiming that it would be a formidable contender to the Tesla Model S Plaid, where it would be the world's fastest mass-produced car.

Barely a month later, Geely-owned Zeekr has launched the Zeekr 001 FR in China for RMB769,000 (roughly RM502,000). In comparison, the 1,020HP Tesla Model S Plaid costs USD86,090 (RM411,000). The 001 FR has a liftback design language and 1,247HP powered by four electric motors (422HP up front and 825HP in the rear).

The Zeekr 001 FR is reported to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.37 seconds, with a top speed of 280 km/h. It is worth noting, however, that this is slightly slower than the Tesla Model S Plaid's 1.99 second sprint time.

Because the 001 FR is meant to be a track-oriented street car, Heat Pump 2.0 would be used to adequately cool the battery and electric motors. It would also include a track-level braking system with AP Racing 10-piston callipers in the front and 4-piston callipers in the rear, as well as Brembo carbon ceramic brake discs.

Zeekr also claims that the 001 FR will be able to perform "tank turns" due to its four separate SiC permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, which we believe are unnecessary in a sports car and more suitable for vehicles like the BYD Yangwang U8.

The Zeekr 001 FR would also be outfitted with a lightweight carbon fibre aerodynamic kit capable of withstanding a maximum lateral force of 1.4G. The 001 FR would be a huge car in terms of dimensions, measuring 5,018mm in length, 1,999mm in width, and 1,545mm in height. A 100-kWh ternary (NMC) Qilin battery from CATL with a claimed range of 550KM would power the 1,247HP, 800V architectural construct (doubt you'll attain these figures if you keep blasting the throttle).

Now for the fun part: because Zeekr just secured a co-development partnership with famed Formula One driver Kimi "The Ice-man" Raikkonen, 001 FR purchasers will be able to improve their vehicle's performance to 1,282HP via an OTA update. This performance upgrade would be known as "Raikkonen mode" and would cost RMB60,000 (RM40,000). Zeekr further adds that the Kimi would help the company fine-tune subsequent models from the brand.

It's worth mentioning that manufacture of the Zeekr 001 FR is restricted to 99 units per month, with Kimi Raikkonen personally delivering the first batch of cars to their owners in China.

Source: CarNewsChina