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Hispano Suiza makes a comback at Geneva Motor Show

Reviving a name that once adorned some of the world's most pricey and sought-after cars, Hispano Suiza has staged a comeback at this year's Geneva Motor Show.


Certain not to break with its expensive heritage, the limited-volume Swiss model has a list price of 700,000 Euro (AUD$1,057,450), and while that may seem excessive, it's worth noting that the new Hispano Suiza is based on Audi R8 underpinnings that theselves cost 163,210 Euro (AUD$246,550).

But this is more than a body-on-chassis transplant, the donor Audi R8 is completely disassembled, stretched, refitted with new, bespoke suspension and a completely new interior then covered with new custom made body panels - every last one of them different to the R8.

The Hispano Suiza is designed by Erwin Leo Himmel who has previously sculpted cars for Audi, Volkswagen and Fuore, and is made entirely from carbon fibre.

Riding on 22-inch centre-lock forged aluminium-titanium alloy wheels, the Hispano Suiza is shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres (275/25 - front & 295/25 - rear).

Under the bonnet the Hispano Suiza features an 5.2-litre Audi V10 engine, modified by Motoren Technik Mayer (MTM). The engine is fitted with two electric superchargers, that along with some other modifications, see a total output of 551kW/699Nm.

Power is delivered to all-four wheels via a choice of six-speed manual or DSG transmissions that sees the car race from standstill to 100km/h is just 3.4 seconds. The top speed is 340km/h.

Plans are already underway for a hybrid version that will feature a 112kW electric motor (to drive the front wheels) for a total combined power output of 662kW. A convertible versions is also said to be on the way.

Hispano Suiza will build up to 50 cars per year and are now taking orders with a lead time of six months.

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