Apollo Automobil – the firm formerly known as Gumpert – has revealed its plans to enter the electric car ranks with a luxury saloon concept at the 2021 China International Import Expo.
The stylish EVision S, which is slated for customers deliveries in 2023, is one of a number of models being developed by the German supercar maker's newly formed EV offshoot, Apollo Future Mobility Group, following extensive investments and acquisitions in recent years.
Described as a “progressive showcase of Apollo Automobil’s vision for the future of electric mobility”, the EVision S concept has been conceived to offer greater usability and practicality than the company’s supercars.
The exterior espouses what Apollo calls its Fast Forward design language, with a coupé-like profile, heavily structured surfaces and distinctive detailing, including hockey-stick headlights and a full-width rear light bar. It's more than five metres long and more than two metres wide.
The striking styling is expected to be retained for the production model, which is currently being engineered at research-and-development centres in Germany and China.
Although Apollo is yet to reveal technical details, it's continuing development of a new 800V silicon-carbide (SiC) dual inverter in co-operation with Japanese electronic-components maker ROHM.
This inverter is planned to be coupled with two 800V axial-flux electric motors as part of a modular electric driveline showcased in Shanghai as the Crate Powertrain.
As well as being earmarked for future Apollo EVs, it will be offered to third parties, according to Apollo Future Mobility Group CEO Ho King Fung.
The EVision S will be followed by the EVision X, a luxury electric SUV to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, which has been previewed through a darkened image. Both EVs are planned to go into production in China by the end of 2023.
Apollo's main business is as a provider of engineering services outsourcing (ESO) to clients including Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Lamborghini and Volkswagen. It also manufactures the Intensa Emozione V12 hypercar in ultra-low volumes in Germany.
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Yes, nobody wants a fast, quiet, ultra-luxurious and very sexy sedan! What are these idiots thinking?!?!?! Do they not read the online comments from Skoda-driving misery-guts? Do they not realise that the Golf Mk 7 is automotive styling perfected? Appollo is DOOMED!!!
While i agree wholeheartly with the two of your statement and sentiments, there is no way Apollo or other small companies like them can compete with the likes of established companies and their customers with volume, mainstream vehicles. I'm sure you know that making cars and while it may cost the same ,ind of money to develop and build a super car and a mainstream vehicle, the competition and customer expectations are greater with mainstream vehicles. With BEV that costs 30-50K, your not only competing with othere EVs, but ICE vehicles too! If the are good enough to make it to the top three or five of someone's list from that crowded group, now it's the interior appointments, build quality and materials used, interior and exterior size and its ability to carry occupants and luggage, adding to that the vehicles ride and handling and vehicle range. The buyer of a 500K toy, may not have all of those reservations and caveats before they make a purchase! The amount of money a small company like Apollo would need to make back on their investment on a mainstream vehicle, is much more easily achieved with a supercar and fewer sales! With hyper/supercar BEVs, there is much less competition at the moment and if Apollo can provide this type of vehicle for between 200-500K, they may have that market to themselves for at least a few years. While the rest of us continue to wait for an affordable BEV!
I echo the comment below.
The world does not need or want another luxury / hypercar brand. These are money spinners of course. Do a limited edition, rake in the cash and disappear or start a new brand.
This Apollo whatever does not advance the EV cause one iota. It fails to bring affordable EVs to the masses.