425 Horsepower for 40,000 Euros and a Stratos Look

The production of the Xiaomi-supported electric roadster SSC SC-01 has officially begun in China. A bundle of great promises.

The SSC SC-01 is a small two-door roadster with a very freely inspired style from the legendary Lancia Stratos, especially for the rear section with its characteristic round lights and its pointed front. It is relatively compact, measuring 4105/1830/1160 mm with a wheelbase of 2500 mm. Another interesting feature of the SC-01 is its three-dimensional steel tube chassis, ensuring rigidity. A very good point for playful use, the car’s curb weight is only 1370 kg. Thanks to its lightness, the SC-01 with two electric motors totaling 425 hp accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

Everything about this project exudes seriousness, starting with Liu Dezheng’s involvement as a shareholder. He is a co-founder of Xiaomi and has deployed the company’s resources to support the designers of the Roadster. Technically, it remains serious with its suspension components featuring forged aluminum axle fusées, 6-piston front brake calipers and 4-piston rear calipers paired with 350 mm disc brakes. Show-off or achievement, SSC claims that its braking system is better than that of the Porsche 911 GT3… If it manages to approach that, it will already be an achievement for an electric car! As a mark of quality, Michelin Pilot Sport CUP2 18-inch tires come as standard. Without a doubt, this is what’s best in the business.

With a 60 kWh battery, SSC claims a range of 520 km. That’s not only impossible, but such a claim undermines the credibility of a previously perfect presentation. With 300 km, you have plenty of fun before stopping at a charging station to stretch your arms and neck, and charge from 30% to 80% in 25 minutes before hitting the curves again with a smile on your face. Incurable Chinese builders, always emphasizing performance over pleasure.

Once seated in the racing bucket seats, you face a large LCD dashboard and a sport steering wheel with a flat bottom. It’s ultra-minimalist, functional, and above all, screams sporty. The central tunnel does not have an armrest but houses the rotary gear selector and electric window switches. On the ceiling, the SC-01 is equipped with a row of physical buttons to control the air conditioning, front wipers, V2L system, etc. It’s smart to free up space on the console, and frankly, it looks super stylish!

Overall, the SSC SC-01 is an exciting vehicle, and we’re close to a crush. At $42,000, it will find its audience, that’s for sure. Let’s hope France isn’t overlooked, even with a small additional fee as an entry tax, because it has everything to succeed there and shake the heritage of the Alpine A110.