Zeekr 001 FR, 1265 km range to beat the Tesla Model S Plaid

The Chinese manufacturer, owned by the Geely giant, unveiled the flamboyant version of its 001 sedan capable of competing with the Tesla Model S Plaid.

Arrogance has always been a tool to make oneself heard, whether in showbiz or industry. At its reveal in 2021, the Chinese brand Zeekr — which arrives in Europe in 2023 — promised to say “goodbye to boring electric vehicles”… while targeting Tesla without explicitly naming it.

Last August, an even less discreet new communication was shared on Mobiwisy: Zeekr provokes Tesla by calling its Plaid “dull”. So, the promises are kept, and Zeekr has revealed the ultra-sporty version of its 001 sedan, the FR, with a completely unnecessary electric power of 1265 horsepower and 0 to 100 km/h in 2.07 seconds. The top speed is limited to 280 km/h…

It’s hard to gauge the overall look based solely on aesthetic judgment, as this is subjective, but discretion and good taste seem to have been discarded from the design brief. Aerodynamic appendages, carbon elements, largely cut-out bumpers — we’ve seen more graceful designs. Massive 22-inch wheels (265/40 and 295/40 ZR 22) hide Brembo carbon-ceramic discs.

To handle such power, the Zeekr 001 FR would benefit from cutting-edge electronic management and an individual wheel torque vectoring system capable of managing energy on each wheel separately. To such an extent that the Chinese car promises to turn on itself like an assault tank… Useful for daily driving or for show on Instagram.

To achieve this, the 001 FR is equipped with 4 motors: 2 at the front, each 155 kW, and 2 at the rear, each 310 kW, totaling 930 kW. Its weight is approximately 2,115 kg.

Finally, although the price “will approach one million Yuans” (about €130,000), Zeekr assures it will start deliveries in October 2023 at a rate of 99 cars per month.

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