Insanely Quick Electric 3-Wheeler — Girfalco Azkarra

The Quebec-based electric vehicle startup Girfalco has now unveiled its high-performance 3-wheel electric vehicle, the Azkarra — providing us with a few surprises. The model is seemingly deserving of the moniker “high-performance” with its acceleration of 0 to ~62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds; its peak power of 225 kW (in the “S” version); its top speed of ~149 mph; and its range of ~124 miles per full-charge.

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Notably, the company claims that these figures are based on “conservative” simulations, not actual testing — so actual performance could end up better (the company seems to think it will), or worse. We’ll have to wait to find out. Pre-orders (reliant on refundable deposits) will reportedly begin in mid-January 2017, according to an email sent to CleanTechnica and EV Obsession.

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There will apparently be two offerings, the Azkarra and the Azkarra S. The Azkarra S will possess 162 kW of continuous power, and 225 kW of peak power. The base Azkarra will feature 54 kW of continuous power, and 75 kW of peak power.

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With regard to the other differences between the two offerings, the Azkarra S will do 0 to ~62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in the aforementioned 2.5 seconds, and the Azkarra will in 4.5 seconds; the Azkarra S will possess a top speed of ~149 mph (240 km/h), the base Azkarra a top speed of ~124 mph (200 km/h); and both will apparently possess a minimum range of ~124 miles (200 kilometers).

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Pricing will follow a similar pattern, with the Azkarra retailing for CAD$67,500 and the Azkarra S for CAD$97,500. Buyers will reportedly be able to “convert” their vehicle into a unique edition for a further CAD$10,000 — this apparently involves choosing “from a selection of national racing colors inspired vehicles and exclusive options.”

Vehicle weights vary as well, with the Azkarra possessing an estimated weight of 1,058 lbs (480 kilograms) and Azkarra S 1,124 lbs (510 kilograms).

A few other points: the vehicles will feature torque vectoring; the ability to recharge to around 80% in a half hour or so (Level 3 charger); and optimized suspension.

The email sent to CleanTechnica and EV Obsession provides a bit more:

“Based in Boucherville, Québec, Girfalco’s design team has spared no effort under the direction and inspiration of Simon Luc Bouchard, Girfalco’s CEO, to design a vehicle that rivals the most beautiful vehicles on the road today. The Azkarra combines classicism and modernity in what can be considered as a big step forward within the three-wheel vehicle industry, surpassing the competition in every point.

“Equipped with three motors, the Azkarra S is without a doubt the quickest vehicle in its category, playing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of supercars and even hypercars. Having torque vectoring capabilities, the Azkarra S manages the power sent to each wheel, increasing your grip on the road.”

As far as initial production figures, as alluded to above, the Azkarra and the Azkarra S will apparently be quite “exclusive” — total vehicle figures will apparently be 100 units, with only 25 units slated for production in 2017.

Pretty interesting overall, though the range seems a bit low for the price (of course, space in a compact 3-wheeler is very limited). As an exclusive high-performance sort of vehicle, though, it’ll probably do pretty well. I wonder if Jay Leno will end up buying one?

Via CleanTechnica

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