How a Hypercar is Artisanally Manufactured in Spain

Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera is a hypercar crafted entirely by hand in Spain. Introduced last June to commemorate the brand's 120th anniversary, it represents a leap forward in performance, efficiency, and range.

The Carmen Sagrera features four electric motors delivering 1,114 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds, offering the driving experience sought by a true gentleman driver.

Hispano Suiza is a historic Spanish automobile brand owned by four generations of the Suqué Mateu family. Hispano Suiza Fábrica de Automóviles SA was founded in Barcelona in 1904 by Damián Mateu, with the assistance of technical director and engineer Marc Birkigt, also a partner in the company. In 2024, it celebrates 120 years of history, being one of the brands with the greatest legacy in automotive history.

Between 1904 and 1946, Hispano Suiza manufactured over 12,000 luxury high-performance vehicles and 50,000 aircraft engines. In 2019, the brand unveiled the Hispano Suiza Carmen, its 100% electric "Hypercar," and a year later, it raised the stakes with the Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne. In 2024, the Carmen Sagrera completes the range of electric hypercars, redefining the Gentleman Driver concept and setting the future design direction of the brand. In total, there are 24 exclusive and limited units.

Its production at the company's headquarters in Barcelona involves a meticulous process that combines innovation, design, and craftsmanship. These are the five fundamental steps for its creation, incorporating some of the latest developments that make this car a true work of art on wheels.

The production of the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera begins in parallel with the vehicle's configuration by the client. As a highly customizable model, making each unit unique in line with the hyperlux concept coined by the brand, the company's design team maintains regular contact with the future owner to tailor the car to their tastes and update them on production progress.

The initial steps involve the pre-assembly of various sets, such as the front and rear subframes, the four suspension trains, the drive shafts, and the interior dashboard. The steering is installed on the front subframe; and on the rear, the support for the inverters, and the propulsion system (motors and reducers, which will have been tested and calibrated beforehand on the dynamometer).

In parallel, the company's technical team builds the 103 kWh battery, produced internally, and debuting in the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera. Thanks to it, this model boasts a range of up to 480 kilometers. Simultaneously, another team produces the high-voltage wiring.

The production of Hispano Suiza's latest hypercar continues with the installation of various body elements on the monocoque, all made of carbon fiber, a process carried out by hand, with great attention to detail to ensure each piece fits perfectly. Some interior elements are also installed.

After pre-fitting and adjusting all the pieces, the painting process begins, in the color specification previously designated by the client among the virtually infinite possibilities offered by the brand. This work is also done by hand by Hispano Suiza technicians, highlighting the company's care and attention to detail. The final treatment of the pieces is also carried out.

On this assembly, the wiring, cooling system, steering, supports, and brakes are installed. Then, the front and rear subframes, and all the components of the rolling chassis: suspensions, brakes, wheels.

In parallel, the upholstery of the interiors in high-quality materials such as Alcantara or leather begins, which will be cut and sewn by hand, following the owner's preferences.

The production process of the Hispano Suiza Carmen is nearing its end. With the chassis already assembled and ready to roll, the technical team focuses on the final assembly and adjustment of the interiors, which includes the technology that powers the hypercar's advanced infotainment system, and all the comfort systems it includes. The final assembly of the exterior set is also carried out, including the emblems and logos with the stork as the main feature.

Once constructed, the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera is ready for delivery to the client. Approximately eight months will have passed since the process began. The final phase involves validating the set in a test run of a few kilometers, both on the road and on the track, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Montmeló), located next to the brand's facilities.

Once it is meticulously verified that the vehicle is in perfect condition and that all systems are functioning correctly, it will be delivered to its new owner, who will be able to enjoy a supreme driving experience.