An Updated Version of the Car
The car that was shown off at the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans by the British company Dendrobium started its design life at Vanda Electrics. According to Motor Authority, Dendrobium took over the project from that company and moved its design and development along. The car was presented as a concept at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. From there Dendrobium decided to continue to work on it. Now it has a prototype, which is the car it brought to Le Mans. The Dendrobium D-1 is getting closer to being a production car.
The car’s specifications are impressive. Also, Dendrobium got serious and brought aboard McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens to help craft and fine-tune the car’s aerodynamics. That is likely a smart move because with power output numbers like this car has, you’ll want an aerodynamic vehicle. The company also put on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R to ensure that power was being properly utilized.
In terms of powertrain, there are two electric motors. The company has one at each axle. The combined power output is 1,800 horsepower and 1,475 lb-ft of torque. That’s an insane amount of power and Dendrobium states that it translates to a 0-60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds and a top speed over 200 mph.
Not all of the car’s specifics have been revealed. Range, for example, is still a question and some of the finer points of the powertrain are still shrouded in secrecy. The company has a similar business plan to Rimac, which seems to have worked out well for the Croatian company, and could help Dendrobium become a serious force to be reckoned with.
