W Motors is an Emirati sports car manufacturing company based in Dubai that develops high-performance luxury sports cars. The company's activities include automotive design, research and development, as well as vehicle engineering and manufacture.
History
Development of the W Motors brand took seven years.[5] European auto manufacturers Carrozzeria Viotti, Magna Steyr, RUF Automobile and StudioTorino were involved in W Motors's development.[5][6] Initial investment topped US$13 million,[5] some of which came from FFA Private Bank of Lebanon, who became a stakeholder in the company.
W Motors was founded in Lebanon in July 2012.[7]
W Motors launched its first prototype model, the Lykan HyperSport, at the Qatar International Motor Show in January 2013.[8] Shortly thereafter, the company moved its headquarters to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).[9]
Also in 2013, Universal Studios ordered twelve Lykan HyperSport stunt cars to appear in the film Furious 7,[9] one of which is available for public viewing at the W Motors Gallery in Dubai. It is the most expensive car ever featured in the Fast and the Furious films,[10] though the vehicles seen on screen were driveable stunt models rather than production vehicles. The Lykan HyperSport's first pre-production model debuted at the Dubai International Motor Show on 5 October 2013.[8]
Other venues where the Lykan HyperSport was displayed include the Dubai International Boat Show[11] in the United Arab Emirates; the Historical, Vintage, and Classical Cars Museum[12] in Kuwait; and Cohen&Cunil[13] in Marbella, Spain.
The road-ready model of Lykan HyperSport premiered at Top Marques Monaco in April 2014.[7] The Lykan HyperSport officially went on sale in December 2014. Limited to 7 units,[6][9] the HyperSport was priced at $3.4 million and was manufactured in Turin, Italy.[5][10]
Founder Debbas announced in April 2015 that W Motors would be opening an automotive design academy, W Design School, in 2017, which has been delayed to 2020 with the upcoming W Motors factory. Also in April 2015, Furious 7 debuted, featuring the Lykan HyperSport.[6]
In June 2015, the Abu Dhabi police purchased a Lykan HyperSport.[14][15]
W Motors had a three-person automotive design team as of 2012, all graduates of the transportation design degree program at Coventry University.[16] It operates several facilities in Europe, with its main production facility in Turin, Italy,[9] and has collaborated with international partners and suppliers from the automotive industry, including Magna Steyr, StudioTorino, Ruf Automobile, Novasis Ingegneria, ID4Motion,[17] and the University of Tokyo in the technical field, and Franck Muller Watches and Quintessentially Lifestyle Concierge Services in the luxury field.[8]
The company's second model, the Fenyr SuperSport, debuted in November 2015.[9] Two SUV models, which were to be built in the UAE and have a price range of US$200–300K, were set to debut in April 2016, at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.[9] A sedan, whose model name has not been announced, was scheduled to debut in 2015 or 2016; it would have had a US$200,000 retail price.[6] Neither the SUVs nor the sedan have been confirmed as future production lines.
W Motors planned to its factories and manufacturing facilities to the port city of Jebel Ali in the UAE sometime in 2016.[9][18] The plant was expected to make over 200 cars per year by 2017, when production of the sedan and SUV lines were intended to begin.[19] It would have been the first automotive manufacturing facility in the region with on-site R&D, and was intended to include a test track.[18] W Motors confirmed in September 2017 that the facility would be delayed until 2020.[20]
The company also revealed in September 2017 that the Fenyr SuperSport's road-legal model would debut in November of the same year, along with the opening of a new showroom in City Walk 2. They also teased a new model, planned to be revealed in 2018, which would be priced around US$500,000 and will compete with the likes of the Lamborghini Aventador SV or the Ferrari F12.[20]
Present day
W Motors currently operates two locations: a design centre in the Dubai Business Bay, and the flagship Gallery in City Walk.[2]
The company claims to have sold all seven of the Lykan HyperSport units, and has confirmed that the 10-unit Fenyr SuperSport Launch Edition series has sold out (five to a Japanese businessman).[21]
On 17 November 2019, British racing driver Oliver Webb was announced as a W Motors Brand Ambassador[22] and took part in the company's first track experience two days later.[23][24] He will drive at W Motors events and assist in the development of their upcoming car.[22][24]
Construction of the US$100 million W Motors factory began in January 2020, with Stage One expected to be complete by October 2020.[25][26][27] At the same time of the announcement, W Motors confirmed the first 9 Fenyr SuperSport Launch Editions had been delivered, and batch of approximately 60 cars was in production.[25]
In February 2020, Ralph Debbas announced the company would produce an electric supercar.
Models
W Motors has produced three vehicles independently, three vehicles in partnership with ICONIQ Motors, and has planned and announced a variety of others.
Produced/In production
Lykan HyperSport
The Lykan HyperSport is powered by a flat 6-cylinder 3746 cc twin-turbo mid-rear engine, developing 780 hp and 960 Nm of torque,[28] claiming 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds with a maximum speed of 404 km/h.[29] It features a holographic display with interactive motion and tactile interaction. LED headlights are made up of a titanium blade encrusted with diamonds and the taillights with sapphires. A 24-hour concierge service is also available from Quintessentially.
Fenyr SuperSport
In 2013, W Motors announced it would manufacture a second line of supercars, that was later unveiled as the $1.4 million Fenyr SuperSport, named after Fenrir, a monstrous wolf in Norse mythology. This car, with production limited to 110 units total,[14][30][31] focuses on high-performance and more discreet luxury details when compared to the Lykan HyperSport.[30] The Fenyr SuperSport features a 4.0L twin-turbocharged Flat-6 with 900 hp and 811 lbft, with a 0–60 mph performance time of 2.7 seconds, and a top speed over 249 mph,[30] and a curb weight of approximately 1200 kg. The Fenyr Supersport was unveiled at the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show.[9] On November 29, 2017, with the opening of the new W Motors Gallery in Dubai, the production version of the Fenyr SuperSport was revealed, with many changes from the concept.[32]
The Fenyr SuperSport was being developed in concert with an eco-friendly racecar program fostered by Quimera, an electric-car manufacturer.[33][34] The results of this partnership are unclear.
Ghiath
W Motors Special Project Divisions developed a prototype police vehicle for the Dubai government, originally referred to as Beast Patrol. The vehicle was renamed Ghiath by the Crown Prince of Dubai.[35]
Little is known regarding technical specifications of the vehicle. The first vehicle is currently in use by the Dubai Police, and is badged by the Safe City Group rather than W Motors.[36]
Lykan HyperSport
The Lykan HyperSport is powered by a flat 6-cylinder 3746 cc twin-turbo mid-rear engine, developing 780 hp and 960 Nm of torque,[28] claiming 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds with a maximum speed of 404 km/h.[29] It features a holographic display with interactive motion and tactile interaction. LED headlights are made up of a titanium blade encrusted with diamonds and the taillights with sapphires. A 24-hour concierge service is also available from Quintessentially.
Fenyr SuperSport
In 2013, W Motors announced it would manufacture a second line of supercars, that was later unveiled as the $1.4 million Fenyr SuperSport, named after Fenrir, a monstrous wolf in Norse mythology. This car, with production limited to 110 units total,[14][30][31] focuses on high-performance and more discreet luxury details when compared to the Lykan HyperSport.[30] The Fenyr SuperSport features a 4.0L twin-turbocharged Flat-6 with 900 hp and 811 lbft, with a 0–60 mph performance time of 2.7 seconds, and a top speed over 249 mph,[30] and a curb weight of approximately 1200 kg. The Fenyr Supersport was unveiled at the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show.[9] On November 29, 2017, with the opening of the new W Motors Gallery in Dubai, the production version of the Fenyr SuperSport was revealed, with many changes from the concept.[32]
The Fenyr SuperSport was being developed in concert with an eco-friendly racecar program fostered by Quimera, an electric-car manufacturer.[33][34] The results of this partnership are unclear.
Ghiath
W Motors Special Project Divisions developed a prototype police vehicle for the Dubai government, originally referred to as Beast Patrol. The vehicle was renamed Ghiath by the Crown Prince of Dubai.[35]
Little is known regarding technical specifications of the vehicle. The first vehicle is currently in use by the Dubai Police, and is badged by the Safe City Group rather than W Motors.[36]
Productions with ICONIQ
ICONIQ Model 7
W Motors’ first collaborative project with ICONIQ resulted in the Model 7, an upscale electric passenger van.[37]
MUSE
An autonomous passenger vehicle known as MUSE, designed by W Motors, debuted at Auto Shanghai 2019. The concept was presented at the brand's showroom in February and claims level five automation.[38] It will be produced in the UAE.[25]
ICONIQ Model 7
W Motors’ first collaborative project with ICONIQ resulted in the Model 7, an upscale electric passenger van.[37]
MUSE
An autonomous passenger vehicle known as MUSE, designed by W Motors, debuted at Auto Shanghai 2019. The concept was presented at the brand's showroom in February and claims level five automation.[38] It will be produced in the UAE.[25]
Future projects
W Motors will continue to produce ICE-powered cars until 2026, as it transitions to a wholly electric brand.
Fenyr SuperSport HSF
A racing version of the SuperSport, the Fenyr SuperSport HSF, will use what W Motors is calling a "hybrid synthetic fuel" and be carbon-neutral.[33][39]
Luxury Sedan
An as-yet unnamed sedan model was scheduled to debut in 2016. An estimated 100 sedans per year will be produced, each costing approximately US$50000. The sedan's premiere was planned for the September 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.[6] It is unknown if this model will be produced.
Sport Utility Vehicle
Designs for a US$250000 luxury SUV were released to CNN in 2015, and it was expected to begin production when the factory opened.[40] It is unknown if this model will be produced.
Electric supercar
In February 2020, Debbas provided an interview with CNBC International to discuss W Motors' future electric supercar. Nicknamed 'Wolfie', the EV is expected to cost between US$600000 and US$900000 with a production run in excess of 500 units. The car should be able to travel 450 km on a single charge, with future developments pushing this past 1000 km. The car will be powered by four electric motors producing 1600 hp, powering the car's 0-60 mph time in less than 2 seconds. The car will be fully developed and produced in the UAE at W Motors' new factory and will debut as a pre-production car by the end of 2020, with a production launch in early 2021.[41]
Fenyr SuperSport HSF
A racing version of the SuperSport, the Fenyr SuperSport HSF, will use what W Motors is calling a "hybrid synthetic fuel" and be carbon-neutral.[33][39]
Luxury Sedan
An as-yet unnamed sedan model was scheduled to debut in 2016. An estimated 100 sedans per year will be produced, each costing approximately US$50000. The sedan's premiere was planned for the September 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.[6] It is unknown if this model will be produced.
Sport Utility Vehicle
Designs for a US$250000 luxury SUV were released to CNN in 2015, and it was expected to begin production when the factory opened.[40] It is unknown if this model will be produced.
Electric supercar
In February 2020, Debbas provided an interview with CNBC International to discuss W Motors' future electric supercar. Nicknamed 'Wolfie', the EV is expected to cost between US$600000 and US$900000 with a production run in excess of 500 units. The car should be able to travel 450 km on a single charge, with future developments pushing this past 1000 km. The car will be powered by four electric motors producing 1600 hp, powering the car's 0-60 mph time in less than 2 seconds. The car will be fully developed and produced in the UAE at W Motors' new factory and will debut as a pre-production car by the end of 2020, with a production launch in early 2021.[41]
In media
The Lykan HyperSport originally gained much of its attention from its inclusion in the Fast & Furious franchise.
Project CARS, a motorsport racing simulator video game developed by Slightly Mad Studios and distributed by Bandai Namco Games, released the Lykan HyperSport as its first downloadable content (DLC) vehicle in May 2015.[42] As of 2016, the Lykan HyperSport has also been included in eleven other video games, including Driveclub, Forza Motorsport 6, Forza Horizon 3, and CSR Racing 2 in January 2016 as DLC.[6][43]
External links
References
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