Hi-po Leapmotor C10 under development

LEAPMOTOR’S joint venture with Stellantis has given the Chinese new energy vehicle start-up access to long term technical tie-ups with outside automotive specialist companies particularly in Europe forged over decades by its partner.

The latest development sees Leapmotor linking with celebrated performance specialist Irmscher to collaborate in a co-developed high performance AWD version of its fully electric C10 medium-size SUV.

The “garden variety” C10 is Leapmotor’s first vehicle to be offered Down Under with more to follow soon and is priced at the affordable end of the fully electric medium size SUV segment.

Irmscher is a German company founded by rally driver and mechanic Gunther Irmscher in 1968 that specialises, manufactures, and supplies customised parts, accessories and special edition vehicles and is particularly known for its close collaboration with Opel and Vauxhall brand vehicles.

In what might provide a glimpse into the future for Leapmotor, Irmscher began back in the day by tuning and operating factory teams in motorsports, eventually growing into a global supplier of styling components, wheels, and performance upgrades.

Announced earlier in August, Irmscher and Leapmotor will work together to launch a special series of the C10 with a dual motor AWD powertrain and up to 400kW limited to only 250 units

The so-called “flagship” remains unseen as yet but is the starting point of the collaboration.

Leapmotor says the high performance C10 is scheduled for launch late this year and “will set new technological standards for the company”.

It ushers in the brand’s 800-volt technology to Europe providing a potent all-wheel drive BEV to be offered for sale in Germany with close to 400kW and an unknown amount of torque.

“The intelligent dual-motor all-wheel drive system, which enables acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, offers a driving experience that is both safe and exhilarating,” said Leapmotor in a statement.

“The C10’s drivetrain ensures optimal grip and stability, responding instantly to changing surfaces whether on rain-soaked roads, snowy mountain passes, or gravel paths.

“The latest addition to the Leapmotor portfolio will feature an 81.9kWh battery and thanks to the vehicle’s advanced 800-volt architecture, the specially developed LFP battery enables ultra-fast charging from 30-80 per cent in 22 minutes.”

While the German market is first cab off the rank for the high performance C10 the international version of the new C10 with all-wheel drive will be shown in Europe for the first time at the Zurich Motor Show in October.

“We are very excited about this new flagship model for our brand, which will set a new standard not only in design but also in technology,” said Leapmotor Germany CEO Martin Resch.

“The C10 is our response to the growing demand for greater range, faster charging, and superior driving dynamics without compromising comfort or efficiency.

“By collaborating with Irmscher, a traditional German company, we are continuing on our current path. We are bringing together the best of both worlds: the speed and technology of a Chinese high-tech start-up and German design and customisation expertise.

“This project is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of the Leapmotor brand and to give it an emotional boost.”

Günther Irmscher, managing director of Irmscher Automobilbau added, “For almost 60 years, we have been working with renowned OEMs, delivering customized vehicle solutions”.

“The collaboration we have now launched with Leapmotor as the first Chinese manufacturer is also a milestone for us,” he added.

“The partnership will certainly help showcase Leapmotor models even more attractively and thus make them even more interesting for German customers.

“We look forward to the journey we embark on together with this project.”

Irmscher has customised more than 550,000 vehicles since it started operations six decades ago and has been working with Stellantis for many years.

Further images, technical details, and prices for the “Irmscher C10” will be announced early in Q4 this year.