Today, the covers have finally come off the Drako Dragon EV with the brand claiming that it’s the “most powerful” and “fastest” production SUV in history.
The new model is the second the Californian-based start up has created following its Fisker Karma-based GTE sedan and is said to produce a whopping 1491kW from its four electric motors.
That power figure is enough to accelerate the Dragon from 0 to 100km/h in 1.9 seconds and reach a top speed over 322km/h (200mp/h), says Drako.
Feeding the motors is a battery pack capable of 500kW fast charging and a range of up to 676km.
It also has adaptive suspension which can raise and lower the vehicle depending on the driving mode selected. Large 420mm carbon ceramic brake discs with 10 piston calipers at the front and 410mm discs and six-piston units at the back bring the Dragon to a stop.
Design work was undertaken in Italy by Lowie Vermeersch and his GranStudio team which fitted the SUV with none other than single-piece gullwing doors.
Other exterior features include a functional front air vent in the bonnet to reduce drag, rear buttresses that allow air to pass through them, and even rally lights on its roof.
The chassis is made up of a carbon fibre monocoque which the natural-fibre composite body panels mount to.
Inside, there’s seating for five occupants while a massive 17.1-inch centrally mounted touchscreen display provides monitoring and configuration of the Dragon’s systems. The driver’s digital instrument display is customisable alongside the programmable steering wheel controls.
As for the price, the Drako Dragon starts at $US290,000 ($NZ473,010) with individual customisation options raising that number if the customer so desires.
Production will be undertaken in the US with the brand planning to make 5000 vehicles per year. First deliveries are expected in 2026 when manufacturing gets underway.