Mullen Technologies has revealed the build location of its first North American product. The sporty Qiantu K50 electric coupe will be made in Spokane, Washington. The Chinese automaker signed a letter of intent with the West Plains Airport Area Public Development Authority of Spokane, asking them to build a 1.3-million-square-foot facility to research, manufacture and assemble the K50. The compound will be home to around 55 jobs off the bat with the potential to grow that number to over 850 by 2026 as Mullen introduces other, more mainstream models to North America. And that’s in addition to the facility that will be used for battery development and production in the interim — with that included, job numbers could be as high as 3,000. The K50, which has been ripping around roads in China since summer 2018, is set to land in North America as the Qiantu flagship with 430 horsepower coming from two electric motors, and a zero-to-96 km/h run of 4.2 seconds. For the moment, driving range is pegged around the 200-mile mark (322 kilometres). Mullen’s initial offering will include 1,000 signature series models, which are expected to be priced above US$100,000, perhaps as high as US$150,000.
Origin: Qiantu plans to build its K50 EV in Washington State
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Autocar confidential: Morgan’s factory expansion plans, BMW’s hydrogen doubts and more
In this week’s report from the motoring grapevine, we hear why BMW isn’t prioritising hydrogen technology development, how Morgan will use some of the funds from its recent cash injection and more. No solid plans Solid-state battery technology remains several years away from production reality, according to new Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius. Speaking to Autocar, he claimed that none of the suppliers developing it “are currently at the stage where we can go out and say ‘please sell me these’”. Källenius reckons we won’t see a solid-state production EV before 2025. Citi limits The Skoda e-Citigo, launching this year as the Czech firm’s first electric model, will feature a range of around 186 miles. That will make the city car, based on the Volkswagen e-Up, “more than competitive in its class”, according to Skoda boss Bernhard Maier. New plot for old plot Morgan has built on only half of the 10-acre site where its Malvern factory is located. This means there’s plenty of room for the new museum, visitor centre, design studio and production increase (from 750 to 1500 units) it has proposed. The plans have received council backing. Not cooking on gas While Audi is ramping up its hydrogen programme, BMW’s product management boss Peter Henrich doesn’t see fuel cells “lifting off in the near future”, pointing out that infrastructure challenges with hydrogen remain. Any success fuel cells have is “very much dependent” on the speed of battery development, he
Origin: Autocar confidential: Morgan’s factory expansion plans, BMW’s hydrogen doubts and more
Drag racer plans mid-engined Hellephant wheelstanding Challenger for 2020
The 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi Under Glass wheelstanderGoodwood Festival of Speed A brand new Hurst Hemi Under Glass drag racing wheelstander will be built by the drivers of the original car, based on a 2020 Dodge Challenger and powered by a 1,000-horsepower V8. According to Hemmings, the car will be built by Mike Mantel, who currently campaigns a 1968 model year Barracuda Hurst Hemi Under Glass built by Bob Riggle, one of the original drivers of the iconic 1965 Hurst Hemi Under Glass. Riggle had been campaigning the 1968 model since 1991, which makes it the longest-raced car of the series. Powering the wild car will be Dodge’s brand new Hellephant crate engine, which famously makes 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb.-ft. of torque from its 426 cubic inches, aided by a supercharger. The name Hemi Under Glass comes from a 1960s Barracuda wheelstander that had the engine behind the front seat, under the large fastback window. The new car will feature the same configuration, along with the same independent rear brakes for steering while doing wheelies; an undermounted radiator; and a window in the firewall so Mantel can see where he’s going. The idea came to Mantel a few years back, but when he pitched Bob Riggle about the idea, Riggle remarked people were only interested in seeing the vintage car run. Mantel showed a concept drawing to the crowd at the 2019 Spring Festival of LX, and the response was so positive that it reignited his desire to build the car. We’re super excited to see the vehicle as this is probably the first mid-engine conversion done to a Challenger, and the inclusion of the classic Cragar wheels as seen on the concept poster would send it over the top on the
Origin: Drag racer plans mid-engined Hellephant wheelstanding Challenger for 2020
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