The next generation road racer may soon arrive. Powered by a hydrogen fuel system, the Machina is racing evolved.
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Speed. Future.
The time of gas powered cars is slowly coming to an end. French startup, Hopium, has been designing a speed machine that is eco friendly too. Now, they are ready to test it on real roads.
Some of the Machina’s specs seems straight from the future.
The car aims to hit 600 miles, when full on power. As a comparison, the closest competitor is able to hit 400 miles between top ups. A high-pressure tank runs along the spine of the chassis, with a laterally-mounted smaller tank sitting above the rear wheels.
Now comes the best part: The Machina can generate 500 horsepower. Speed will probably be its second nature.
Handsome Devil
The one thing about road racers is that that need to be fast, and look good too. The Machina does not disappoint on both counts.
The car’s exterior sports a minimalist look. The body seems to flow along the road, rather than stand apart. With smooth, clean lines, the Machina looks like a car from the future.
A Visionary Genesis
Founded in 2019 by Olivier Lombard, the youngest winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 category, Hopium set out to revolutionize the automotive industry with hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Machina, unveiled at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, stands as the company’s flagship model, epitomizing their commitment to performance and sustainability.
Design and Performance Excellence
The Hopium Machina boasts a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette, meticulously crafted by automotive designer Félix Godard, known for his work with Porsche, Tesla, and Lucid. Its athletic yet elegant profile is complemented by an innovative kinetic grille, optimized for both fuel cell cooling and aerodynamics. The distinctive lighting signature draws inspiration from the stratification of the fuel cell stack and the gentle undulations of water surfaces.
Under the hood, the Machina is equipped with an integrated fuel cell system delivering approximately 493 horsepower, enabling the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds and reach a top speed of 143 mph. A standout feature is its impressive range of over 620 miles on a single hydrogen refill, which can be completed in just three minutes, offering a seamless and efficient driving experience.
Luxurious and Sustainable Interior
Inside, the Machina offers a spacious cabin designed with both luxury and sustainability in mind. The interior materials are sourced exclusively from Europe, ensuring high quality while minimizing environmental impact. A panoramic glass roof with an active shading function allows passengers to control the amount of natural light, enhancing comfort and ambiance.
The dashboard features a pillar-to-pillar display that provides a customizable digital landscape of information, accessible to both driver and passenger. This display can transform between full and minimized layouts with a wave-like motion, controlled via a haptic console that offers a tactile connection to the vehicle’s interface.
What adds to its appeal is its all black design. The visual aesthetic feels like the entire car was sculpted from a single piece.
Vision 2025
Hopium is currently accepting reservations for the Machina. The intended roll out is in 2025.
