Imperia GP - a legendary Belgian marque is back - AllCarIndex
Imperia Automobiles has released the following press release:
IMPERIA AUTOMOBILES SA is proud to present its dream hybrid in flesh and bone...
The first Imperia to leave the Liege workshops for more than 50 years is given a prestigious baptism at the Motor Show, a world exclusive in the framework of the ‘Dream Cars for Wishes’ event, an exhibition of dream cars to benefit the Make-a-Wish foundation. To be seen this 22nd and 23rd of January in Heysel’s Palais 11.
Imperia: virtual turns real
The rebirth of a legend
From 1900 to 1950, Imperia wrote one of the greatest entries in the pages of the history of cars in Belgium. Flattering sales, convincing successes in a few international races, the Liege make occupies an enviable position among prestige cars. Innovative company, Imperia integrated the Pieper workshops, where the Auto-Mixte was created, the first hybrid vehicle with a ‘petrol-electric’ engine (1897).
The SME Green Propulsion re-appropriated history and brought the mark back to life in 2008. It has presented the fantastic project of a hybrid car that combines reason and magic, performance and ecology, function and pleasure...
Imperia Automobiles SA
To provide the means for its desires, Imperia-la-neuve expanded rapidly and created its own structure: Imperia-Autos SA will be devoted to assembling and marketing the eco-roadster of the future. The young company has benefited and continues to benefit from the developments brought about by Green Propulsion in sports cars. Last June it raised more capital. It was able to surround itself with many passionate, visionary private investors. Contributions made by a recoverable advance, a loan, that was granted by the Walloon Region.
Concretely
Attracting capital is by far the biggest challenge to meet. Contract fulfilled, enough at least to devote ourselves completely to the challenge of development...and of manufacturing.
Chassis, engine type, electricity, design, assembly...Imperia-Auto SA is surrounded by strong technical partners, with experience in every area of the conception. Experts at every key stage and experts made in Belgium. Essentially!
New Car Concept
From the standpoint of the engine, the roadster offers an exclusive technological innovation: «Powerhybrid»® propulsion, which combines electric and thermal engines with a harmony and an efficiency never before achieved. This ‘dream car’ thus has remarkably low CO2 emissions (as low as zero in ‘full’ electric mode) and exhibits true sports handling. Imagine the consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions of a Smart ForTwo combined with the performance of a Porsche or a Ferrari! (from 0 to 100km/ht in 6 seconds in electric mode, or 4 seconds in hybrid mode, and the standing start km brought down in 22.5 seconds). These remarkable numbers exceed initial expectations, thank in particular to the very recent arrival of 4 in-line cylinders under the thermal bonnet, this very supercharged 1600 cc, with direct injection that will be in the WRC as from this year…the F1s as from 2013!
Transmission of Engineering Genius
An mechanically, Imperia would like to reveal its new transmission that will make the pretty bombshell efficient in every condition, from the roads used by city dwellers to the demanding conditions of track races…But while waiting for a patent, the Liege company is keeping the secret.
Fatal Beauty
The Imperia could not take its place among the ‘exclusive cars’ that are the most…exclusive without the right look. It neo-retro style, with independent wings on the hood and its fluid lined, sets it apart from the current standards.
The Liege company is also putting the final touches on the interior of this beauty. In keeping with the exterior, the interior is neo-retro and presents a clean dashboard from the ‘60s. An overhang in the middle of the console is inspired by the Imperia TA11. As evolution obliges, it provides shelter to a central touch screen, replacing manual controls.
A concept, innovative techniques, performance, a look… all accessible to Belgians for 89,950.00 Euros, VAT included, after deduction of environmental premium (78,091 Euros, VAT excluded).
The Imperia is here!
Here in flesh and bone at the salon alongside the most prestigious makes of cars, the environmental roadster will take to the asphalt stage. Soon two rolling prototypes will join the static frame.
Without revealing its plans, Imperia Automobile SA will use this beauty on the road (on the track? Who knows…) during and automotive media event that will take plac, say, between May and July.
The second half of 2011 is entirely reserved for the burn-in of the car before it is put into production. Out little Liegeoise will be put through its paces during some extreme tests (from the north of Sweden to the south of Spain…). The goal: to make up for anything that bight be lacking in a small-scale car.