Zeekr Seeks F1 Legend’s Help To Improve EV

Zeekr 001 FR: 0-60 mph in 2.07 sec, 176 mph Max Speed

Kimi Raikkonen, a former Finnish racing driver, might have resigned from the world of Formula 1, but his appreciation for anything roaring fast remains kindled. This time around it has taken him to a role as the prime performance counsellor at Zeekr, a Chinese EV manufacturer, who are working on the 001 FR – an electrically powered shooting brake with an unbelievable 1,265 horsepowers. Itspartially weaker alternative recently succeeded in attaining two World Records according to the Guinness Book.

“We are thrilled to have the world-renowned racing champion Kimi Raikkonen join our team at Zeekr as Chief Performance Adviser for the Zeekr 001 FR,” declared Zeekr in an X post (formerly Twitter). “His expertise and experience in the racing world will be invaluable in helping us make the Zeekr 001 FR even faster and stronger.”

Kimi Raikkonen, colloquially known as the Iceman, is well accustomed to constructing swift cars, and ever since he initially began with Sauber in 2001, has collaborated with F1 engineers. His most valued item, however, is arguably the 2007 Formula One Drivers’ Champions plaque from Scuderia Ferrari. Not only that, but he has also taken part in other motor racing competitions like NASCAR and World Rally Championship (WRC).

#ZEEKR is elated to welcome the renowned champ Kimi Räikkönen onboard as Chief Performance Advisor, to help make #ZEEKR001FR quicker and more potent. Keep watching this space for more info!

Boasting a wealth of motor racing knowledge, Raikkonen’s arrival should allow the Zeekr 001 to showcase improved functional strength. Having already hit 1,265 hp, this wholly electric system and quad-engine structure pathways to a maximum speed of approximately 174 mph.

The Zeekr’s quad-motor powertrain allows a 0 to 60 sprint of an impressive 2.07 seconds “in a rolling start scenario,” which implies the elimination of rollout. This time is slightly slower than the Tesla Model S Plaid’s 1.99-second acceleration time, which the Zeekr has been pitted against. The Chinese EV maker even went as far as to call the Plaid “dull.”

An aero kit crafted from carbon fibre gives the dynamic powertrain an extra boost, with 10-piston AP racing brake calipers on the front and four-piston ones at the back – all wrapped up by 22-inch performance rubber.

On paper, the Tesla Model S Plaid still appears to have a slight edge over the Zeekr 001 FR when it comes to pick-up and maximum speed. Nevertheless, there is not much between them with Raikkonen potentially able to bridge the minimal divide. We may yet see the duo decide it on the track as reports suggest that the Zeekr could become available in the United States by 2025.

At present, let us shift our gaze to the unveiling of the Zeekr 001 FR purported to commence on October 27 in Beijing.