At the recent CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Italdesign, the legendary Italian design house now under the Volkswagen Group, showcased an updated version of its Quintessenza concept. This striking vehicle, a blend of coupe and pickup truck with a removable rear windshield, first debuted at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show.
However, the CES version boasts a significant upgrade: it’s now equipped with powerful in-wheel electric motors from Slovenian company Elaphe. These motors, previously seen in the now-defunct Lordstown Endurance electric pickup truck, deliver a staggering 2,000+ horsepower.
Elaphe’s innovative in-wheel motors, each measuring 21 inches in diameter and housed within a 24-inch wheel, provide a dramatic increase in power compared to the original Quintessenza’s three-inboard-motor setup. This new configuration not only enhances performance but also significantly improves off-road capabilities with 20 times faster wheel control.
Elaphe’s technology goes beyond raw power. These motors can generate vertical forces on the chassis, potentially revolutionizing vehicle stability during cornering. This groundbreaking capability could potentially replace or supplement existing suspension systems.
Furthermore, Elaphe has developed an advanced system to manage the inverter, allowing for customizable sound profiles and haptic feedback. This means manufacturers can tailor the driving experience to specific brand identities and driver preferences.
Quintessenza concept technical specs
BODY
– Length – 5561 mm (218.9 inches)
– Height – 1580 mm (62.2 inches)
– Width – 2200 mm (86.6 inches)
– Wheelbase – 3240 mm (127.6 inches)
– Front overhang – 1003 mm (39.5 inches)
– Rear overhang – 1318 mm (51.9 inches)
– Body Lightweight – Aluminum Structure
– Seats – 2+2
– Ground clearance: adjustable 200-280 mm (7.9 – 11 inches)
POWERTRAIN (estimated values)
– Battery – 150kWh/800V
– Power – 1600kW
– Range – 750 Km (466 mi)
– Acceleration – 0-100 Km/h < 2,5 seconds, < 2,2 seconds with high performance tires
– Drivetrain – 4x in-wheel drive architecture (2×300 kw front + 2×500 kW rear)
Elaphe’s Sonic.1: Power for High-Performance Vehicles
At CES, Elaphe also unveiled its Sonic.1 motor, designed for the front wheels of high-performance vehicles. Delivering a continuous output of 268 hp and a peak output of 342 hp while weighing only 88 pounds, the Sonic.1 is poised to become a game-changer in the automotive industry.
Interestingly, the Sonic.1 is not limited to EVs. It can also be integrated into combustion-powered vehicles, adding significant power to the front axle without increasing the vehicle’s frontal area.
The Future of In-Wheel Motors
Elaphe wasn’t the only company showcasing in-wheel motor technology at CES. Donut Lab introduced a modular family of in-wheel motors, with their flagship model boasting an impressive 845 horsepower.
While in-wheel motors offer numerous advantages, including reduced costs and improved vehicle packaging, challenges remain. Their increased unsprung mass can potentially impact handling, and their long-term durability still needs to be thoroughly proven.
[source: Italdesign]
