Equipping a vehicle with four electric motors gives it huge amounts of torque and allows each wheel to be controlled individually, which is ideal for improving traction off the line, helping it crawl over inhospitable terrain and, as this video shows, spin through 360 degrees without leaving the spot.
Tank turns aren’t new, we’ve seen a few EVs demo-ing the tech in recent years, including Rivian, who later announced it wouldn’t be offering it on production vehicles because it was worried about the damage reckless drivers might inflict on trails. But while we’re familiar with SUVs performing tank turns, we’re not used to seeing regular sedan-shaped electric cars pull the stunt.
There’s no reason why they can’t, though, providing they’ve got the quad motor hardware, as this Zeekr 001 FR shows. The FR is the top model in Zeekr’s 001 lineup, a rival to Tesla’s Model S Plaid, and a car with plenty of talking points besides being able to chase its own tail in parking lots.
There are four motors to the Tesla Plaid’s three, and power stats that throw serious shade Tesla’s way. The FR is rated at 1,248 hp (1,265 PS) and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm), compared with 1,006 hp (1,020 PS) for the Plaid, though while both claimed the same 2.1-second zero to 62 mph time, the Tesla’s 200 mph (322 km/h) top speed far exceeds the 174 mph (280 km/h) Zeekr claims for the FR.
Related: Zeekr 001 FR Debuts With Four Motors, Tank Turns And 1,248 HP
Beyond the powertrain, the FR distinguishes itself from lesser 001s via its carbon fiber body kit that includes a front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a fairly large trunk spoiler. The roof and mirror caps are also made from carbon, and while the 22-inch wheels aren’t, being formed from tried and tested aluminum alloy, they do come wrapped in sticky performance rubber and are matched with 16.5-inch (420 mm) Brembo carbon ceramic front discs and AP calipers to help control the huge power output.
The FR is currently only available in China, but that could soon change. During a recent interview with Auto News Europe, Zeekr Europe’s head of product and connectivity Alessandro Massimino said Zeekr is currently evaluating the cost of homologating the 001 FR for the European market to act as a halo model for the brand.
