- One of seven development vehicles of the Hyperion XP-1 is offered for sale in excellent condition with minor flaws.
- The prototype is drivable but swaps the sophisticated hydrogen-electric powertrain for some form of ‘electric propulsion’.
- The auction winner will be able to customize a special edition of the production-spec Hyperion XP-1 and trade-in the prototype when the real deal is ready.
Hyperion Motors has yet to unveil the production version of their XP-1 hypercar, which was originally announced in 2020 promising wild specs and the use of NASA-developed technology. While there is no indication of a forthcoming market launch, an ‘ultra-rare’ development prototype of the Hyperion XP-1 will soon be offered in an online auction.
This life-sized model, built by the Southern California startup, is one of seven prototypes created for development of the XP-1. While technically a concept car, its design is intended to form the basis for a production version, should that ever come to fruition. Despite having some unspecified “minor flaws,” the prototype is reportedly in excellent condition.
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According to the SBX Cars listing, the prototype is “fitted with electric propulsion and is drivable as a show car”. This means the winning bidder won’t experience the hydrogen fuel cell system, including the hydrogen tanks, supercapacitors, high-performance motors, and special gearbox planned for the production model.
That version promises a mind-blowing 2,000 horsepower and over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of range. While the auction details don’t mention the dummy electric motor’s specifications, it’s safe to assume it won’t match the insane performance figures of the production car.
Despite the limitations, there are perks for the winning bidder. They’ll have the exclusive right to customize a “special edition” of the upcoming limited-production Hyperion XP-1, and the auction price can be applied as a credit towards the final car. In essence, buying the prototype is like a discounted down payment, assuming Hyperion delivers the hypercar as planned.
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As with all Hyperion XP-1 examples seen to date, the pictured model is painted in satin titanium silver with sky blue accents and a pair of adjustable air blades that double as solar panels. The two-seater interior features leather upholstery and carbon fiber elements, along with a supposedly functional infotainment system. However, the design resembles a sci-fi movie car from the ’00s, with fit and finish akin to a concept car.
Hyperion showed renderings of the XP-1 back in 2020, but the first public outing of the hypercar took place at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is not clear if the prototype in the auction is the same one that was exhibited in LA, or the one that starred in YouTube videos by Supercar Blondie and Mr. Beast. The latter was also drivable, making some weird noises and shooting out vaporized water from the exhaust pipes. As for the driving experience, Supercar Blondie was excited while Mr. Beast described it as “questionable”.
Hyperion initially showcased renderings of the XP-1 back in 2020, with the hypercar making its first public appearance at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show. It remains unclear whether the prototype being auctioned is the same one exhibited in LA or the one featured in YouTube videos by Mr. Beast and others. The latter prototype was also drivable, emitting unusual sounds and releasing vaporized water from the exhaust pipes. In terms of driving experience, Mr. Beast had described it as ‘questionable.
There is no reserve price or estimate provided for the prototype’s value. However, it is certainly far from the $2 million asking price of the upcoming production-spec Hyperion XP-1. The real question is, how much would you offer for a drivable prototype of an exotic car like this one?
If it tickles your fancy, you can chek the listing on SBX Cars over here.
