Hispano Suiza Carmen and Xenia Dubonnet 1938 presented together for the first time as part of the Chantilly Arts et Elegance competition north of Paris. While Carmen’s design draws inspiration from Xenia Dubonnet, this is actually the first time two models have been presented at the event.
Looking at the Carmen and Xenia Dubonnet models side by side, the design similarity between them becomes obvious. For example, the overall shape of the Carman is very different from most modern sports cars but very similar to the shape of the Xenia Dubonnet with a roofline that stretches back to the smooth rear window, low-slung trunk lid, and aerodynamic coatings over the body.
Only one copy of Xenia Dubonnet has ever been produced by Hispano Suiza. It is based on the Hispano Suiza H6B chassis, and its body is designed by the creator of luxury bodies, Jacques Sautchik. It is powered by an 8.0-liter inline six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with an aluminum block and a steel crankshaft. It develops a power of 160 hp at 3050 rpm and can accelerate the car to the declared speed of 177 km/h.
“The Carmen powertrain is very different, as it relies on a pair of electric motors that together produce 1000 hp. These engines accelerate it to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and allow it to reach a maximum speed, limited by electronics, at 250 km/h.”
