Grand Prix

The Grand Prix is a tribute to the racing cars of the 1930s, with its long lines, huge hood and four visible wheels. The car is low, very wide and yet narrow at cockpit level. A visual success.

Classic...

Mechanically, it's all classic: the Grand Prix is powered by a BMW V12 engine developing 300 hp. No hybridization or electric drive, as in the previous concept of the 2013-2014 class, the Sparta.

... and modern.

In the cabin, on the other hand, the latest on-board technologies are well represented, with two touch-screen tablets (one for the navigation system, the other for entertainment), as well as a hands-free kit and a smartphone. An unusual detail is the central driving position (the car is a single-seater), with the console positioned between the driver's legs. Note the handsome, distressed upholstery for this seat, fully integrated into the car.

École Boudard

The interior of the Grand Prix was created by students from the Boudard school, a saddlery and leatherwork course run by the CFA in the Montbéliard region. The UTBM states on its website that "in ten weeks, a group of students completely dressed the Grand Prix model, covering the dashboard, steering wheel, seat and on-board tablets with leather in shades of turquoise, orange and pearl grey... With the power of volcanoes and the purity of glaciers on the style book, the young Boudard saddlers also had to make straps holding the hood, as well as a line of matching luggage and goodies."

45 days

The Grand Prix was built in just 45 days, from drawing board to final car. An extremely short time, typical of the Espera school, which didn't stop the 27 students from paying attention to every detail of this rolling prototype. The Grand Prix was exhibited at the 2014 Paris Motor Show on the Orange stand.