Zeekr 001 FR Challenges Tesla Model S Plaid With Four Motors Making 1,265 HP

Do you remember the Chinese high-performance shooting brake EV that took a shot at Tesla? The Zeekr 001 FR, pegged as the top-spec model of the Chinese marque's 001 range, has been unveiled - and it's going big with a quad-motor powertrain that generates a whopping 1,265 horsepower.

Numbers-wise, Zeekr walked the talk with the 001 FR as it beats the 1,020-hp tri-motor setup of the Tesla Model S Plaid. The Geely-owned EV maker claims the 001 FR can go from 0-62 mph in 2.07 seconds "in a rolling start scenario." It is slightly off the Tesla that does it in 1.99 seconds, but those numbers are still commendable.

Regarding top speed, the Model S Plaid got the upper hand at 200 mph, which is approximately 26 mph more than the 001 FR. But at least the latter's quad-motor setup can do something its rival cannot - a tank turn you probably already saw with the Rivian R1T.

Performance is underscored with carbon fiber aerodynamic kits for weight reduction, 10-piston AP Racing brake calipers at the front (four-piston calipers at the rear) for strong braking power, and 22-inch performance tires for better traction.

Aside from the massive power on tap, the 001 FR uses an 800-volt EV architecture like the Porsche Taycan, enabling a 10 to 80 percent charging time in just 15 minutes.

The battery is sourced from CATL, the Chinese battery manufacturer that supplies EV battery packs to Ford and Tesla. While the EV range was not mentioned, the standard, non-FR Zeekr 001 debuted with a claimed 641 miles of range.

Rumor has it that Zeekr and parent company Geely will arrive in North America in 2025. With all the buzz the 001 FR created, it would be interesting to see the performance EV make a US entry and, of course, have it settle the beef with Tesla after calling the Plaid "dull."