After years of delays, promises, and legal battles, the Mullen GT electric sports car has finally made its debut in New York. While the past has been marred with unfulfilled pledges, the unveiling of the Mullen GT comes following the resolution of disputes between Mullen and Qiantu Motors, signifying a fresh start for the ambitious project.
Background Drama Settled
To appreciate the significance of this unveiling, it’s essential to understand the backstory. In 2018, Mullen and Qiantu Motors announced ambitious plans to homologate the K50 electric sports car for sale in the United States, aiming for a 2020 release. However, these plans never materialized, leading to legal disputes between the two companies.
Fast forward to March of this year, and a settlement agreement was reached. The deal grants Mullen exclusive rights to assemble, manufacture, and sell homologated vehicles based on the Qiantu K50 across North and South America for five years. In return, Qiantu will receive financial compensation, royalties per vehicle sold in the Americas, and a commitment from Mullen to purchase a specified number of vehicle kits annually.
A “Rebranded and Refreshed” K50
Now, back to the Mullen GT itself. While billed as a “rebranded and refreshed” version of the Qiantu K50, the car displayed in New York bears a striking resemblance to its Chinese counterpart, except for what appears to be a modernized interior.
Mullen has hinted at two variants of the GT, but specifics remain limited. The base GT is expected to feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 375 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. This setup promises a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds, a top speed of 125 mph, and an NEDC range of approximately 236 miles.
Even Faster GT RS
Beyond the standard GT, Mullen has teased the GT RS, a performance-oriented version capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 1.95 seconds and reaching a top speed of 200 mph.
In terms of construction, the car boasts an “all-aluminum body frame” along with lightweight carbon fiber body panels, weighing a mere 103 lbs. The big question now is when the GT will become available, and while Mullen’s website simply states “soon,” potential buyers may approach this timeline with cautious optimism, given the project’s history.
The debut of the Mullen GT in New York signifies a new chapter for the long-awaited electric sports car. With the legal disputes resolved and a refreshed approach, the GT has the potential to redeem its troubled past and offer driving enthusiasts an exciting electric option. As automotive enthusiasts eagerly await further details, the Mullen GT aims to prove that sometimes the second time is indeed the charm.