Supercars are dominated by the names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. These brands have a long history of producing some of the world’s fastest and most luxurious cars. But a new player in the game is making waves – the Simurgh, a supercar from an unlikely place: Afghanistan.
Afghanistan does not come to mind when you think of supercars, but that might change soon. Thanks to a team of passionate engineers and designers who have created the Simurgh. A sleek and powerful vehicle that aims to put Afghanistan on the automotive map.
The first-ever indigenous supercar from the war-torn nation. The Simurgh, which means “a mythical bird” in Persian. The Simurgh is a futuristic-looking vehicle that resembles the Batmobile. It runs on a four-cylinder engine and has a top speed of 300 km/h.
Mohammad Reza Ahmadi, the CEO, chief engineer, and designer of Entop, a Kabul-based manufacturer. Ahmadi and his team of 30 people spent five years developing the Simurgh. They overcome challenges such as the pandemic and the Taliban takeover of the country.
The Dream
The Simurgh project started in 2018 as a dream of Ahmadi. He wanted to create something different and innovative for his country. Ahmadi said he was inspired by the heroes and art of Afghanistan and wanted to put his country on the map again. He and his team faced many challenges and obstacles, such as the lack of resources, funding, expertise, and security.
The project was also delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the collapse of the Afghan economy after the Taliban takeover in 2021. However, Ahmadi did not give up on his vision and completed the prototype of the Simurgh in late 2022.
Went Viral
The Simurgh went viral in January 2023 when a Taliban spokesman shared a video of an earlier version of the vehicle, then known as the Mada 9, on social media. The sleek design and impressive performance quickly caught the eye of car enthusiasts around the world. The video showed a crowd of former insurgents admiring the car in Kabul.
The video attracted mixed reactions from the public. Some praise the achievement and others criticize the contrast between the luxury car and the poverty-stricken country. Ahmadi said he did not have any political affiliation or agenda, and he only wanted to showcase his work to the world.
Ahmadi wants the public to see the Simurgh as representing a different side of Afghanistan. He said he wanted to build something different from the usual SUVs and four-wheel drives that are more suited for Afghanistan’s rugged mountain roads. “I want to build something to put my country on the map again,” he said in an interview at the Doha show. “The Simurgh represents the heroes and art of Afghanistan. An SUV won’t be the same.”
The Debut
The Simurgh made its global debut at the Doha edition of the Geneva International Motor Show in October 2023. Where it was displayed among other prestigious brands and models. The car drew attention and curiosity from visitors and media, who were impressed by its design and origin.
The car sports a glossy black exterior finish, elegant LED headlights, slim LED taillights, a distinctive front splitter, black alloy wheels, and pronounced fender flares. The well-designed side profile incorporates spacious air intakes and a prominent rear diffuser. The gracefully sloping roofline is designed to enhance its aerodynamic performance. The Simurgh resembles the Batmobile but with a touch of Afghan art and culture.
Ahmadi said he was proud to represent Afghanistan at the international event. He thanked more than 45,000 people who supported his project through crowdfunding. He said he raised $130,000 from online donations to transport the car to Doha.
The next goal for Entop is to raise €30 million to perfect the Simurgh and enter it at Le Mans. Le Mans is the famed 24-hour endurance race in France. Ahmadi said he plans to start sales after the Simurgh has been tested and proven at Le Mans. He said he hopes to inspire other young Afghans to pursue their dreams and passions, despite the difficulties and uncertainties they face in their country.
The car is powered by a rear-mounted four-cylinder engine, which has been sourced from a 2000 Toyota Corolla. The engine is positioned within a tubular chassis, enveloped by lightweight composite materials. Entop has asserted that the engine underwent modifications tailored for the Simurgh, but has not disclosed the specific technical details.
Conclusion
The Simurgh is more than just a car; it is a symbol of hope and pride for Afghanistan. It shows that even in the darkest times, there is still light and creativity. Simurgh shows that even in the most unlikely places, there is still talent and potential. It also shows that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is still possibility and achievement.
The Simurgh is a remarkable achievement for Afghanistan, a country that has been ravaged by war and violence for decades. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of its people, who have not given up on their dreams despite the hardships they face.
