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'Taliban' Supercar Entop Simurgh Showcased At The 2023 Geneva Motor Show
The Geneva International Auto Show, traditionally held in Switzerland, consists of one of the largest automotive spectacles that takes place annually. This year, however, the show was hosted in Doha, Qatar, making way for a rather extraordinary addition to the lineup of vehicles on display.
The first-ever Afghan-made supercar, presented by Taliban-governed Afghanistan's carmaker, Entop, stole the limelight. This supercar, dubbed Simurgh, was unveiled at the auto show by the company's CEO, designer, and chief engineer, Mohammad Reza Ahmadi.
Entop's Emergence & The Mada9 Supercar
If you're unfamiliar with Entop's profile, it's worthwhile revisiting the company's inception. Entop first stole the spotlight in early 2023 with the Mada9, a sinister-looking supercar with an uncanny resemblance to Batmobile. As the first-ever Afghan-made supercar, the Mada9 instantly gained popularity. However, despite CEO Ahmadi's declarations that the Mada9 would be road-ready within two weeks, that claim has yet to materialize.
Following this, misinformation ensued with scant details being shared about the vehicle. It is believed that the Mada9 is equipped with a 2004 Toyota Corolla sedan engine that has seen significant modifications. However, the specifics remain unknown.
The Simurgh's Grand Unveiling
Almost ten months after their initial arrival on the automotive scene, Entop resurfaced in Qatar with yet another creation. The new supercar Simurgh, bearing a striking resemblance to the Mada9, created quite a stir. CEO Ahmadi revealed that his aspirations for the Simurgh stem from his desire to project Afghan art and heroes through the medium of automotive design. However, technical specifics such as specifications, power output, or performance targets remain undisclosed.
Ambition doesn't end there. Ahmadi has hinted at his dream of racing the Simurgh in the historic Le Mans race before the Mada9 is released to public buyers. Despite the overwhelming amount of speculation that this venture is unlikely, Ahmadi's ambition is drawing substantial attention.
Paving the Way & Future Prospects
Apart from aiming at high-profile races, Entop is reportedly seeking to raise around $43.2 million to finalize the Simurgh, making it fit for qualification in the world-renowned Le Mans race. The current model, as showcased at the 2023 Geneva International Motor show, is incomplete, with uneven exterior panel gaps, an unfinished interior, and indeterminate powertrain configuration.
Intriguingly, Entop, lacking a substantial background, reportedly crowdfunded $130,000 to secure its presence at the Motor show. Whether it can accumulate the much larger sum intended for completing the Simurgh remains to be seen. If the funding request does indeed get a green signal, it is estimated that the company will take an additional two to three years to present a Simurgh that can claim a position on the Le Mans grid, or become a viable supercar for public consumption.
In conclusion, amongst a formidable lineup of seasoned automotive giants showcasing their creations, the audacity and resilience portrayed by a relatively fledgling carmaker from Afghanistan, despite its many challenges, is deeply inspiring. It serves as a testament to the boundless potential of innovation and human spirit. No doubt, the global auto industry and enthusiasts alike will have their eyes on Entop's future endeavours.
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