Laraki#Fulgura

Laraki was established in 1999 by Abdesslam Laraki, a Moroccan designer and entrepreneur{{Cite news|url=https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1086339_laraki-returns-with-new-epitome-supercar|title=Laraki Returns With New Epitome Supercar|work=Motor Authority|access-date=2017-12-19|language=en}} who first became wealthy by importing cars in Morocco beginning in 1973. His son and the current owner of the firm is Abdeslam Laraki, a Moroccan designer who started out creating luxurious yachts and created the eponym company Laraki. Then following the steps of his father, he studied automobile design in Switzerland and soon after launched his first model, the Laraki Fulgura, in 2002.{{cite web|url=http://moroccansoftheworld.com/laraki-a-made-in-morocco-supercar-that-fails-to-thrust-its-way-into-the-market/|title=LARAKI: a 'Made in Morocco' supercar that fails to thrust its way into the market|website=Moroccansoftheworld.com|date=19 March 2016|author=Asmae Azouagh|accessdate=5 September 2017}}{{cite web|author=Viknesh Vijayenthiran|title=Laraki Returns With New Epitome Supercar|url=http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1086339_laraki-returns-with-new-epitome-supercar|publisher=Motor Authority|accessdate=29 September 2014|date=19 August 2013}}

File:V12-EricVanHove.jpg's V12 Laraki]]

In 2012, the conceptual artist Eric Van Hove arrived in Marrakech to resume work on an ambitious sculptural endeavor he had prepared for years: V12 Laraki. In the space of nine months, he gathered around him 42 master craftsmen from the region and began rebuilding a Mercedes 6.2 L V12 engine using rural materials and centuries old craft techniques from the North African country. Conceptually, this sculpture is based on the story of the Laraki Fulgura, which was entirely manufactured in Morocco to the exception of its engine. The artist decided to try and reproduce that cutting-edge component locally using craft{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=srGxDQAAQBAJ&q=morocco+craft+workforce&pg=PA315|title = Free Trade Agreements: US Strategies and Priorities|isbn = 9780881324587|last1 = Schott|first1 = Jeffrey J.|date = 7 May 2004}} That sculpture was displayed at the 5th Marrakech Biennale and soon acquired by the Hood Museum of Art.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/theater-art/2016/01/25/van-hove-bespoke-engine-part-homage-part-reproach/utXKU8jf6gqsaaoOOqfBEN/story.html|title=Van Hove's bespoke engine: Part homage, part reproach - the Boston Globe|website=The Boston Globe}}

The technical director is Peter Tutzer, previously from Bugatti.

The Laraki Fulgura is the company's first attempt at a sports car. Originally unveiled as a concept at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show,{{Cite news|url=http://moroccansoftheworld.com/laraki-a-made-in-morocco-supercar-that-fails-to-thrust-its-way-into-the-market/|title=LARAKI: a 'Made in Morocco' supercar that fails to thrust its way into the market|date=2016-03-19|work=Moroccans of the World|access-date=2017-12-19|language=en-GB}} a proposed production version debuted a year later at the same show. A slightly redesigned version of the bodywork was unveiled in 2005.

Based on the frame and mechanicals of a Lamborghini Diablo, the Fulgura is equipped with a quad-turbo Mercedes-Benz 6.0 L V12, initially proposed to produce {{Convert|920|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, attached to a 6-speed manual transmission. A new aerodynamic carbon fibre body is also added. This brings the Fulgura to an estimated price of $555,750. Performance for the Fulgura is an estimated top speed of {{Convert|398|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} and acceleration of 0 – {{Convert|100|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} in 3.3 seconds. By 2006, these figures were amended and the 6.0 L V12 was proposed to produce {{Convert|730|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, and mated to a 7-speed gearbox and a top speed of {{Convert|350|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Also cheaper V8 version of the Fulgara has 5.4 L supercharged M113 engine which produses 570 hp.

File:Borac Laraki.jpg

The Laraki Borac is the company's second model, and debuted as a concept at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The car was originally planned for production by 2011, but a final design was never unveiled.

The design of the Borac is that of a grand tourer, with a front engine layout and even the possibility of two small rear seats. The Borac is not based on an existing design, unlike the Fulgura. A Mercedes-Benz 6.0 L V12 powers the Borac, although it lacks the turbocharging of the Fulgura. This results in a proposed output of {{convert|540|hp|abbr=on}}, producing a top speed of {{Convert|310|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} and acceleration from 0 - 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The Laraki Epitome was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2013.{{Cite news|url=https://www.elitedaily.com/envision/cars/meet-the-laraki-epitome-super-car-with-a-2-million-price-tag|title=Meet The Laraki Epitome Super Car With A $2 Million Price Tag|last=Anthony|first=Robert|work=Elite Daily|access-date=2017-12-19|language=en}} Nine cars of this model are planned to be built.{{Cite news|url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2013/10/107343/laraki-epitome-a-moroccan-engineering-masterpiece-worth-2-million/|title=Laraki Epitome, a Moroccan engineering masterpiece worth $2 million|date=2013-10-03|work=Morocco World News|access-date=2017-12-19|language=en-US}}

Fitted with the V8 engine of a Z06 Chevrolet Corvette, Laraki added twin turbochargers to the already powerful engine. Fueled by 91-octane gasoline fuel, the Epitome can produce 1,200 Horsepower. Additionally it has a second fuel tank that can be filled with 110-octane gasoline fuel, which can up it to 1,750 Horsepower. The body is made of carbon fiber.[http://www.engineering.com/DesignerEdge/DesignerEdgeArticles/ArticleID/6234/The-Laraki-Epitome.aspx The Laraki Epitome] Engineering. 27 August 2013. Retrieved 29 September 2014. The car weighs 2,800 pounds.

The Epitome gained media attention. With a $2 million price tag, it was dubbed the most expensive car on the market.{{cite web|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/18/laraki-motors-epitome-concept-monterey-2013/|title=Laraki Motors Epitome Concept is $2M and 1,750 hp that we didn't see coming|website=Autoblog.com|date=18 August 2013|author=Seyth Miersma|accessdate=5 September 2017}} Hip-hop artist French Montana bought one of the nine models planned for production.{{cite web|url=http://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/french-montana-buys-laraki-epitome/|title=French Montana Buys Laraki Epitome|website=Dupontregistry.com|date=27 April 2015|author=Caitlin Duffy|accessdate=5 September 2017}}

File:2019 Laraki Sahara Petersen Automotive Museum.jpg]]

File:2019 Laraki Sahara - Hypercar.jpg

The Laraki Sahara was unveiled in Morocco in 2019. Two cars of this model are planned to be built.{{Cite news|url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2013/10/107343/laraki-epitome-a-moroccan-engineering-masterpiece-worth-2-million/|title=Laraki Sahara, a Moroccan engineering masterpiece worth $2 million|date=2013-10-03|work=Morocco World News|access-date=2017-12-19|language=en-US}}

Fitted with the C7 Corvette engine of a Z06 Chevrolet Corvette, Laraki added twin turbochargers to the already powerful engine. Fueled by 91-octane gasoline fuel, the Epitome can produce 1,200 Horsepower. Additionally it has a second fuel tank that can be filled with 110-octane gasoline fuel, which can up it to 1,750 Horsepower. The body is made of carbon fiber.[http://www.engineering.com/DesignerEdge/DesignerEdgeArticles/ArticleID/6234/The-Laraki-Epitome.aspx The Laraki Epitome] Engineering. 27 August 2013. Retrieved 29 September 2014. The car weighs 2,800 pounds.

The Sahara gained media attention. With more than $2 million price tag, it was dubbed as one of the most expensive cars on the market.{{cite web|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/18/laraki-motors-epitome-concept-monterey-2013/|title=Laraki Motors Epitome Concept is $2M and 1,750 hp that we didn't see coming|website=Autoblog.com|date=18 August 2013|author=Seyth Miersma|accessdate=5 September 2017}} King of Morocco Mohammed VI of Morocco bought one of the two models planned for production.{{cite web|url=http://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/french-montana-buys-laraki-epitome/|title=King of Morocco Mohamed 6 Buys Laraki Sahara|website=Dupontregistry.com|date=27 April 2015|author=Caitlin Duffy|accessdate=5 September 2019}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{in lang|fr}} [http://www.laraki-motors.com/ Official website]

{{Automotive industry in Morocco}}

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Category:Car manufacturers of Morocco

Category:Sports car manufacturers

Category:Luxury motor vehicle manufacturers

Category:Companies based in Casablanca

Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1999

Category:1999 establishments in Morocco

Category:Moroccan brands