Today we’d like to introduce you to Iker Echeverria.
Hi Iker, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Back in 2010, my brother Guillermo and I started VUHL as a car company with the objective of designing and producing a true race car for the road. The whole idea revolves around the power to weight ratio and the exhilarating driving experience that comes naturally with removing anything and everything that isn’t related to a performance objective. It was during the 2013 Goodwood Festival Of Speed in the UK that the world saw VUHL for the first time ever with our model: the 05. It was privately unveiled at the Royal Automotive Club in London by Sir Stirling Moss and then dynamically presented at the Goodwood Hill Climb with F1 driver Esteban Gutierrez at the wheel.
As part of the ultra-lightweight supercar niche, the 05 is a car designed for the purist driver. It weighs less than 1500 pounds, has no electronic aids, no power steering, no abs, no nothing; it’s a machine that provides endless joy and an unfiltered experience, contrary to what a modern-day commuter car would do.
Over time, we developed two more versions of the 05: the Race Of Champions Edition and the RR.
The Race Of Champions Edition is, basically, an 05 with a specific suspension, tire, and computer setup to perform better on tight racing circuits without losing its street-legal status. During the three years it has raced at the ROC events, we have won the fastest lap award by the hand of professional world champions.
Over 10 F1 drivers have raced this car and we have fine-tuned it with the feedback of the very best racing superstars in the world, which has led to a very successful and engaging car.
The 05RR on the other hand is a much more track-focused car with a better power to weight ratio: 600 bhp per tonne, which is hypercar territory. It remains street-legal but has a much more aggressive approach to the ultra-lightweight formula, as we have seen at The Concours Club and Daytona circuits here in Miami. It is capable of a 0-60 time of 2.7 seconds, to give you an example.
Miami plays an important role for us not only because of our local supercar dealer but because the lifestyle and purpose-made fashion present in the city played an important part on our design and development process for the techwear collection we’re about to present to the world this year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth at all, as a low-volume supercar manufacturer you face several different challenges including a world-class sourcing operation, different homologation processes and requirements around the world and competing with iconic and well-established car brands with decades of history behind them at the racing circuit. We have been successful, however, and have found a family of VUHL owners who enjoy our vehicles and the lifestyle that comes with the ownership, it is present in several different regions around the world: from Mexico to the US to France the UK, and everything in between.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
VUHL started as a brand that designed and created the 05: an ultra-lightweight supercar. Nowadays, VUHL stands for supercars as well as wearable technology, with an apparel business focused on technical wear.
Our company works with a global scale supply chain, using the very best motorsports components around the world and we chose the Queretaro Aerospace Cluster in Mexico to establish our Headquarters due to the strategic location and highly skilled workforce with profound aerospace processes training.
We specialize in complex manufacturing processes and composites, and we’re certified by both ISO9001 and AS9100.
With a worldwide presence, we’re proud to offer unique top-of-the-line quality products to our customers who enjoy exciting and refined experiences. This goes far beyond supercars, as we have decided to launch our latest techwear collection which will be available both online as a digital brand and with a physical store at Design District.
The first VUHL O / I 2021 collection offers silhouettes inspired by the VUHL 05RR supercar, garments with a light character and a high protection capacity. It stands out for the various engineering and design solutions that come from VUHL Automotive, focused on the graphic details, dynamism and functionality of the garment through the use of high-end materials.
VUHL identifies with those who seek to stand out, it is a brand that invites you to discover the link between high adrenaline disciplines and streetwear.
VUHL technical clothing responds to the interest of a market that seeks ‘Technical Athleisure’, a high-end alternative and out of the ordinary, that only an ‘underground’ brand can offer. It is designed to be used in various situations in daily life: starting the day on a motorcycle, using it at work meetings and ending at a dinner party. “
We have some very special collaborations in the works with top of the line US brands which will soon be announced, starting locally in Miami with nationwide availability, and then exporting anywhere in the world.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like most about Miami is the lifestyle and the interaction between a unique car community and the passionate fashion industry. The passion for new, exciting things within the Miami citizens is outstanding and it helps me get my creativity flowing.
What I dislike is to get stuck in rush hour traffic in a roofless car!
Pricing:
- VUHL 05RR starts at 160,000 USD
Contact Info:
- Website: vuhlautomotive.com / vuhldesign.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/vuhldesign
- Facebook: facebook.com/vuhldesign
