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Lecar Model 459, First National Hybrid, Generated Controversy on the Internet Due to Its Exotic Design.
Have you ever imagined a car that evokes reactions of horror and astonishment at first sight? Well, the first national hybrid car, designed by Lecar, left no one indifferent.
On Monday (16), the company of entrepreneur Flávio Figueiredo Assis, who calls himself the “Brazilian Elon Musk,” had the Lecar Model 459 spotted for the first time, and the internet did not hold back.
Opinions on the vehicle’s exotic design, which enters the competition against brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, and others were the most varied — and hilarious. However, before delving into the criticisms, it’s important to understand what really happened.
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The car was seen in a parking lot in Barueri (SP) and immediately became the target of online comments. The profile @venetostudio captured the image, and it was published on the page @placaverde, causing great repercussion.
The Controversial Design
The Model 459 is a hybrid prototype that was supposed to be launched as electric but ended up being adapted to have a range extender.
The front of the vehicle drew attention for its headlights on the hood with three round divisions in each piece, a bold style that divided opinions.
The front grille also follows a controversial line, with a “U” shaped design. The rear, although less controversial, features darkened taillights reminiscent of the old Renault Symbol.
For some, the design seems excessive, but others believe it brings a modern and bold touch. But will the final model bring changes?
The official version is still shrouded in mystery, but what is known so far has already sparked heated discussions.
Projection vs. Reality
While the captured images showed a controversial model, the virtual projections of the Lecar Model 459 are much more modern.
The lines resemble vehicles from Tesla, with a look that blends elegance and innovation. However, the spotted model diverges from this futuristic aesthetic, presenting a look that many considered outdated or even bizarre.
The comments on the internet only reinforced this perception. Several internet users did not miss the chance to joke about the design. Among the funniest reactions are:
“Looks like an NPC car from GTA lol” — gabryelcpedro.
“Looks like a clown from a horror movie smiling.” — edclei.andrade.
“My 8-year-old son is a senior at a design center that designed this… ” — barato_se_incomodar.
“This is not a car; it’s a piece of modern art!” — elias.souza.
“When you try to be innovative and end up creating an automotive Frankenstein.” — roberta.dias.
“Looks like a mix of a Beetle with a spaceship from the ’80s.” — julianoramos82.
In addition to the jokes, some suggested that the model should undergo aesthetic revisions before its official launch.
The Technology Behind the Model 459
But behind this controversial design, the Model 459 holds some impressive technological features.
According to Lecar, the car will have two engines, one a combustion engine, the 1.0 turbo flex three-cylinder, and another electric.
The combustion engine will not directly drive the vehicle but will function as a generator for the electric motor, ensuring extended range.
The combustion engine from Horse, a joint venture between Renault and Geely, will have 122 horsepower, while the electric motor on the rear axle will deliver 163 horsepower.
According to the company, the traction will always be electric, and the car will be able to travel up to 100 km on electric mode alone, with an impressive total range of 1,000 km.
This configuration is known as EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle). In this type of system, the combustion engine only kicks in to charge the batteries when necessary, functioning as a range extender.
This positions the Model 459 strategically in the hybrid vehicle market, combining power and efficiency.
Dimensions and Equipment
In terms of dimensions, the Model 459 measures 4.35 meters in length, 1.82 m in width, and 1.52 m in height, with a wheelbase of 2.70 m. The trunk offers 530 liters of capacity, making it a practical option for those seeking a hybrid sedan with considerable space.
Among the standard equipment, Lecar promises a robust technological package, including the ADAS system, with features like lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking assistance. These features aim to ensure safe and modern driving, aligned with automotive market trends.
The Promise of a Factory in Brazil
In addition to the controversies surrounding the design, there is a grand project behind the Model 459. Lecar plans to build a factory in the city of Sooretama (ES), 120 km from Vitória.
The company promises an investment of R$ 870 million, divided between R$ 240 million for the factory construction and R$ 630 million for automating the assembly line.
The inauguration of the factory is scheduled for August 2026, and the company is still seeking partnerships with investment banks, both public and private, to ensure the project’s success.
Additionally, Lecar intends to build a testing track to evaluate its vehicles.
The Future of the Model 459
The Lecar Model 459 is still a long way from hitting the market, but its debut has already opened many eyes, whether due to its bold design or the promise of advanced technology.
While some question the look, others eagerly await the innovations that the hybrid car will bring.
But what about you, what do you think of the vehicle’s design? Do you believe it can be successful in Brazil and compete with the sales successes of manufacturers like Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, and others? Leave your answer in the comments!
Vamos em frente LECAR. O BRASIL tem tudo para crescer em todas as áreas, devido nossos recursos naturais, mao de obra ainda desqualificada, por isto barata, mas a capacitaçao & treinamento resolve isto. O mercado interno (e externo) tem demanda por produtos inovadores com custo justo. O Parque Industrial Brasileiro aguarda uma INDUSTRIA Nativa Nova, há décadas, para varrer as cinzas deixadas da era “fhc” em nosso pq Parque Industrial de autrora. VAMOS OLHAR PRÁ FRENTE O MERCADO & MUNDO É GLOBAL. É redondinho e é para rodas. O Brasil torce por Você Flavio Assis = LECAR = no E.S. com as bênçãos do Espirito Santo. Flavio Grippa