Mid-Engine, Carbon Fibre, Open Wheels: Inside India's Motormind Hyperion-1
Motormind's Hyperion-1, designed by Shahid Haq, targets a late 2026 debut after nearly a decade of development since its 2016 unveiling.
India’s ambitious homegrown sports car project, the Motormind Hyperion-1, is moving closer to production, with its roadster version expected to enter the prototype stage. Developed by Bengaluru-based Motormind Automotive Designs, the two-seater has undergone nearly a decade of design, engineering and development work.
The latest milestone came on May 31 with the launch of Motormind’s Phase 3 expansion facility in Bengaluru. Dedicated to engineering and manufacturing, the facility will house custom engineering, fabrication, electromechanical assembly, a design studio and a private showroom.
The facility took just under five years to build and will play a central role in the Hyperion-1 programme as the project moves towards production, said Motormind founder Shahid Haq in a conversation with YouTuber Caleb Friesen in a tech vlog. Haq said he intended to bring several stages of the vehicle’s development and manufacturing under one roof.
Motormind Hyperion-1: Design and Engineering
Haq himself designed Hyperion-1, which is an open-top, two-seat performance roadster with an unconventional exterior. Its distinctive features include exposed suspension components, open wheel arches and an aggressive, track-focused design.
The engineering approach places particular emphasis on low weight and aerodynamic efficiency. A large air scoop mounted above the body channels cooler outside air into the rear mid-engine bay. Custom carbon-fibre body panels and composite construction techniques are also being used to reduce overall weight.
Unlike conventional sports cars that follow established design proportions, the Hyperion-1 adopts a more radical approach, with its exposed mechanical components and open-wheel configuration intended to deliver a distinctive driving experience.
Mid-Engine Layout and Paddle-Shift Transmission
The Hyperion-1 is being developed around a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration, with the engine positioned behind the cabin and power delivered to the rear wheels. This layout is commonly associated with performance-focused sports cars.
The transmission is expected to be an automatic unit with paddle shifters and a bespoke shift linkage. Motormind's engineering philosophy centres on achieving a high power-to-weight ratio through lightweight construction and specialised engineering rather than relying on mass-production methods.
However, the company has not yet disclosed the final production specifications. Details such as engine output, acceleration, top speed and pricing remain unconfirmed.
Custom Interior and Digital Instrumentation
The Hyperion-1's cabin follows the same bespoke design philosophy as its exterior. Key features include a custom steering wheel, an integrated touchscreen and digital instrumentation.
One of its distinctive elements is a halo-style digital instrument display positioned behind the steering wheel. The display features adjustable backlighting and is designed to provide vehicle information and performance telemetry.
The integrated touchscreen will combine vehicle information with infotainment functions. Motormind is also developing an in-house personalisation studio to manufacture handcrafted interior components, allowing customers to choose bespoke cabin materials and design elements.
Bengaluru Facility to Support Hyperion-1 Production
The inauguration of the Phase 3 facility marks an important step in Motormind's efforts to take the Hyperion-1 from concept development towards production. By bringing engineering, fabrication, assembly and design capabilities under one roof, the company aims to strengthen its control over the vehicle's development and manufacturing processes.
The facility also includes a private showroom where Motormind can showcase its automotive design and engineering projects.
The Hyperion-1 is an ambitious attempt to develop a low-volume Indian sports car, with a strong emphasis on bespoke engineering, lightweight construction and track-derived performance. After nearly 10 years of development, the project is approaching a crucial stage.
However, several details remain to be confirmed, including the final production specifications, pricing, availability and customer delivery timelines. The road version's anticipated arrival in late 2026 would mark a significant milestone in Motormind's journey to bring an Indian-designed performance sports car to market.
