FARNOVA New Energy Othello

Model Overview

The Othello is the maiden all-electric supercar launched by Chinese new energy vehicle marque FARNOVA. Based in Shenzhen, FARNOVA is an EV startup whose parent firm previously specialised in manufacturing ultra-luxury yachts before venturing into automotive manufacturing via the acquisition of EV startup Qiantu Motor. The Othello made its official debut on 27 September 2021 during the Beijing International Film Festival's "Filmmakers' Night". Slotted as a pure electric supercar, initial series production was scheduled for June 2022, with an annual global production cap of 200 units and an estimated price tag of RM1,860,000.

Design Language

The Othello's exterior was styled by an Italian design outfit with prior design credentials on prominent models such as the Lamborghini Urus. Extensive carbon fibre is utilised across the bodywork to keep kerb weight in check. In terms of exterior dimensions, it measures 4,670mm in length, 2,082mm in width, and 1,135mm in height, with a 2,670mm wheelbase and a ride height of 110mm.

The front end features vented aerodynamic ducting to reduce drag whilst generating functional downforce; slim LED headlamp clusters flank the upper aerodynamic aero-wings, lending a cohesive front fascia. Along the flanks, it adopts an aggressive, forward-raked stance with butterfly doors; tyre setups comprise 255/35 R20 tyres up front and wider 335/30 R21 rubbers at the rear. The rear profile houses an active rear spoiler that deploys automatically based on vehicle speed alongside an oversized rear diffuser, which is emblazoned with the "Othello" model script. The cabin features a stripped-down minimalist layout that does away with conventional physical switchgear. An asymmetrical fully digital instrument cluster sits atop the dashboard, complemented by a race-spec steering wheel and RECARO professional racing bucket seats.

Powertrain and Performance

The electric drivetrain is the focal point of the Othello, powered by an in-house developed dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) system from FARNOVA New Energy. The powertrain utilises coreless permanent magnet technology and an axial-flux architecture, delivering a more compact footprint and superior power density. Total system output is rated at 1,350kW (roughly 1,835 PS/hp) and a peak torque figure of 12,000Nm. The benchmark 0-100km/h sprint is completed in a claimed 1.8 seconds, with 0-300km/h dispatched in 8.5 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 420km/h. Energy is supplied by a 75kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack. The official maximum cruising range is rated at 600km, though separate reports suggest an endurance of up to 800km under unspecified test cycles. As an all-electric supercar, its performance envelope surpasses the top-speed limits of most contemporary high-performance EVs.

Chassis and Handling

The Othello utilises a dual-motor all-wheel drive drivetrain. Its chassis is underpinned by a platform derived from the Qiantu K50, albeit with significant modifications in styling and performance tuning. A staggered wheel setup is adopted, featuring larger rear alloy wheels wrapped in broader rubbers to maximise mechanical grip and dynamic handling. Power transmission is handled via a single-speed fixed-ratio transmission. With an overall kerb weight of just 1,350kg, the supercar achieves a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.

Cockpit and Equipment

The cockpit centres around the driver with a stripped-back aesthetic, eschewing conventional physical buttons in favour of centralised digital interfaces and touch-sensitive panels. The digital driver's display adopts an asymmetrical fully digital panel incorporating tinted glass for the head-up display (HUD). The steering wheel comes in an octagonal, motorsport-inspired layout. Occupants are housed in manually adjustable RECARO racing bucket seats. The cabin atmosphere mirrors the exterior styling, reinforcing its bespoke track-focused intent.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Official technical specifics regarding the Othello's safety kit and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) remain undisclosed. Given its track-oriented supercar brief, safety considerations are primarily centred around high structural rigidity and passive safety. The body employs an integrated carbon-fibre monocoque construction, ensuring both lightweight characteristics and exceptional torsional rigidity.

Market Performance and Industry Reception

Since its unveiling in 2021, the Othello has sparked intense industry interest on the back of its headline figures. With claimed outputs of 1,835 PS, 12,000Nm of torque, and a 1.8-second century sprint, its on-paper capabilities eclipsed even established hypercars like Bugatti. However, as of June 2026, series production deliveries have yet to commence, with the original June 2022 production schedule failing to materialise. Several industry observers have drawn parallels to the Qiantu K50, pointing out similar risks of being an acclaimed engineering showcase that fails to achieve commercial traction.

FARNOVA initially planned to establish an assembly hub in Guigang, Guangxi, backed by a total planned investment of RM5,000,000,000. Phase 1 called for an injection of RM1,000,000,000 to manufacture sports cars, commercial buses, and pick-up trucks, while Phase 2 entailed RM4,000,000,000 to scale annual manufacturing capacity to 50,000 units alongside an R&D facility. Nevertheless, tangible progress on the plant’s construction and actual vehicle rollout has seen no subsequent updates.

From an industry standpoint, the Othello's extensive carbon-fibre application and extraordinary powertrain metrics received technical plaudits, though its interior trim fit-and-finish was viewed as unrefined. Ultimately, while the FARNOVA Othello arrived with significant fanfare as a homegrown electric supercar boasting 1,835 PS and sub-2-second acceleration, nearly five years post-reveal without customer deliveries has left it largely perceived as a "vapourware supercar".