Bulgarian “Hypercar” ALIENO Faces Scrutiny Over Claims and Low-Cost Parts
Table of Contents
Despite ambitious claims of being the “world’s fastest electric hypercar,” the ALIENO project spearheaded by businessman Ahmed Merchev is drawing increasing criticism regarding its feasibility, build quality, and marketing tactics. Recent scrutiny reveals the vehicle, often described as a “box on wheels,” relies on remarkably inexpensive components and employs questionable methods to maintain a positive public image.
Inflammatory Rhetoric and Dubious Claims
Prior to the annual “Alieno Day,” Merchev released a 20-minute video where he reportedly labeled anyone doubting his vehicle’s capabilities as “idiots.” According to reports, Merchev stated, “I want you to think and answer if you have ever told someone that something will not happen… If you have ever said this to someone… then you are certainly an idiot.” This aggressive stance has done little to quell skepticism surrounding the project.
A Closer Look at the Components
Internet users have begun dissecting the ALIENO’s construction, revealing the surprisingly low cost of its parts. Shock absorbers used to lift the doors, previously removed due to functionality issues, were traced back to AliExpress for approximately $60 USD. A door stop was found on Alibaba for just $1 USD. The recently added windshield has also come under fire, with many questioning whether it is actually glass or simply a thick plastic film due to its ridged design.
The hypercar’s suspension, intended to withstand speeds exceeding 500 km/h (311 mph) – a claim made despite the vehicle’s 5,221 horsepower engine – is also raising concerns. Each shock absorber costs approximately $77 USD, and their installation quality is being questioned. As one online commenter put it, “From Alieno they show us how to make a car for only a minimum wage.”
Performance Concerns and Censorship
Footage of “test drives” shows the ALIENO handling clumsily, with drivers operating the vehicle at a maximum speed of 3 km/h (1.86 mph) and often with the door open. Despite these apparent shortcomings, the ALIENO’s Facebook page maintains a consistently positive comment section.
However, this carefully curated image is reportedly maintained through censorship. Tsonyo Penev, in a post on his personal profile, alleges that negative comments are being systematically blocked. “They block everyone else,” Penev wrote, adding, “The only thing unclear about this project for me is where the funding comes from to allow them to practice their expensive hobby of building rough mockups of foreign designs.”
Ambitious Specs and Alternative Bulgarian Innovation
ALIENO is projected to have a top speed of 580 km/h (360 mph) and will be offered in multiple versions, ranging from 2,610 to 5,221 horsepower. The most powerful model is planned to utilize 24 electric motors and a proprietary “ALIENO cold air thruster system” powered by Graphene LiPo cells and super capacitors.
Interestingly, the controversy surrounding ALIENO has prompted a spotlight on a legitimate Bulgarian automotive success story: SIN CARS. Founded by Rosen Daskalov in Ruse, Bulgaria, SIN CARS designs and manufactures its own sports and electric cars, achieving success in international competitions with models like the Sin R1. As one commenter noted, SIN CARS represents “Bulgarian pride on world tracks and roads,” a stark contrast to the perceived “Ponzi scheme” of the ALIENO project.
