488bhp Sierra Echo-S buggy debuts at SEMA 2025 with UK-made axial flux motors
The Sierra Echo-S off-roader has been unveiled at the 2025 SEMA show with two UK-designed and built axial flux motors from EV specialists, Turntide Technlogies.
The brainchild of Turntide, US-based powertrain developer Hypercraft, and Sierra Cars, the 680kg Echo-S is powered by two Turntide AF 140 motors weighing just 42kg each. Paired with one of the UK brand’s Gen 5, Size 9 inverters, the vehicle produces up to 488bhp and 450lb ft of torque.
The disc-like design of axial flux motors provides high power density in a compact unit, making them ideal for smaller vehicles where space is limited. Their lightweight nature has seen them used by Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Koenigsegg.
Parties involved with the development of the Sierra Echo-S believe their use of axial flux motors is “ushering a new era of performance, torque, and efficiency on the off-road vehicle industry”.
Hypercraft CEO, Jake Hawksworth, said: “Turntide’s axial flux motor delivers huge power in a small, light package that allows us to push the limits of what off-road vehicles can do.”
Jason Glass, Sierra’s North America business development director added: “Working with Hypercraft to bring this off-road vehicle to life has been an adventure.
“We worked with them to ensure that the axial flux motor, inverter, and differential function together to provide excellent performance. We are excited to have an incredible car for customers and media to test drive early next year and experience the potential of our technology.”
Priced from $59,500 USD (around £45,000), the Sierra Echo-S can be ordered directly from the brand’s website. While currently only on sale in the United States, Sierra is looking at the potential to bring the radical off-roader to the UK and Europe in 2026.
The Sierra Echo-S is the latest all-electric off-roader to hit the market. It comes hot on the heels of Vanderhall Brawley GTS, which debuted in October this year with a quad-motor setup producing 404bhp.
The Brawley GTS is priced at $10,000 less than the Sierra Echo-S and instead of adopting a single-seater setup, it comes with room for four including comforts such as heated seats and air conditioning.
