At a time when most vehicles feel mass-produced and tech-driven, one newcomer is bringing back emotion, elegance, and craftsmanship to the world of high-end motoring. Dacora, is the first American ultra-luxury car brand in nearly a century and the only one founded and led by a woman.
The company just unveiled its first all-electric vehicle: a handcrafted masterpiece that channels the spirit of 1930s Grand Tourers or GTs. It is retoro and modern at the same time.
Built entirely from American-sourced components in New York’s Hudson Valley, Dacora’s debut model is a bold departure from the sameness of modern luxury cars.
Founded by MIT-trained engineers Kristie and Eric D’Ambrosio-Correll, Dacora merges high-performance electric drivetrains with timeless design. Kristie, the brand’s CEO, is the first woman in history to have founded and led an automotive company. Eric serves as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and together the pair brings over 30 years of experience in systems engineering, hardware development, and consumer tech.
With pricing starting at US$ 500,000 (Rs.150 million before taxes and duties) and reservations already surpassing production capacity by 150 percent, Dacora is already “happening”.
Created in partnership with Pininfarina, Dacora’s debut model draws inspiration from Streamline Moderne architecture, featuring long hoods, sculpted fenders, and dramatic fastback silhouettes that evoke a sense of both nostalgia and futurism.
Personalisation to a new level
Dacora is also elevating personalisation to a new level with modular interiors that can evolve seasonally, reflecting the owner’s mood or lifestyle. Seasonal interior drops offer a range of options, including linen in summer and wool in winter, as well as limited-edition collections throughout the year. The cars will offer adjustable seating configurable from three to seven seats with independent lighting and climate controls for each passenger. Owners can incorporate personal heirloom woods or materials into the trim.
The Ergonomic Floor System is designed for full-body comfort, no matter your size or driving posture.
Instead of a glowing screen dashboard, drivers will find a serene, analogue-inspired space with tactile controls, hand-finished wood, and woven wool accents. When not in use, the display disappears into a semi-transparent wooden panel. There will be no plastic in the cabin —only natural hardwoods, leathers, and textiles.
Dacora brings modern performance to match its looks with over 800 horsepower on tap, 750 Km mile projected all-electric range (there will also be a range extender hybrid version), 45 inches of rear legroom and 700 litres of custom-configurable cargo space.
D’Ambrosio-Correll said “at Dacora, we believe true luxury is about connection—between driver and machine, tradition and technology. We set out to build a car that does not compromise between beauty, power, and personalisation.”
Backed by Female Founders Fund, Dacora is reshaping what leadership looks like in the auto industry. “Kristie is building something rare,” said Anu Duggal, Founding Partner. “She is making history and delivering a product that is as thoughtful as it is bold.”
Personal advisor
Every Dacora is sold by a concierge appointment only. Buyers are assigned a personal advisor to help guide every detail of their bespoke build. In 2026, the brand will open its 100-acre Hudson Valley Garage—a private campus that includes on-site production, a design atelier, guest suites, and immersive brand experiences.
One caveat: Dacora is unlikely to offer Right Hand Drive (RHD) cars at least for a few years, as its Left and Drive (LHD) order book is already full for some time. The other reason is that the RHD ultra-luxury market is quite small and engineering the car for RHD may not be worth all the trouble. Besides, Bentley and Rolls Royce have a tight grip on that market – and cost much less, at least before the options. Even Cadillac will not be making its super luxury Celestique EV in RHD. (PDS)
