The Taliban has unveiled the first ever supercar designed and built in Afghanistan.
The Mada 9 is a prototype sports car which has been produced by 30 engineers from ENTOP and Kabul’s Afghanistan Technical Vocational Institute (ATVI).
Its road capabilities are yet to be tested as most of the footage on social media shows it in a stationary position.
The team behind the car claim its engine is from a Toyota Corolla hatchback – hardly likely to keep up with the likes of Bugatti and McLaren.
However, in one piece of footage the sleek-looking racer is seen gliding along a snowy road as stunned onlookers watch it meander and listen to its exhaust purr.
The Head of ATVI Ghulam Haidar Shahamat told local news the engine had been modified so if ‘you increase the speed, it’s powerful enough to take it’.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted pictures of the car on his Twitter account, calling its construction an honour for the country.
The warlords’ mouthpiece said: ‘I would like to thank the Department of Vocational Education, under their umbrella, the country has been provided with valuable services.’
Abdul Baqi Haqqani, Taliban minister for Higher Education, added to the official support for the car during its unveiling.
He extolled the scientific values of the Afghan people, and took the glory – claiming the militia-turned-government was committed to providing ‘religious and modern sciences for its people’.
ENTOP CEO Mohammad Riza Ahmadi told TOLO News that he hoped the supercar would help boost Afghanistan’s image on the world stage.
