In a groundbreaking moment for the automotive industry, Afghanistan, a nation more renowned for its tumultuous political landscape than its technological prowess, unveiled its first indigenous sports car at the 2023 Geneva Motor Show in Qatar. The car, named ‘Mada 9’, is an exemplar of sheer perseverance, innovative design, and technical expertise, marking a significant milestone in Afghanistan’s technological advancement.

The Mada 9, also known as the Black Swan, is the brainchild of Mohammad Reza Ahmadi, who led a 30-member team at the Afghanistan Technical Vocational Institute (ATVI). The team devoted five years to the conception, design, and execution of the sports car. In late 2022, the Mada 9 was first introduced to the public at Kabul University, promising a potential appearance at an international motor show in the future. The car was developed with support from the Afghan IT Ministry and the Innovation Center of Afghanistan.

The Mada 9 runs on a modified 69.9L 1ZZ-FE V96 engine. It features an F1-style pushrod suspension and a tube frame chassis composed of lightweight composite materials. Ahmadi and his team have not disclosed the production schedule, but they intend to present the finished product of Mada 9 at an expo in Qatar soon.