Tag: Detroit Electric EV

  • Detroit Electric Reveals “Final” Design of SP:01 (Battery) Sports Car

    One week ago we have published the latest news for the (hopefully) final version of the Detroit Electric SP:01 electric sports car. The company is now giving some additional information about the production model: it will feature a striking new rear end. When released the battery-power two-seater will be the most powerful rival of the Tesla cars, and in fact, the SP:01 is expected to be the world’s fastest production electric sports car.

    The prototype version of the EV sports car has been subtly updated. The most striking element of the design is the bold new fastback configuration. It replaces the prototype’s flying buttresses on either side of the rear window. Aerodynamics were also improved, and at the back there is a large sculptural rear wing and an under-body diffuser.

    Other exterior enhancements with aero-treatment feature also reshaped front air intake and outlet ducts on the bonnet. They improve airflow to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. In addition, vehicle’s battery packs have been clad in a protective composite casing, which provides an extremely robust barrier to protect the batteries.

    With these changes Detroit Electric is expecting to show to the world that it can change the status-quo of the EVs. What is to happen – we are to witness very soon. The fact that these changes to SP:01’s design have been already made, will probably ensure that it will set new standards for performance and handling. Believe it or not, its electric motor will propel the car to a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h) and accelerates it from 0 to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds.

    Source: Detroit Electric 

  • Exclusive: Detroit Electric SP:01 Unveiled!

    Detroit-Electric-SP-01-THUMBDetroit Electric is officially back on the market with the disclosure of their emissions-free Detroit Electric SP:01 limited-edition. The two-seat pure-electric sports car aims to set new standards in terms of performance and handling in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. Only 999 examples of this EV will be built at Detroit Electric’s new production facility in Wayne County, Michigan.

    The electric model has an impressive 155 mph (249 km/h) top speed and is capable of covering the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in only 3.7 seconds. This literally makes the SP:01 the world’s fastest pure-electric production car.

    The EV’s astonishing performance is due to its excellent power-to-weight ratio. The rear-wheel-drive SP:01 includes a compact, mid-mounted 201 hp (148 kW) electric motor that delivers 225 Nm (166 lb-ft) of torque. Adding to this are the lightweight, purpose-designed battery pack and all-new carbon-fibre bodywork. The result is that the total weight is only 2,354 lb.

    The Detroit Electric model is based on a strong lightweight aluminium platform, and features carbon-fibre bodywork, specialised performance-tuned suspension, steering and brake systems. They contribute to car’s class-leading ride and handling characteristics.

    The innovative powertrain generates an electromagnetic field around the rotor shaft, which then spins at varying speeds to drive the wheels. Moreover, the person behind the wheel can select one of four gear ratios in order to achieve maximum acceleration.

    Furthermore, the battery has an impressive energy storage capacity of 37 kWh, which gives the SP:01 a range of almost 190 miles between recharges. Full charge is achieved in 4.3 hours.

    Vehicle’s bespoke bodywork is constructed entirely of carbon fibre, and its angular lines and muscular stance gives it bold, imposing design while at the same time they also optimize the aerodynamic efficiency. The one-piece front panel for instance includes sharply contoured bonnet and angular front fenders with imposing air-intakes.

    At the rear, the compact rear light cluster resembles those of high-performance American sports cars of the past. There can also be seen integrated side cooling ducts. In addition, a transparent inspection window displays the vehicle’s impressive battery technology.

    What is more, the interior of the vehicle combines combines luxurious refinement with advanced technology. Here are to be found carbon-fibre and specially selected leather finishes. The cabin of the SP:01 includes innovative technologies as well. The infotainment system of the car is named “SAMI” which stands for Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment system.

    The latter provides access to functions such as music player, satellite navigation, interior lighting adjust and vehicle systems status. SAMI can also be utilized as a remote control unit which helps the owner locating the vehicle, turning the climate control system or checking the charge status.

    An all-disc braking system, coupled with ABS (anti-lock braking) and ESP (Electronic Stability Control) comes here as a standard. What is more exceptional however is the Regenerative Braking technology that sets the car apart, underpinning superb stopping performance while ensuring greater energy efficiency.

    Detroit Electric SP:01 will have a starting price of $135 000 USD.

    Source: Detroit Electric

  • The Rebirth Of Detroit Electric [TEASER]

    Detroit-Electric-Sports-Car-THUMBDetroit Electric has been known for a long time. However, its absence on the automotive market counts over 70 years. Now, the innovative electric car manufacturer has returned with the creation and a range of exciting 100% electric vehicles for the mass market.

    The rebirth of the original electric car brand is marked by a new pure electric sports car, which is going to have a production start in August. The dedicated production facility will have an annual capacity of 2 500 sports cars. The goal of the brand is to create over 180 sales and manufacturing-related jobs over the next year.

    The first model that is going to be produced and that is currently teased has been in research and development for five years. It is going to carry the renowned Detroit Electric logo and will be a limited-edition two-seat sports car. Thanks to the image we can conclude that it will have a bold styling, and in addition the manufacturer promises an outstanding performance, exhilarating handling characteristics and impressive range.

    What is more, the sports car will be launched early next month in Detroit. On the other hand its first public appearance will happen at the Shanghai Motor Show on 20th of April. Of course, all of the needed details will be disclosed there.

    Moreover, the model is planned to go on sale by the end of August this year and will spearhead a diverse family of all-electric production cars, including two other high-performance models that will enter production by end of 2014.

    By going back in history, we can state that Detroit is possibly the “home” of electric cars. Early in the last century the electric vehicle industry was flourishing in Detroit. There was of course, the Detroit Electric company which back than offered and sold the innovative electric vehicles.

    The brand was a market leader ad by 1912 there were numerous American electric vehicle makers that made around 13 000 cars per year. As a matter of fact, this is the production world record for the twentieth century.

    Detroit Electric was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, who is the former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England. He had the aim to create and offer to the general public an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance.

    Just months ahead of the realization of this dream, the sports car will allow Detroit Electric to demonstrate to the world its ability to build an exciting and innovative product. The same strategy is promised to be seen in its future sedans, which are going to deliver exceptional fun of driving and performance.

    Source: Detroit Electric