Detroit
Electric SP:01
Detroit
Electric has vowed that the SP:01 will be "the world's fastest
pure-electric production two-seater sports car" when it goes on sale.
The
two-seat model, based on the Lotus Elise, was first shown in prototype form at
the Shanghai motor show in 2013, and was originally slated for launch in Europe
and Asia in late 2014. Production was due to begin at Detroit Electric's
facility in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire early in 2015, but this has now been
delayed. Following its show debut, Detroit Electric said it received 35 firm
orders for the SP:01.
The
SP:01's lithium-ion battery packs, which grant the car a range of around 180
miles, have also been clad in a new protective casing which shields the cells
from damage in the event of an accident. Power output from the electric motor
is rated at 281 bhp, with 166 lb-ft of torque. A full charge was said to take
four hours. The
company says the SP:01 will come with a top speed of 155 mph and a 0-60 mph
sprint time of 3.9 second.
Early
pricing information suggested a starting cost of around £ 100,500. Standard
specification includes carbon fibre body panels and a manual transmission,
tough single-speed and twin-speed automatic transmissions are optional. The
SP:01's weight is said to be 1090 kg.
Inside, an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system features in the place of a
traditional instrument cluster, and also handles vehicle functions including
satellite navigation and infotainment. Leather sports seats are available,
while a range of upgrades allow customers to personalise their cars.
The
company has also revealed that plans for a new 2+2 model and saloon are also
under consideration. Those models would be engineered and assembled in Detroit,
and arrive after the SP:01's launch.
