Start-up battery car specialist Detroit Electric today released the first photograph of its new SP:01 in production-ready trim.
The Lotus-based SP:01 is a pure-electric two-seater in the vein of an Alfa Romeo 4C or an Elise – and its makers claim it will be the world’s fastest electric sports car when it goes on sale in Europe, north America and Asia in 2015, priced from around $135,000 or £79,000.
What’s new on the Detroit Electric SP:01?
The car was first shown as a prototype at the 2013 Shanghai motor show, but what you see here is the final version ready for showrooms. The most noticeable difference is the new fastback rear, replacing the flying buttresses of the show car.
DE claims the changes have been driven by aerodynamic work; the new fastback rump, rear wing and an underbody diffuser are said to contribute to greater stability of the composite-bodied sports car, which still bears a striking resemblence to the Elise/Evora family with which it shares technology.
Other detail upgrades include new front air intakes and bonnet scoops to feed the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system on board. The car is based on aluminium architecture borrowed from Lotus, but wears a more distinctive wardrobe.
A similar fast-track route to market to the Tesla Roadster, then.
Spec, performance claims
Its creators are pulling no punches in their claims for the SP:01. Thanks to a 201bhp electric motor, they cite a 155mph top speed and a 3.7sec 0-60mph time, making it – in their words – the ‘world’s fastest electric car.’
The SP:01 will be built at a new facility in Leamington Spa, UK, from late 2014.
Who are Detroit Electric?
Detroit Electric began life in 1906 and built electric cars in the dawn of the automobile era. The company slipped away as gasoline engines proliferated, but it was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former CEO of Lotus Engineering Group.
Although the company has its global HQ in downtown Detroit, it will manufacture the cars in the UK and the European, Middle East and African operation is run out of Houten in the Netherlands.
Can it prosper where other electric start-ups have faltered? It has yet to announce a retail network or other crucial details of its plans. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below…