► British start-up reveals two cars
► Bespoke platform focused on light weight
► Ex-Tesla and Lucid execs behind the project
A new British sports car maker by the name of Longbow has revealed its two-model range, promising to ‘re-energise’ the form for the EV era. Indeed, Longbow claims to have inaugurated a new market sector, the ‘featherweight electric vehicle’ (FEV), with its open-top Speedster and Roadster coupe.
Longbow appears not to be your average vapourware money incinerator, either. The company’s founders number two car industry execs who have worked for Tesla and Lucid among others, and the former CEO of X shore, an electric boat maker that did much to establish the market for such things. The engineering team includes people with experience in high-end OEMs and Formula 1.
Very impressive… but what about the cars?
Beneath their classically styled bodies, the Speedster and Roadster have a bespoke lightweight aluminium platform that contributes to both cars weighing less than 995kg. That’s half the weight of the MG Cyberster, the only vaguely comparable car currently on the market. Actually, the convertible Speedster tips the scales at 895kg – a truly remarkable achievement if it actually hits that mark.
Lightness doesn’t come at the expense of range either, Longbow claiming WLTP of 275 miles for the Speedster. There’s no word on how big the battery is, but it doesn’t have to be especially so in such a light car. Longbow haven’t mentioned how much power there is, or how many motors there are, but does quote a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds.
Longbow said in a press release: “Development of the Speedster and Roadster has pursued a singular philosophy: simplify, focus on beauty and engagement, then relentlessly add lightness, until all that remains is sheer automotive intoxication. Antithetical to conventional notions of what a battery electric vehicle can be, Speedster and Roadster are striking, light, nimble, balanced, and engineered for an unparalleled driving experience.”
Fine words, but I have my doubts
It’s true that car makers are struggling to get their heads around engineering EVs that are truly engaging to drive – and desirable. Hyundai created a car that’s genuinely fun in the Ioniq 5 N, albeit by applying a thick layer of coding; the MG Cyberster is more of a cruiser, Maserati has cancelled the MC20 Folgore for lack of demand and Porsche is reportedly struggling to perfect the electric Boxster.
We’ll have to wait and see if the Longbow is as engaging to drive as a combustion-powered equivalent, but its lightness gives it a fighting chance.
How much will a Longbow cost me?
The Speedster launches first, priced from £84,995 – quite low a hand-built car. Longbow says only 150 will be built, of which there will be 10 Luminary 1st Edition cars and 25 Autograph Editions. Longbow hasn’t elaborated on what features those editions will have. Once all the Speedsters have gone, production of the Roadster will start, with prices starting at £64,995. Production numbers aren’t capped, though there will only be 50 of the Luminary and 100 of the Autograph. You can reserve both cars now.