Meet the new Detroit Electric SP:01, the world's fastest pure-electric production car.
A couple of weeks ago we told you about the revival of Detroit Electric, a dormant electric car brand which dates back more than 100 years. We also told you that said brand was planning on launching a new electric sports car onto the nascent electric vehicle market. Well, here it is.
The SP:01 is powered by a mid-mounted electric motor, developing 201bhp and 166lb-ft of torque. This might not sound like a huge amount for a sports car, but because that the SP:01 weighs just a smidge more than a tonne, Detroit Electric claims a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
Detroit Electric has used an aluminium platform with carbon-fibre bodywork to keep the SP:01's weight to a minimum. The car also features performance-tuned suspension, steering and brake systems which Detroit Electric claim "provide class-leading ride and handling characteristics."
The SP:01's gearbox is where things start to get a little complicated. While most EVs use a single-speed transmission, Detroit Electric has chosen to fit a four-speed manual transmission. But unlike on a traditional manual car, there is no need to depress the clutch when you come to a stop, nor do you have to change gears as regularly. The company says that first gear is good for speeds up to around 30mph, 2nd will do for up to 60mph, while 3rd and 4th are only necessary at speeds above this.
Of course, the big obstacle to electric car production is range. Detroit Electric claims that the SP:01's 37kWh battery is good for around 190 miles of driving, and can be recharged fully in 4.3 hours. Whether or not these figures bear any resemblance to those you'll achieve during everyday driving remains to be seen.
Albert Lam, Detroit Electric chairman, said: "The SP:01 will be exclusive, luxurious and technologically advanced." To ensure this exclusivity, only 999 examples will be built, all carrying the not-inconsiderable price tag of $135,000 (around £90,000).
The Detroit Electric is set to go into production in August at the company's new production facility in Wayne County, Michigan.
