The lightweight, limited-edition SP:01 will be the world’s fastest production electric sports car when it goes on sale in Asia, Europe and North America, starting in 2015.
Revealed as a prototype at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, the design of SP:01 has been subtly updated to further improve the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance, ahead of the start of production at a new facility in the UK later this year.
The most striking element of the design is the bold new fastback configuration, which replaces the prototype’s flying buttresses on either side of the rear window. The exterior design has been optimised using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to provide enhanced airflow and reduce turbulence, for maximum performance and stability.
A large sculptural rear wing and an under-body diffuser have been incorporated to reduce lift and improve downforce at higher speeds. The changes to the production vehicle’s aerodynamics are intended to deliver improved on-the-limit road-holding and ensure rewarding and accessible dynamics.
A host of aesthetic and functional enhancements to the exterior design accompany the aerodynamic enhancements. For example, the front air intake and outlet ducts on the bonnet have been reshaped to optimise airflow to the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system.
The vehicle’s innovative battery packs have been clad in a protective composite casing which forms an integral part of the vehicle’s structure. This improves the SP:01’s torsional rigidity and provides an extremely robust barrier to protect the batteries from punctures in the event of an accident.
Jerry Chung, Head of Design at Detroit Electric, said: “The final design of SP:01 incorporates signature Detroit Electric design DNA, carried over from the prototype model we revealed last year. Coupled with many motorsport visual cues, the new fastback design, bold face and sharp contours evoke the company’s vision of pure electric performance.”
The changes to SP:01’s design ensure that it will deliver on its promise to set new standards for performance and handling in the EV segment. Its high-power electric motor will propel the car to an impressive 155 mph (249 km/h) top speed and a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds.
Detroit Electric was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, with a vision to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance.
For more information on Detroit Electric visit www.detroit-electric.com
Notes to Editors
About Detroit Electric
Detroit Electric is an iconic brand in the electric vehicle sector. The company began life in 1906 and soon established itself as the market leader and most prolific manufacturer of electric cars. The brand was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, with a vision to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology, superior handling and performance.
The company’s first production car, the SP:01 goes on sale in Asia, EMEA and the USA, starting in early 2015. All the cars will be manufactured in a new, dedicated Detroit Electric production facility in Leamington Spa, England.
The company has its global headquarters on the 18th floor of the iconic Fisher Building, located in downtown Detroit, USA, which is the company’s financial headquarters and will be the centre for overseeing activities in North America.
Detroit Electric has also invested in a new EMEA headquarters, located in Houten, Netherlands, where the company has already recruited a new team to manage the brand’s Sales and Marketing activities including vehicle sales, customer service and marketing in the region.
PR contact
For further information, photography or comment about Detroit Electric in Europe, please contact:
Detroit Electric Europe
Dick Braakhekke
T: +31 (0) 65 112 44 45
E: [email protected]
