MUST SEE: Dodge Hellcat Runs Against Chevy Corvette Z06 On The Street: Video
Production is set to take place at a site in the U.K., and the first cars should be rolling off the line sometime this year. Confirmed markets include Europe, the U.S. and parts of Asia.
Like the original Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] Roadster, the SP:01 is based on a Lotus chassis (Detroit Electric CEO Albert Lam previously worked at Lotus) and its design even bears a resemblance to some previous Lotus models. Nevertheless, Detroit Electric has been finessing the design over the past couple of years.
The most striking element is the new fastback configuration, which replaces the original SP:01 prototype’s flying buttresses on either side of the rear window. A large sculptural rear wing and underbody diffuser have also been incorporated to reduce lift and improve handling at higher speeds.
2015 Detroit Electric SP:01
CHECK OUT: 2016 Infiniti Q60 Concept Revealed Ahead Of Detroit Auto Show
Power in the SP:01 comes from a single electric motor rated at 285 horsepower, with drive sent to the rear wheels only. Buyers can expect a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, a top speed of 155 mph and a driving range of approximately 180 miles.
Note, Tesla has just announced some substantial upgrades for its original Roadster. The upgrades include a new battery and more efficient aerodynamics that Tesla says will make it possible to drive the car more than 400 miles on a single charge. The upgrade will be made available soon, so anyone waiting for the SP:01 may be better off picking up a used Roadster and upgrading it.
_______________________________________