A few days back, the final
exterior design of Detroit Electric’s all-new, pure electric two-seater sports
car, the SP:01, was revealed to the world. The company now gears up for production.
According to a company press release, 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 exterior design of the car
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.
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.
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.