Detroit Electric Reveals The SP:01

[Renegade]

Lotuses are being used for all sorts of things nowadays; Hennessey utilizes one for the Venom GT — a machine they claim stands as the fastest production car in the world — and now Detroit Electric reveals its SP:01, stated as the fastest pure-electric sports car in the world. And with a 0-62 mph time of just 3.7 seconds, complimenting its top speed of 155 mph, if it does indeed see the light of day, the Detroit Electric SP:01 could provide further proof of a resurgent Motor City.

No doubt the SP:01's stats are impressive, but it's not power that makes the electric sports car so rapid, it's the weight; the SP:01 tips the scales at just 2,354 lbs. Power derives from an air-cooled, asynchronous AC electric motor, delivering 201 hp and 166 lb. ft. of instantaneous torque. Those figures, even mixed with the lightweight carbon-fiber body, make the speed statistics seem quite a stretch; I suppose it showcases the power of instant torque.

The manual gearbox seen on the Lotus remains, but the 5th and 6th gears are blocked off (5th can be reinstalled at a price). Changing gear promises to be seldom, however, as the taller ratios are only needed when achieving top speeds. Having multiple ratios makes a lot of sense in an electric car, as the drive ratio is often so long it diminishes the rewards offered by the instant torque. Having recently driven the Mercedes SLS Electric Drive (currently the fastest production EV in the world), which maintained that long gear, the initial power, while impressive, didn't match expectations. Perhaps this could be the answer?



With a power rating of 37 kWh, the lithium polymer batteries provide a range of 180 miles with a charge time of around four hours (when using a 240V charge point). A patented bi-directional charge feature enables the car to power your house, too. Cooling is controlled by an in-house system, with a thermal management pack fitted to keep the batteries and motor running at an optimum temperature.

At $135,000, the SP:01 will not be an electric sports car for the masses. And despite this announcement, Detroit Electric has a long road ahead to get its promised output of 999 cars into production, let alone sell any to stay afloat. The concept, on paper, sounds great. But as we've seen before, promises like this are increasingly difficult to fulfill.


Would you rather just have the Lotus?

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Renegade

Lotuses are being used for all sorts of things nowadays; Hennessey utilizes one for the Venom GT — a machine they claim stands as the fastest production car in the world — and now Detroit Electric reveals its SP:01, stated as the fastest pure-electric sports car in the world. And with a 0-62 mph time of just 3.7 seconds, complimenting its top speed of 155 mph, if it does indeed see the light of day, the Detroit Electric SP:01 could provide further proof of a resurgent Motor City.

No doubt the SP:01's stats are impressive, but it's not power that makes the electric sports car so rapid, it's the weight; the SP:01 tips the scales at just 2,354 lbs. Power derives from an air-cooled, asynchronous AC electric motor, delivering 201 hp and 166 lb. ft. of instantaneous torque. Those figures, even mixed with the lightweight carbon-fiber body, make the speed statistics seem quite a stretch; I suppose it showcases the power of instant torque.

The manual gearbox seen on the Lotus remains, but the 5th and 6th gears are blocked off (5th can be reinstalled at a price). Changing gear promises to be seldom, however, as the taller ratios are only needed when achieving top speeds. Having multiple ratios makes a lot of sense in an electric car, as the drive ratio is often so long it diminishes the rewards offered by the instant torque. Having recently driven the Mercedes SLS Electric Drive (currently the fastest production EV in the world), which maintained that long gear, the initial power, while impressive, didn't match expectations. Perhaps this could be the answer?



With a power rating of 37 kWh, the lithium polymer batteries provide a range of 180 miles with a charge time of around four hours (when using a 240V charge point). A patented bi-directional charge feature enables the car to power your house, too. Cooling is controlled by an in-house system, with a thermal management pack fitted to keep the batteries and motor running at an optimum temperature.

At $135,000, the SP:01 will not be an electric sports car for the masses. And despite this announcement, Detroit Electric has a long road ahead to get its promised output of 999 cars into production, let alone sell any to stay afloat. The concept, on paper, sounds great. But as we've seen before, promises like this are increasingly difficult to fulfill.


Would you rather just have the Lotus?

I've often wondered why EV builders (or rebuilders, as the case may be) haven't embraced the multi-speed transmission. The builders of infernal combustion engines figured that out a century ago. Good to see they offer at least 4 gears for this car.


And to answer your question, I would rather have a Lotus. Although I'm not sure I am small enough or agile enough to get in and out with any degree of dignity right now. There seriously needs to be an amusement park style 'You need to be this tall' sign for Lotuses (Loti?). Only instead of being a minimum, it should be a maximum: "If you are over 5'8" or 170+lbs, enter at your own risk"

[Renegade]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I've often wondered why EV builders (or rebuilders, as the case may be) haven't embraced the multi-speed transmission. The builders of infernal combustion engines figured that out a century ago. Good to see they offer at least 4 gears for this car.


And to answer your question, I would rather have a Lotus. Although I'm not sure I am small enough or agile enough to get in and out with any degree of dignity right now. There seriously needs to be an amusement park style 'You need to be this tall' sign for Lotuses (Loti?). Only instead of being a minimum, it should be a maximum: "If you are over 5'8" or 170+lbs, enter at your own risk"

Most definately not comfortable for big guys. I'm 6 ft. I don't think a Lotus will be my type of car man. As far as embracing the multi-speed transmission is a mystery. I'm still trying to figure out who is approving these cars. Detroit Motor Company is really trying to make a come back in the industry. Putting out better product with better MPG aswell. Maybe this could be a start in the right direction for more middle class owners to (embrace) the future. And push forth more car makers to build more electric cars.


If your into Sci-Fi and futuristic movies you want to push the boundaries and have no limitations when it comes to designs and technology in vehicles on the road. I'd personally love to see a car fly atleast in this lifetime.

[PeeBee]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

There seriously needs to be an amusement park style 'You need to be this tall' sign for Lotuses (Loti?). Only instead of being a minimum, it should be a maximum: "If you are over 5'8" or 170+lbs, enter at your own risk"

Never had a problem at 5'10.1" and close to 210lbs. It's only the entry that's a bit difficult, but it's SO easy when you have the roof off on an Elise

Another advantage of being built muscular was that I never had to change the seats for any smaller seats, in order not to slide around on a track... I heard people complain they were too wide, but for me the standard seats fitted perfectly

I do have to admit though that one time on a track, doing demonstration laps, I had a pretty heavy guy (think about 300-320lbs) get in to the car, which made it very interesting to drive (almost impossible to shift as his leg was blocking the gear lever (stick as you call it there...))

Was funny when I had to go through a chicane the first time and actually lost the car due to him sliding over and pushing me out of my seat... Didn't hit anything luckily, and got him shouting "wow, that's fun let's do it again..." Erhm... NO

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by PeeBee

Never had a problem at 5'10.1" and close to 210lbs. It's only the entry that's a bit difficult, but it's SO easy when you have the roof off on an Elise

Another advantage of being built muscular was that I never had to change the seats for any smaller seats, in order not to slide around on a track... I heard people complain they were too wide, but for me the standard seats fitted perfectly

I do have to admit though that one time on a track, doing demonstration laps, I had a pretty heavy guy (think about 300-320lbs) get in to the car, which made it very interesting to drive (almost impossible to shift as his leg was blocking the gear lever (stick as you call it there...))

Was funny when I had to go through a chicane the first time and actually lost the car due to him sliding over and pushing me out of my seat... Didn't hit anything luckily, and got him shouting "wow, that's fun let's do it again..." Erhm... NO

Yeah, the one time I was in a Lotus Elise I was about 5'10 and 230 (but I'm a very broad guy [23" shoulders] with shorter than average legs so a lot of extra mass for my height, but still I was carrying too much weight). Once I was in, it was pretty close to normal as far as comfort goes. But getting in was somewhat tricky, and getting out was worse. I seriously sat there for a few seconds with the door open wondering how I was going to get out.

That reminds me, in University I had a friend who was broader, slightly taller, and somewhat heavier than even I was and he was a Lotus enthusiast (despite being an unemployed 20 year old engineering student). Each time he brought the car up & how awesome it was (I think their line-up was limited to the Elise & its derivatives) my friends and I were like 'dude ... pick a bigger car. Even if you fit it will just look too awkward seeing you get in & out of it. Since then, I've lost touch with him, but perhaps he's lusted after the Evora ...

Anywho,
Detroit Electric: SP01