Detroit Electric is back after an absence of more than 70 years and the first car to wear the historic name plate is the limited edition SP:01 electric sports car under the brand’s mantra of ‘Pure Electric Excitement’, which was unveiled in at Detroit Electric’s new headquarters in the Fisher Building in downtown Detroit. The SP:01 sets new standards for performance and handling in the electric vehicle (EV) segment.
The SP:01’s bespoke bodywork is constructed entirely of carbon fibre. The SP:01’s angular lines and muscular stance give the car a bold, imposing design while also optimising aerodynamic efficiency.
The interior of the vehicle combines luxurious refinement with advanced technology – highlighted through the use of carbon-fibre and specially selected leather finishes.
The cabin of the SP:01 is packed with innovation, being the first to use smartphone applications to manage the complete in-car infotainment system. Named ‘SAMI’ (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment system), SAMI provides access to a wide range of functions, including music player, satellite navigation, interior lighting adjust and vehicle systems status.
The SP:01 is powered by a 201 bhp electric motor delivering 166 lb-ft of torque. It has a rear-wheel drive and a lightweight, purpose-designed battery pack and all-new carbon-fibre bodywork. SP:01 is equipped with bi-directional charge and discharge capability, allowing it to release its stored electrical energy to power a home. The battery packs can be charged in 4.3 hours. the battery gives the SP:01 a range of almost 190 miles between recharges.
Top speed is claimed to be 155 mph (249 km/h) and can accelerate from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) sprint in a blistering 3.7 seconds. This impressive figures make the SP:01 the world’s fastest pure-electric production car.
The price of SP:01 starts at $135,000 USD, and will vary according to specification and local taxes. Each SP:01 will come with a three-year, 30,000-mile warranty with an optional extension for the battery to five years and 50,000 miles.
