New electric sports car will be built in the UK, with first customer deliveries planned for early 2015Detroit Electric has revealed the final design for its SP:01 electric sports car, production of which will start in the UK later this year.
The two-seat model was first shown in prototype form at the Shanghai motor show in 2013. Originally slated for launch in Europe and Asia late this year, Detroit Electric says it now plans for a global launch in 2015.
Design changes made to this final version include a new underbody diffuser and rear wing to reduce lift, plus minor changes to the front air intakes to improve airflow.
The SP:01's lithium-ion battery packs, which grant the car a range of around 180 miles, have also been clad in a new protective casing which shields the cells from damage in the event of an accident.
The company had previously stated that the SP:01 will be the world's fastest production electric vehicle, with a top speed of 155mph and a 0-60mph sprint time of 3.7sec. Tesla's Model S manages the 0-62mph sprint in 4.2sec, but the recently announced dual-motor version is capable of 0-60mph in just 3.2sec.
Customers can already place orders for the new car, with early pricing information indicating a starting cost of around £100,500. First deliveries are expected in the first quarter of next year.
Earlier this summer the firm announced it would be building the SP:01 at a new facility in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, while also revealing that plans for a new 2+2 model and saloon were also under consideration. Those models would be engineered and assembled in Detroit, and arrive in 2016.
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