In the world of electric vehicles, creating a lightweight yet powerful sports car is a challenging feat. Longbow, a company founded by Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott, has embraced this challenge with the Longbow Speedster. Inspired by the principles of legendary car designer Colin Chapman, Longbow aims to revolutionize the electric sports car market.
Lighter Than Its Rivals
The Longbow Speedster, set to launch next year, weighs just 1,973 pounds. This makes it 40% lighter than the Lotus Emira V6 and 16% lighter than the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club. This reduced weight contributes to its impressive performance, allowing the Speedster to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, thanks to its rear-mounted electric motor producing approximately 270 horsepower. Comparatively, the Emira V6 and Miata RF Club achieve the same speed in 4.2 and 5.6 seconds, respectively.
In contrast to its Chinese competitor, the MG Cyberster, the Longbow Speedster offers significant advantages. The MG Cyberster, which weighs significantly more, requires dual electric motors to achieve similar performance. The Speedster’s lightweight design emphasizes efficiency and agility without compromising on speed.
Design and Engineering
The Speedster features a design that balances classic sports car aesthetics with modern elements. Longbow COO Mark Tapscott describes it as “a modern sports car that doesn’t look like something from the future nobody wants to drive and doesn’t look like a pastiche of something from the past.” The exterior design reflects a blend of influences, reminiscent of the Exige-era Lotus, yet distinctly 21st century with its two-tone paint scheme.
While the interior remains under wraps, the Speedster has been developed swiftly, transforming from a digital concept to a prototype in just six months. Longbow’s strategy involves sourcing components such as the e-motor and brakes from established suppliers, rather than developing them in-house. This approach allows Longbow to utilize advanced technologies without the financial burden of creating them from scratch.
Market and Production Plans
Longbow plans to produce 150 units of the Speedster, each priced around $110,000. Although it will be available in both right-hand and left-hand drive, it won’t initially be sold in the U.S. However, the follow-up model, the Longbow Roadster, is expected to be available in the U.S. by 2027. The Roadster, featuring a windshield and a roof, will be slightly heavier but maintain the performance spirit of the Speedster.
Longbow’s innovative approach to electric sports car manufacturing highlights the potential of combining lightweight design with outsourced components. By leveraging the expertise of British engineering and the supply chain, Longbow is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle industry.
Original Story at www.motortrend.com