Introducing the next eco supercar: the Steenstra Styletto

Watch out Tesla – there's another California-based zero-emissions sports car company in the works: Steenstra GCM. Founded by designer and auto industry consultant Cornelis Steenstra, the Styletto isn't just about creating a guilt-free car, but one meant to compete with the Ferraris and Lamborghinis at the top of the heap. And, judging by the images in our gallery below, we're guessing it'll do battle with the Italians with a whole heap of batteries onboard.

Steenstra hasn't released any information on the car yet, but it is being billed as "the first 200-mph-plus super sports car to be built in California." If all goes well and the company can get its financial legs, the Styletto will be formally introduced at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concourse d' Elegance and you'll be able to buy one in 2013. For now, you can read about it in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Steenstra]


PRESS RELEASE:

FIRST AMERICAN 200 MPH PLUS ZERO EMISSION SUPER SPORTS CAR TO BE BUILT IN CALIFORNIA

MISSION VIEJO, CA Sep 7, 2009: Renowned international car designer Cornelis Steenstra has just released the first images of his latest project, a zero emission super sports car called STYLETTO. This first American zero-emission super car offers a low slung, extremely aerodynamic body, gull-wing type doors and ample seating to properly accommodate 2 occupants in a space not normally found in these types of exotics.

Steenstra earned his stripes as designer at Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and Mazda's European Studios, and was Strategic Design Manager Europe for Hyundai/Kia in Germany, before starting his independent consultancy Foresee Car Design, Inc., in California. Aside from his normal consultancy work for Porsche in Germany, Steenstra also executed a myriad of projects for OEM companies like Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, MG-Rover, Peugeot and Fisker, and was involved with several start-up companies, including several "clean vehicle technology" companies.

Combining all this experience, Steenstra teamed up with a group of very experienced automotive industry professionals, and set out to develop a new range of vehicles that would represent the best in American automotive engineering and technology. This range of vehicles, of which the STYLETTO is the first, are targeting the exclusive sports car market currently dominated by Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche, with passionate offerings that excel in design, engineering, build quality and are environmentally responsible, producing zero emissions.

"I grew up with a passion for transportation and motor racing, and have always felt that people should and could enjoy driving passionate performance automobiles while still retaining their responsibility toward the environment. These are desires that can very well be enjoyed together" says Steenstra.

Steenstra and his team are currently in negotiations with several investment firms for this ambitious venture, and are aiming to have drivable prototypes of the STYLETTO ready in time for the 2010 Pebble Beach Concourse d' Elegance. Limited series production of this first offering is scheduled to start in March 2013.

Steenstra GCM, founded in 2009 by Foresee Ltd, is a privately owned American company producing high-end zero mission performance automobiles. Situated in Mission Viejo, California, Steenstra GCM is headed by Cornelis Steenstra as Chief Executive Officer, Robert Bruns as Chief Financial Officer, Hans-Peter Hemmer as Vice President of Engineering and Mario Greco as Vice President of Chassis Development.

Foresee Car Design, Inc., Founded in 2001, is a privately owned American independent design consultancy based in Mission Viejo, California. Founded by Cornelis Steenstra, Foresee Car Design, Inc. has executed projects for Porsche, Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, Subaru, MG Rover, Peugeot, Icon Aircraft, DAF Trucks, Scania, Terex, Honda, Suzuki, Beijing Auto and many more.