Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lightning GT.

This month will see the debut of the Lightning GT electric sports car at the British Motor Show on July 23. The nano-titanate battery pack will provide 740-HP and a 0-60 sprint in just four seconds. Those batteries have also been spaced around the car to give it a 48/52 weight balance, which could theoretically give it the kind of handling to match its looks.

The batteries power four permanent magnet brushless motors, one at each wheel, which negates the need for a gearbox, axles, and transmission -- or transmission troubles. Each wheel will also boast independent traction control and regenerative braking. Inside, the car gets all the mod-cons, including A/C, satnav, and leather.

The makers claim a 90-mile range on a ten-minute charge, and running costs will be at least five times less than a car that gets 50-mpg U.S. That is, of course, assuming the car actually makes it to market. If so, and it's priced somewhere close to the Tesla, it should do well.


[Source: Car Central]

Click above for high-res gallery of the LLC Lightning GT

Last year we told you about a plucky little UK-based firm called Lightning Car Company (LCC) that had announced its intention to build a 700-hp equivalent electric sports car called the Lightning GT. It's a lofty goal that took one step closer to fruition recently when LCC unveiled the production form of the Lightning GT. The carbon fiber body is certainly sexy, flowing between positive and negative spaces that wrap around the car and bulge in all the right places. We see a little Corvette in its shape, as well as some Aston Martin and Jaguar in the details. The Lightning GT also sports mechanicals that are available right now, including the same Altairnano batteries that propels the Phoenix SUT and the PML wheel motors powering the 640-hp electric MINI. LCC is currently building a prototype to see how well the Lightning GT will work in the flesh, but like any visionary company worth its weight in vaporware, is currently accepting £15,000 deposits.


[Source: Lightning Car Company via AutoblogGreen]

click above image to view additional high-res photos of the Lightning GT

Lightning Car Company from the UK has created a new all-electric sports car called the GT that melds the front end of an E-Type Jag, the profile of a Marcos, and the back end of a TVR. Under the skin sits the same Altairnano batteries that power the Phoenix SUT and the PML wheel motors that power the 640-hp electric MINI. The Lightning GT, however, boasts up to 700 hp. Three models are expected to be offered including a luxury version, a lightweight sports version that can reach 60 mph in less than four seconds and an extended range model that can go the distance, as long as that's within 250 miles. The Lightning GT is expected to be available in 2008, though orders are being taken now. Is it a Tesla Roadster slayer? We've yet to see a green-minded coachbuilder tackle the development process with the same gusto and capital as Tesla, so while the GT's specs are impressive, we'll wait until AutoblogGreen actually drives one before taking away the Tesla's crown.

Update: There are now some more technical details, pricing and availability info over at ABG.

[Source: Lightning Car Company via AutoblogGreen]