Ex-Mclaren designer now plans electric sportscar

Gordon Murray isn't the only ex-McLaren F1 designer that is now branching out into greener pastures. Jim Dowle from JJAD has announced plans to build a new electric sportscar, and it sounds like a winner. A lithium ion battery pack is said to provide a range of 230 miles, though that figure will surely go down as the driver explores its amazing acceleration. How's a run to sixty miles per hour in 2.9 seconds sound? Such performance is capable due to the P1-E's dual electric motors that provide the gullwing-doored coupe all-wheel drive. Assuming that JJAD gets the necessary funding, Dowle expects to have running prototypes created within the year and hopes for production shortly thereafter, with prices for the P1-E coming in at around £55,000 (about $75,000). If that happens, Tesla is going to have some rather serious competition in the all-electric sportscar market. See the full press release after the break.

[Source: JJAD]

PRESS RELEASE:

JJAD's Much Acclaimed P1 Sports Car Continues to Take Shape - Now with Electric Power

CHOBHAM – January 23, 2009: Former McLaren designer Jim Dowle (JJAD) first announced details of his eye-catching P1 sports car back in February of last year. The response was universally positive and the subsequent progress has been both rapid and dramatic – in particular, a switch to electric power means the P1-E is destined to be one of the world's first purpose-built electric sports cars. With stunning acceleration (0-60mph in 2.9 secs), practical range (230 miles), low weight (1,055kg) and a price around £55,000, this gullwing–doored, pocket rocket will be the electric car enthusiasts really will want to own.

Having worked on such landmark projects as the McLaren F1, Dowle knows what it takes to make a drivers' car. The P1-E's twin electric motors and attendant lithium-ion batteries are placed for optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity, while the long wishbones front and rear ensure ideal suspension geometry. Four-wheel drive endows the car with maximum traction. It also allows regenerative braking on each wheel, the energy gained from which is used to top up the batteries.

Said Dowle, "All the electric cars produced to date have been compromised in one way or another and most have been of little attraction to the enthusiast driver. We decided it was time to create an affordable electric sports car that combined the advantages of conventionally-engined machines with those of electric ones, without the disadvantages of either – in short, a drivers' car for the 21st century.

"Since February we've been busy finalising the specification, fine-tuning the styling and seeking appropriate funding, and plan to have our first prototype up and running during 2009. Most of the programme's key partnerships are now in place, though we'd still welcome approaches from any companies interested in investing in our mould-breaking performance car. Another remaining task is to gree its final name, P1-E being the project's code."