Epic Torq and Amp photo bomb yields revealing details

Epic EV Torq – Click above for high-res image gallery

While Epic Electric Vehicles have said they will reveal more about their somewhat eccentric lineup this autumn, they must have felt a little sorry for those of us impatiently waiting because they have just dropped a big fat juicy photo bomb. While (obviously) lacking in hard numbers, the pics do reveal a certain amount of interesting details about the vehicles.

The Torq images confirm our first impressions – this is a bare bones racy three-wheel roadster that, despite a few rough edges, looks like a whole lot of fun. The power appears to go to the front wheels, limiting concerns about traction, with disc brakes at all four three corners providing stopping ability. The Flux Power battery packs make a line down the center of the car, forming a "T" with modules behind the seats.

The interior is spartan, save for two cup holders separated by an iPhone stand. The flat-bottomed Momo racing wheel is devoid of buttons while controls for turn signals and lights are in a module to the drivers left. Of course, having no windshield means no need for wipers or their switches. Speed and other necessary info is located on a small screen straight ahead of the driver. Ironically, the unit in the prototype has a vestigial light to warn if your engine oil is low. Another display is located in the center of the dash that appears to give readings from the battery pack and motor. Hit the jump for more.


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[Source: Epic Electric Vehicles]



The Epic EV Amp looks, for the most part, pretty awesome. Its aggressive stance, coupled with four wheel drive capability – it can switch from rear wheel drive to all four at the push of a button – and the torque characteristics of electric drive make it capable of climbing a wall, as we saw demonstrated on video in our original post. The photos also reveal that this off-road machine began its life in China.

Not that that is necessarily bad, as it should help keep the price tag reasonable. Since being shipped here, the Amp has undergone a bit of a makeover. We're pretty sure the suspension has been beefed up considerably with Fox shocks added to cushion the ride, in addition to being fitted with an electric drivetrain. The vehicle also boasts the same Momo wheel as its road-going cousin and has an LCD screen in the driver's line of sight with current speed and other info displayed. Interestingly, it has a shifter and a clutch pedal, which likely means it retains the original five forward gears and reverse.

It should be interesting to watch video of the Amp and Torq in action or, better yet, to take a spin in them ourselves. Pictures may be worth a thousand words but nothing can replace a buckled-in, hands-on-wheel, right-foot-down experience. If that should happen, you'll be the first to hear about it.

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