Lightning GT EV

Remember the Lightning GT EV? Yeah you probably don’t since we haven’t covered it since July, 2009. Since the unveiling of the Lightning GT in 2007, the company has appointed a new CEO (Tim Martin) and under his guidance, the company has been strongly re-engineered. According to investor Iain Sanderson, the Aston Martin DB9-sized all-electric GT is ready to enter the “late prototype” phase and should be ready for an annual production of 250 units by 2012.

Technology partners for the chassis production, suppliers for the lithium-ion batteries and for data engineering have now officially been appointed.

The Lightning GT EV is powered by pair of electric-motors, rear-drive powertrain helping it produce 400-hp. 0-60 mph should come in under 5 seconds with a range of more than 100 miles. Pricing is expected to start at £180,000 ($290,510 USD).

Lightning GT EV:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

The creators of the Lightning GT electric-sports cars are planning three additional models, reports AuotCar. The Lightning GT is scheduled to go into production early next year with a starting price-tag of around £120,000 ($196,014 USD).

The 700 horsepower Lightning GT EV is capable of traveling 250 miles with only 10 minutes of charging. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.

In an interview with AutoCar, Chairman of the Lightning Car Company Ian Sanderson said that: “We have deposits, and we’re pushing ahead with our plans. “It’s our intention that it is the first of a number of models. A limo-sized model is planned, as we think a high-end chauffer-driven car with electric power would work well for executives travelling around cities.”

Sanderson said that LCC is also looking at a smaller sports car and an SUV model.

Lightning GT EV:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

You would think that during an economic storm entrepreneurs and investors would be hesitant to put their time and money in an auto startup. However, we have a couple of ambitious companies that are determined to change the way we drive by offering vehicles with new technologies and alternative fuel.

Taking advantage of low labor costs in China and Eastern Europe these auto companies don’t care about history that makes it quite inevitable that most of them will fail without leaving much evidence of their existence. But there are a few out there that may change the world.

The folks at PopularMechanics have the Top 10 New Eco and Exotic car companies that they believe have some potential to leave their mark in the auto industry.

Follow the jump for the list.

Top 10 New Eco and Exotic Car Companies:

10. Lightning Car Company
9. Noble Automotive Limited
8. Hybrid Technologies
7. Koenigsegg
6. Shelby Supercars
5. Ariel Motor Company
4. Carbon Motors
3. Fisker Automotive
2. Aptera Motors
1. Tesla Motors

Thanks for the tip Andrew.

Source: PopularMechanics