Detroit Electric To Launch 'World's Fastest Electric Sports Car' in 2015

Oct 28, 2014 03:30 PM EDT | Jordan Ecarma

Detroit Electric has offered a first look at its SP:01 electric sports car, which is slated for production later this year.

Said to be similar to Tesla's retired Roadster model, the battery-powered model is based on Lotus designs, USA TODAY reported. The SP:01 will be the fastest electric sports car in production, boasting a top speed of 155 mph and a zero to 60 rate of 3.7 seconds, according to the company.

"The SP:01 will almost certainly be lighter than the Tesla, and the new design, which has been finalized for production, adds a wing and a diffuser for increased downforce on the track," Jalopnik noted.

Instead of having an open-car roadster design, the SP:01 will be a hatchback for better aerodynamics and speed as well as improved battery range, according to the company. 

 "The final design of SP:01 incorporates signature Detroit Electric design DNA, carried over from the prototype model we revealed last year," said Jerry Chung, design chief at Detroit Electric, as quoted by USA TODAY. "Coupled with many motorsport visual cues, the new fastback design, bold face and sharp contours evoke the company's vision of pure electric performance."

Despite the company name, the SP:01 won't be manufactured in Detroit; instead, the electric two-seater will built at a Detroit Electric production facility in Leamington Spa, England. Production should start later this year, while the SP:01 is expected to ship in early 2015. 

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