Hasta La Gadget!

With Tesla struggling to make ends meet — let alone become a thriving, profitable automaker during a time when all people want are non-gas-powered vehicles — we have to say that Sigma Motorworks has its work cut out for it here. According to head of operations Matias Gorfinkiel, the Sigma GTE is “a test bed for a commercial high performance sports model that [it] will bring to market by early 2010.” Autoblog reports that most of the vehicle is based on Ford’s storied Mustang, with its front and rear differentials coming directly from Ford and the GTE cockpit ripped straight from an older model Pony car. If all goes well (which isn’t likely, honestly), it’ll provide around 100 miles per charge and could hit upwards of 145 miles per hour; of course, finding the funding to put this thing together is another matter entirely, so don’t go placing a pre-order via some Nigerian-based sister site just yet.

[Image courtesy of AutoblogGreen]

Filed under: Transportation

Sigma Motorworks developing EV based on Ford Mustang originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you didn’t already have enough electric and plug-in hybrid cars on your shopping list for next year, make sure you add pair of offerings from the reborn Detroit Electric to the running. The company (which, naturally, isn’t based in Detroit) has already announced a partnership with Malaysian automotive group Proton (owner of Lotus, responsible for much of the Tesla Roadster’s underpinnings), and the two are now providing a few details of the offerings set to launch throughout next year in Europe, China, the UK, and the US. Two versions of the e63 model will be available, seemingly distinguished only by how far they can go before stranding you. The so-called “city range” model is rated for 112 miles to a charge and will sell for under $26,000, while the “extended range” version pushes that distance up to 200 miles — and the price up to $33,000. MSRP for that radical ZAP Alias the company has been teasing you with for years? Nowhere to be found, naturally.

[Via Financial Times]

Filed under: Transportation

Proton and Detroit Electric detail their forthcoming rechargeable offerings originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After a brief period of unofficial officialness this morning, Tesla has rolled out the Model S to a sea of eager photographers. The company’s also revealed specs for the EV: this seven-seater can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds, boasts a top speed of 120 MPH, features a dashboard display and a 17-inch main touchscreen monitor. It’s fully 3G capable, sports HD and satellite radio, uses LED and neon exterior lights, smart-key power, and push button gear selector. While that $49,900 base price will get you a battery that’s good for 160 miles per charge, 230-mile and 300-mile range packs will be available. On a 220V outlet, the company says it’ll charge in four hours with a 45 minute “QuickCharge” option, and you should be able to swap batteries if necessary in under 8 minutes. Excited? Find a way to control yourself, this baby isn’t going into production in Q3 2011. Check out a brief glimpse of the interior after the break.

Continue reading Tesla Model S now official

Filed under: Transportation

Tesla Model S now official originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look, we love taking off through the snow-covered trails of Grand Teton National Park as much as anyone, but we can’t say with a straight face that we’d rather take a snowmobile through there than one of these critters. Designed by Anders Gloslie, the TH!NK FROST is an electric vehicle crafted specifically to operate in arctic environments. Based on current drawings, the all-wheel drive contraption can lug two Eskimos around at a time, though there’s no mention of a hybrid version for those looking to take long range excursions. Commercialization, please?

[Via DVICE]

Filed under: Transportation

Electric TH!NK FROST concept vehicle makes snowmobiles cringe originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you’re the type of Earth-loving individual who ain’t got nowhere to go in a hurry, RTEV’s ready and willing to take your order a brand new Wheego Whip. The company’s first street electric LSV (low speed vehicle) will begin shipping to early adopters in May, and it’s primed to carry up to two individuals and a few empty cola bottles anywhere you need to go — so long as there’s an AC outlet waiting at Point B. It’s retailing for under $19,000 and includes an MP3 stereo system, remote keyless entry, air conditioning and a sweet 10 percent Federal Tax credit. Of note, RTEV has plans to eventually produce a higher speed model of this very car, and there’s a trade-in program available (with terms that aren’t half bad) for those interested. For all the fine print, give that read link a tap.

Filed under: Transportation

RTEV begins taking orders for Wheego Whip electric car originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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