Engineers from SAIC, the company behind MG Motor, co-hosted a global gathering of top automotive aerodynamicists.

Engineers from SAIC Motor Technical Centre, the company behind MG Motor, co-hosted a global gathering of top automotive aerodynamicists in Leamington Spa, UK, in November. 

Recognising the key role vehicle design plays in fuel economy, the EADE (European Aerodynamic Data Exchange) annual meeting welcomed 44 delegates from over 20 global vehicle manufacturers and two wind tunnel facilities.

Held at the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF) conference centre in Warwickshire, the annual event gives engineers involved in reducing the drag co-efficient of cars the opportunity to share new developments and data relating to wind tunnel testing. 

These tests are used to understand how well a car travels through the air, producing a set of figures to describe a vehicle’s relative aerodynamic performance.

Vehicle aerodynamics is becoming much more important in the overall design of cars, given the increasing pressure on manufacturers to improve fuel efficiencies and reduce harmful emissions. A car that travels through the air more easily makes for a quieter and more comfortable drive. Accordingly, drag co-efficient has become a highly debated performance statistic among carmakers keen to increase fuel economy.

However, comparing results between facilities around the world is problematic, akin to comparing apples to pears. This is primarily due to variations in wind tunnel facilities where drag coefficients are measured and, to a lesser degree, from variations in testing methodologies.

EADE is collaborative group that enables OEMs to share aerodynamic benchmark testing and strengthen the domestic aerodynamic technology base through sharing non-competitive ideas and technologies.

Nicolas Sabrazat, chief aerodynamic engineer at SAIC Motor, said: “Co-hosting the EADE event in the Midlands this year has been a great pleasure – as it reflects the growing confidence in the re-emergent motor industry here in the UK.”

The SAIC Motor Technical Centre (SMTC) in Longbridge currently boasts an engineering design team of over 250 people. This is the place where new models such as the MG3 supermini and MG GS sports utility vehicle have been designed. Already, the MG GS has been praised for its competitive aerodynamic performance, with engineers from SMTC presenting technical papers on its progressive design.

Looking forward to new models currently under development for MG, Sabrazat comments that the role of aerodynamics will become even more vital for tomorrow’s cars. He said: “With tough new emissions laws being introduced in 2017, and the ever-growing need for greater fuel efficiency, reducing the drag of vehicles is now more important than ever. It is for that reason that we have continued to invest in our resources here in Birmingham.”

Current MG models include the MG3 supermini and MG GS sports utility vehicle, which retail from £8,399 and £14,995 respectively.

The world’s lightest & fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car, the Detroit Electric SP:01 goes on sale in China.

• First production-specification Detroit Electric sports car rolls off the company’s UK assembly line
• Detroit Electric distributor for China, Jowett Motors, is presented with first vehicle
• Initial SP:01 will serve as a demonstrator vehicle for prospective customers

The first production-specification Detroit Electric sports car has rolled off the UK assembly line and has been exported to China, as the electric vehicle company’s expansion in Asia continues.

The first SP:01 pure electric vehicle was handed over to Detroit Electric’s new importer for China, Jowett Motors (Asia) Ltd, in a ceremony at the company’s main assembly plant in Leamington Spa, UK.

The white SP:01 was presented to Dr Richard Lee, Chairman of Jowett Motors, by Detroit Electric Head of Engineering, Ben Boycott. It will be used as a demonstrator vehicle to fulfil a stream of enquiries from prospective customers that followed the appointment of Jowett Motors last April and the appearance of the SP:01 at Auto Shanghai 2015.

This handover of the first SP:01 marks another major step forward in Detroit Electric’s continued expansion and investment in the Asian region, where the company hopes soon to announce the appointment of a distributor for Japan.

Commenting on the latest developments in Asia, Albert Lam, Chairman and CEO of Detroit Electric, said: “We are extremely proud to team up with Jowett Motors, a company that has an exceptional track record in the establishment and selling of exclusive, high performance sports cars in the Chinese market.

“Jowett Motors’ desire to join us as we prepare for full-scale production and sales of our upcoming range of pure electric vehicles is a huge endorsement of our products and brand, and a demonstration of their confidence in the progress we are making in Asia and around the world,” he added.

Jowett Motors’ owner and management team have been importing renowned sports car marques from Italy and Germany to China for over 23 years.  Dr Lee said at the handover: “We were honoured and excited to be selected as Detroit Electric importer for China and we are now delighted to receive the first production-specification SP:01. Our many potential customers in China have been looking forward with relish to this chance to experience the SP:01 close-up in our country.

“The new SP:01 sports car is a diamond and a collectable item in itself.  It has super car look and feel and, of course, it delivers supercar performance,” he added.

The Detroit Electric SP:01, the world’s lightest and fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car, goes on sale in Asia and Europe over the coming months. It promises blistering acceleration, reaching 60mph from standstill in just 3.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds) and a sprint to an impressive top speed of 155mph (249km/h).

Featuring a 285HP / 210kW electric motor and carbon fibre body panels, the car is fitted with a single speed automatic transmission as standard, with the option of both twin-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions. The SP:01 is supplied with both hard and soft tops as standard. The battery in the SP:01 has been integrated into the chassis as a stressed member, adding stiffness to enhance handling and safety. The military grade, lightweight high density lithium battery is the most energy-dense automotive battery pack in the world, offering over 140Wh/kg, benefitting range while keeping overall vehicle weight low.

Classic Car Auctions finishes the year with a raft of special cars and a rare, last made for UK SAAB 96L Souvenir V4.

A very special and rare 1978 Saab 96L Souvenir V4, the very last made for the UK market, will be going under the hammer next weekend in Classic Car Auctions’ (CCA) Christmas Sale, taking place on Saturday 5^thDecember at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, Leamington Spa.

This important 1978 Saab is number 150 of 150 right-hand drive model 96 V4s produced for the UK, with a certificate present from Saab themselves to confirm this. It has covered a mere 3,010 miles from new in total, with the present vendor enjoying a pleasurable 1,000 miles of these.

This Saab 96L is in amazing, factory original condition throughout with the Cardinal Red paint, unique to this last UK batch of cars, gleaming. Said to drive perfectly with everything working, including its free-wheel, the vendor enthusiastically informs us it has also won Club show awards on its rare outings.

The individual looking and innovative Saab 96 was in production for 13 years and was renowned for its strength and design attributes, all well highlighted by International Rally successes in the hands of the recently late, great Eric Carlsson.

Other low-mileage classics joining the Saab at the auction include a barn find 1980 MGB, with just one registered keeper and showing just 181 miles from new, and a brightly coloured, highly original 1975 Volkswagen 1300 Beetle showing just 8,762 miles.

Also offered is a fantastically original 1977 Mini Clubman that has covered just 8,703 miles. Originally sold on 14th October 1977, the car was resold on 28th April 1978 to a friend of the original owner. Garaged in 1985 when she stopped driving, the car was put away and never used again.

Commenting on the sale next weekend, CCA general manager, Guy Lees-Milne said: “We have a fantastic selection of single ownership, low mileage classics on offer in our final sale of the year. Cars with history like this always prove in high demand at auction and therefore we expect a lot of interest.”

The worlds Fastest and lightest pure electric two seater sports car has just had it's first car off the line in the UK

• First SP:01 pure electric sports car is produced at Leamington Spa, UK, facility
• All-new high-performance model destined for first customer
• SP:01 is the world’s lightest and fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car

The first production Detroit Electric SP:01, the lightest and fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car in the world, has rolled off the line at the company’s Leamington Spa manufacturing facility. The new SP:01 is destined for one of Detroit Electric’s export markets to be delivered to the EV company’s first customer.

The lightweight SP:01, which goes on sale in Asia and Europe over the coming weeks, combines a carbon fibre body with an aluminium chassis. It has a class-leading power to weight ratio and promises blistering acceleration, reaching 60mph from standstill in just 3.7 seconds* (0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds) and sprinting to an impressive top speed of 155mph (249km/h). 

Featuring a 285HP / 210kW electric motor, the car is fitted with a single-speed automatic transmission as standard, with the option of twin-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions.

Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric commented: “We are thrilled to see our first production car roll off the line at our UK manufacturing site. Our first customer is sure to appreciate the unique experience of driving the SP:01 as we’ve worked hard to develop technologies that ensure it is one of the most rewarding pure electric sports cars to drive.

“Seeing our vision realised is hugely satisfying and we can now focus on fulfilling a growing bank of orders. As our production process builds momentum, we look forward to providing this unique electric sports car to our customers all over the world,” he added.

The battery in the SP:01 has been integrated into the chassis as a stressed member, adding stiffness to enhance handling and safety. The battery is the most energy-dense automotive battery pack in the world, offering over 140Wh/kg, benefitting range while keeping overall vehicle weight low.

Every Detroit Electric comes with built-in bi-directional charge and discharge capability. Made possible through the patented Detroit Electric home charging and power back-up unit – named ‘360-Powerback’ – the unit turns the vehicle into a power source for both the grid and the home. 

An advanced Battery Management System (BMS) gathers data about the car’s battery health and on-board telematics communicate it directly to the factory.

The SP:01 comes equipped with an app-based system called ‘SAMI’ (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment), which utilises Android technology and is fully compatible with Android Auto, providing safe access to a host of apps and internet functionality. 

SAMI allows users to search for nearby roadside charge points and then pre-book charging time, as well as review billing and credit information relating to their charge-point use.

When away from the SP:01, owners can use SAMI as a remote control unit via GSM, enabling them to locate the vehicle, turn on the climate control system and check the charge status. 

When in the car, the SAMI-enabled smartphone is installed in the centre console and becomes the interface for a wide range of functions, including music player, satellite navigation, regenerative braking adjustment, interior lighting and vehicle systems status – such as the level of battery charge, range to recharge and other telemetry.

Detroit Electric has established distributors throughout Europe and Asia extending from the North (Iceland and Norway) and the East (Azerbaijan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong) to the South (South Africa), with additional countries due to join the growing global network over the coming months.  

Retail prices for the SP:01 in Europe and Asia will be announced shortly.

Detroit Electric launches first ever car, well, not really it is a Lotus with a battery and new badge.

• Exterior and final interior designs for SP:01 pure-electric sports car revealed
• On-road testing of SP:01 under way, ahead of start of production in early 2015
• SP:01 features bold new fastback design and futuristic, sporty interior
• Range of interior and exterior enhancements available at introduction
• Detroit Electric announces the appointment of Integrated Energy of South Korea as its first importer and distributor in Asia

Detroit Electric has revealed the confirmed interior and exterior designs of its SP:01 pure-electric sports car, the next significant step in the re-birth of the iconic electric vehicle brand. Pre-production prototypes are currently undergoing extensive testing at Detroit Electric’s state-of-the-art production facility in Leamington Spa, UK, ahead of the start of production in early 2015.

The lightweight SP:01 will be the world’s fastest pure-electric production two-seater sports car when it goes on sale in Asia, Europe and North America next year. The SP:01 features a 285 HP / 210 kW electric motor, carbon fibre body panels and manual transmission as standard. An optional single-speed and twin-speed automatic transmission are also available. The SP:01 promises to deliver blistering acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) and an impressive top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).

Exterior design

The design of SP:01 has been subtly updated since the prototype was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, to further improve the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. The changes to SP:01’s design ensure that it will deliver on its promise to set new standards for performance and handling in the EV segment.

The most striking element of the design is the new fastback configuration, which replaces the prototype’s flying buttresses on either side of the rear window.  A large sculptural rear wing and under-body diffuser have also been incorporated to reduce lift and improve handling at higher speeds.

A range of exterior styling options will be available from launch, including a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, diffuser and battery cover. Metallic paint options for the SP:01 include Performance Black, Performance Blue, Performance Green, Performance Orange and Performance Silver, as well as ‘Special White’ and ‘Special Red’. Customised paint colours are also available.

Interior design

In harmony with the bold exterior, the cabin of the SP:01 evokes the brand’s mantra of ‘Pure Electric Performance’ through a futuristic, sporty design, with sweeping lines and bold shapes suggesting speed, agility and athletic poise.

In order to create a clean, streamlined cabin, the SP:01’s centre console features a prominent 8.4-inch touchscreen tablet, which replaces all analogue dials and switches on the fascia. Detroit Electric’s SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) application utilises an open-source Android operating system, which provides access to a wide range of functions, including music player, HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), satellite navigation and vehicle systems status, such as battery charge, V2X (Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home) and other vehicle telemetry. 

Via mobile connectivity, SAMI can also be used to make mobile telephone calls, stream data and access the internet, while providing remote access to a range of vehicle functions, including the control of charging/discharging, climate control, and full vehicle telemetry. The open-source platform will enable Detroit Electric’s customers to access apps developed by third parties via SAMI’s in-car interface, providing numerous opportunities to enhance the user experience.

The SP:01 offers a choice of leather or Alcantara sports seats (black, with body-colour accents), power electric windows, power central locking, ambient cabin lighting, embroidered floor mats and Bluetooth connectivity. Customers can also choose to personalise their vehicle with seating and interior décor options, including coloured leather seats (red, beige, tan and black) or two-tone leather seats (black with a choice of red, beige, blue, orange or grey), and optional leather trim for door panels, door sills and dashboard.

A selection of bespoke alloy wheels, designed by Detroit Electric’s Head of Design, Jerry Chung and named ‘Anderson Diamond’, ‘Anderson Satin’ and ‘Anderson Gloss’ after the founder of Detroit Electric, William C. Anderson, will be available at launch.

Distributor partnerships

As Detroit Electric builds up to the start of full-scale production, the company recently announced the appointment of Integrated Energy as its official importer and distributor in South Korea. As part of the agreement, the first Detroit Electric showroom in Asia is scheduled to open in Seoul in early 2015. Detroit Electric and Integrated Energy will further extend their cooperation to develop V2X (Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home) technology by establishing a pilot programme in Jeju Island, South Korea, with a fleet of vehicles supplied by Detroit Electric.

“This is a strategic step in the development of Detroit Electric business in the global market and we are delighted to partner with Integrated Energy to deliver our high performance vehicle and services to Korean customers,” commented Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric. “With the vision beyond the EV business, the joint V2X pilot project in Jeju Island with Integrated Energy will certainly be a showcase of our innovative technology and sustainable business model.”

Detroit Electric was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, with a vision to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance.