Detroit Electric SP:01 revealed

UPDATE, October 29: Detroit Electric has revealed the production version of its SP:01 in full, following yesterday's teaser image.

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The final design of the Detroit Electric SP:01 sports car has been revealed via a single image, as the reborn US-based brand gears up for the global launch of its inaugural sports car in 2015.

Based on the Lotus Elise/Exige, the SP:01 was first shown in 2013 at the Shanghai motor show in China as a prototype vehicle (third image) but the latest render shows a different design favouring the tapered fastback shape.

Previously, the prototype had a roadster body with twin rear buttresses, but they have been removed for a more seamless roofline, designed to aid aerodynamics.

Detroit Electric is based in Michigan, yet the car will be built in Warwickshire in the UK, powered by a mid-mounted electric motor that generates 208kW/280Nm, enough pepper to see the medium-weight 1175kg Lotus-based sportster accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than 4.0 seconds.

A maximum speed of 288km/h is possible and Detroit Electric reckons the car has a range of almost 300km thanks to its hefty 37kWh battery pack.

To be sold in the USA, Africa and Europe, the latter including the UK, the vehicle is being prepped for right- and left-hand drive configurations and is a chance make the journey to Australia.

The Detroit Electric name was resurrected in 2008 by Albert Lam, after 13,000 electric cars under the name were sold between 1907 and 1939. Lam has strong ties to Lotus, as a former Group CEO and Executive Director of the brand in the UK.

According to the Detroit Electric press statement, changes to the body style of the SP:01 have been "subtly updated to further improve the vehicle's aerodynamic performance, ahead of the start of production at a new facility in the UK later this year".

The company says the most obvious new design element of the electric sports car is its "bold new fastback configuration, which replaces the prototype's flying buttresses on either side of the rear window".

The design was optimised using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis that the company says contributes to "enhanced airflow" and less turbulence over the vehicle, which improves stability and performance.

Other changes include a new rear wing, under-body aero work in the form of a new diffuser along with new front air intake and outlet vents on the bonnet, designed to improve component cooling. Furthermore, the SP:01's battery packs are now encased in a protective composite that aids torsional rigidity but also stops the batteries from punctures should a crash occur.

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

The SP:01 is expected to begin sales in early 2015.