xcel
03-22-2009, 01:53 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg Road runner or rubber chicken? We take a deep-dive look at the most up-to-date version of the upcoming Aptera EV. (caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2010_aptera_2e_first_drive_review)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Aptera_2010_Aptera_2e_-_First_Drive.jpgSteve Siler – C&D (caranddriver.com) – Mar. 2009
2010 Aptera 2e – $25,000 + and 100 + miles AER.
Only sorry we could not have been there :( -- Ed.
“It’s a game-changer.” “It’s an environmental champion.” “This car will revolutionize the way we think about transportation.” ... But few pieces of fanciful transportation have seemed as far-fetched, at least at first glance, as the 2e, scheduled to be produced just six months from now by California-based Aptera Motors...
Built in—Where Else?—California
... Aptera is Greek for “wingless flight,” the company says, and the little teardrop two-seater indeed does look like it could fly, if it had actual wings in place of its skinny front tires encased in “wheelpants.” In spite of its curious shape and three-wheel configuration, the two-passenger Aptera has far more style and presence—and far less dorkiness—than is conveyed in pictures... The LED taillamps double as a charge indicator when the vehicle is plugged in, illuminating in 25-percent increments from left to right across the back. A full charge is possible in eight hours from a 110-volt outlet or two to four hours with a 220-volt source...
The current electric motor, mounted up front, has the equivalent of about 70 hp and gets its juice from lithium-based batteries (of a still-undisclosed composition) with 17–22 kWh of capacity. Range should be about 100 miles with two people and a healthy amount of cargo on board. There are three drive modes: D1 for economy-focused, range-extending driving; D2 for normal driving with acceleration in the range of, say, the Toyota Prius; and D3 for sportier driving, offering a “big current flow.”
Strong Egos Only, Please
Our drive wasn’t on public roads, so we couldn’t gauge onlookers’ reactions to the 2e, or ask them if they would consider paying Aptera’s estimated asking price of between $25K and $40K. But we can only imagine what interesting comments and comparisons a white, tadpole-shaped, wingless-plane-looking car will ultimately invite. We’re told by those who’ve driven it on the road that people are not shy, and we look forward to hearing the reactions personally. Certainly, not everyone will love it, but everyone will have something to say about it… http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2010_aptera_2e_first_drive_review
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Aptera_2010_Aptera_2e_-_First_Drive.jpgSteve Siler – C&D (caranddriver.com) – Mar. 2009
2010 Aptera 2e – $25,000 + and 100 + miles AER.
Only sorry we could not have been there :( -- Ed.
“It’s a game-changer.” “It’s an environmental champion.” “This car will revolutionize the way we think about transportation.” ... But few pieces of fanciful transportation have seemed as far-fetched, at least at first glance, as the 2e, scheduled to be produced just six months from now by California-based Aptera Motors...
Built in—Where Else?—California
... Aptera is Greek for “wingless flight,” the company says, and the little teardrop two-seater indeed does look like it could fly, if it had actual wings in place of its skinny front tires encased in “wheelpants.” In spite of its curious shape and three-wheel configuration, the two-passenger Aptera has far more style and presence—and far less dorkiness—than is conveyed in pictures... The LED taillamps double as a charge indicator when the vehicle is plugged in, illuminating in 25-percent increments from left to right across the back. A full charge is possible in eight hours from a 110-volt outlet or two to four hours with a 220-volt source...
The current electric motor, mounted up front, has the equivalent of about 70 hp and gets its juice from lithium-based batteries (of a still-undisclosed composition) with 17–22 kWh of capacity. Range should be about 100 miles with two people and a healthy amount of cargo on board. There are three drive modes: D1 for economy-focused, range-extending driving; D2 for normal driving with acceleration in the range of, say, the Toyota Prius; and D3 for sportier driving, offering a “big current flow.”
Strong Egos Only, Please
Our drive wasn’t on public roads, so we couldn’t gauge onlookers’ reactions to the 2e, or ask them if they would consider paying Aptera’s estimated asking price of between $25K and $40K. But we can only imagine what interesting comments and comparisons a white, tadpole-shaped, wingless-plane-looking car will ultimately invite. We’re told by those who’ve driven it on the road that people are not shy, and we look forward to hearing the reactions personally. Certainly, not everyone will love it, but everyone will have something to say about it… http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2010_aptera_2e_first_drive_review