Ex-Tesla Executive Forms Elite Team to Develop 2,000-Pound Sports Car

      What do you do when you're employed at a major automotive company and have the desire to create something unique, but the higher-ups won't allow it? If you’re Daniel Davey (formerly with Tesla and Lucid), Mark Tapscott (formerly from Lotus and BYD), and Jenny Keisu (former CEO of electric speedboat manufacturer X Shore), you leave and leverage your skills to launch your own venture. This trio departed from established EV brands to join forces and establish Longbow, a company dedicated to lightweight sports cars. Their initial two models, the Speedster and the Roadster, will occupy a new vehicle category termed the Featherweight Electric Vehicle (FEV) by Longbow.

      If Longbow can meet its weight targets, it will demonstrate an intense focus on reducing weight that could impress Gordon Murray or Colin Chapman; the roofless Speedster is reportedly just 1,973 pounds. It doesn't require excessive power to be fast, as its single rear-mounted electric motor produces 322 horsepower. Additionally, since it weighs less than a naturally aspirated Miata, Longbow claims it can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

      The Roadster features a roof and is expected to be slightly heavier than the Speedster, indicating that their shared chassis was predominantly designed as a convertible due to the absence of added structural support for the Speedster’s missing roof. Nonetheless, at only 2,193 pounds, it remains lighter than an NB Miata. The additional weight results in a tenth of a second increase in its zero to 62 mph time, but the roof enhances aerodynamics enough to achieve an estimated range of 280 miles.

      Unlike Gordon Murray, who customizes every aspect of his vehicles with cutting-edge technology, Longbow is opting for a more straightforward approach. The chassis is constructed from aluminum, and the body utilizes lightweight composites instead of a sophisticated carbon fiber monocoque made with advanced materials. The batteries and motors are standard parts. Longbow draws inspiration from British companies like Lotus, Caterham, and Ariel, which utilize various engines from different manufacturers in their lightweight sports cars. The battery consists of 2170 NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) cells, and the rear-mounted electric motor generates 326 horsepower and can be sourced from one of several suppliers. If Longbow chooses a different motor from another manufacturer, they assert that the switch can be made without any structural alterations. This insight was gleaned by Tapscott during his tenure at BYD.

      It may seem unusual that the Roadster features a roof, but its name serves as a jab at Tesla's delayed second-generation Roadster. “Many customers have placed deposits for a Roadster that they are unable to receive,” Davey, a former executive at Tesla and Lucid, told Top Gear. “Hence, we wanted to be the first electric Roadster to succeed the original Tesla Roadster.” Davey further emphasized his rivalry with Tesla, stating, “If people wish to reclaim their $250,000 deposit for a 2020 vehicle and invest it in a superior car, they will receive it sooner. They are welcome to do so. Our Roadster will be available first.”

      Longbow appears to have confidence in its production capabilities. The Speedster will be the first model to debut, with only 150 handcrafted, UK-manufactured units planned, priced at $110,147. Reservations are currently being accepted, and early reservation holders will have access to two special editions: the Luminary 1st Edition and the Autograph Edition. There will be only 10 Luminary and 25 Autograph versions available. The Roadster will be the more affordable option, starting at $84,228, and it seems Longbow does not intend to limit its total production. There will also be Luminary and Autograph editions for early reservers, with larger quantities of 50 and 100 units each.

      When can we expect to see Longbows on the road? The company mentions that prototypes will begin testing this summer, with early customers receiving their vehicles sometime next year. If the founders are going to challenge Tesla and Musk regarding the delayed second-generation Roadster, they will need to ensure their cars are delivered by next year. However, if they succeed, this lightweight duo could become the most thrilling pair of EVs available.

      Have any tips? Send them to [email protected]