Will Lightning GT show roll on?
Click above for a high res gallery of the Lightning GT
It's been awhile since the sleek all-electric Lightning GT was unveiled at the British International Motor Show amidst much fanfare last July, but since then, it seems like the Lightning Car Company has been awfully quiet. Maybe too quiet. Considering that their intended motor supplier, PML Flightlink, has gone into administration (read Chapter 11), one might expect that they would be out there battling the murmur of rumors with their own buzz-making appearances and announcements. Maybe they're just aren't those kinds of blokes or perhaps they've just been too busy "getting on with it" to worry about media speculation. Whatever the reason for their silence, we are now able to report that it has been broken.
With 400 "expressions of interest" and 20 "indicative orders," the company still expects to begin building cars next year. It believes it can achieve annual sales of 500 once they reach full production. To that end, it is putting together financing and is raising £2m through St Helen's Capital, as part of a £20m effort. That company's CEO, Ruari McGirr, sees promise in the start up and says, "Lightning epitomises the enduring ability of British engineering to innovate and adapt in the face of new technology and the changing needs of consumers." Confidence indeed, but can they buy up PML or find a new motor supplier? That question needs an answer.
Gallery: Lightning Car Company GT
[Source: Financial Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zeph 5:35PM (2/06/2009)
Considering that electric motors are simple affairs, with, if I am not mystaken, just a few parts, some copper wire and perhaps some magnets, why would it be hard to change suppliers? It's not rocket science, electric motors have been made for over a century.
Just more oil rich interest groups trying to kill the electric car(s)?
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Nick 7:03PM (2/06/2009)
To the conspiracy theorists out there, no oil company was involved in PML's failure...more so the lack of financing and inability to deliver on their promise on time.
I also think it wouldn't be too hard to find a new supplier for the in-wheel motors, I think Siemens is starting to work on just that..
Rain 5:44AM (2/08/2009)
I've come to the conclusion that the model T would almost be the ultimate PEV.
Rugged,Lightweight(originally),Simple and cheap to manufacture.
I love exotic cars as much as anyone,but build a car that is realistic.
Don't promise a cross between the space shuttle and the QE2 then snatch it away.
I don't need an electric bun toaster when all i want the car for is to putter-putt down to the 7-11 for a 40 and pork rhinds.
The American manufacturers would love to return to the days of $15,000 profit per unit
but it just ain't gonna happen today,so lets rebuild with volume sales like Lee Iaca-zizzle did with Chrysler and the K-car in the 80's.
Hint,hint?!
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Dave 7:57AM (2/08/2009)
Actually PML has been bought out by a new management team, as reported on Tesla Motors Club.
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Hans 11:43AM (3/08/2009)
Building a 250hp engine (planned for the next-gen PML Flightlink engine) *inside* each wheel is more than simply wiring a couple of components together. I call that an engineering masterpiece. Think of the heat management and the enormous forces alone...
Btw. these're not so much needed to get a 1000hp performance car (speaking of eco...) but much rather because the engines then also develop more significant regenerative breaking power.
PML's engines are also used for the Volvo ReCharge - yet another evergreen spark of hope in motoring's future.
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