Sigma Motorworks creates electric sportscar based on Ford Mustang
Click above for an image gallery of the Sigma GTE
We've recently caught wind of yet another hopeful American automaker with plans to launch a new electric sportscar in 2010 called Sigma Motorworks. According to Matias Gorfinkiel, head of operations at the budding EV maker, "[The Sigma GTE] is a test bed for a commercial high performance sports model we will bring to the market by early 2010, when we expect to sell 500 cars."
Major components like the front and rear differentials are sourced from Ford, and the GTE's entire cockpit was yanked from an older Mustang. Twin DC electric motors offer up about 100 horsepower each and provide all-wheel drive. A lithium ion battery puts out 144 volts and is said to provide up to 100 miles of range. With a top speed expected to be around 145 miles per hour, Steve Kase, head of development at Sigma Motorworks, says the GTE will be one of the fastest electric cars in the world.
That would be true, assuming the GTE ever makes it into production, which is an awfully big assumption. Automakers like Tesla Motors have shown just how difficult it is to enter the established auto market, even with vehicles as highly desirable as the Roadster and the new Model S. Of course, we wish them nothing but the best of luck. They're going to need it.
Gallery: Sigma Motorworks GTE
[Source: Sigma Motorworks]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Woodenbee 4:23PM (3/31/2009)
this looks alot like the Factory five GTM supercar?
http://www.factoryfive.com/gtmhome.html, which would be a wonderful project, anyway I hope one day we can get over this performance BS and just enjoy the way a car looks without it actually having to go dangerously fast, I'll take a 70mph 300 mile range car over a 145mph 100 mile range car any day, but why not just make the practical one good looking too!
Reply
Sigma Motorworks, Inc 11:44PM (4/01/2009)
Initially, we thought of using the Factory 5 GTM and bought a kit. The idea was to use a limited production exotic design available in the market. Then we decided to pursue a larger model for enhanced safety and to accommodate more powerful motors and more batteries.
We created the body inspired in the Ford GT just as the GTM. However, as said in the release, we do not intend to sell this model. It is just a test bed for the electric platform.
Our intention is to look for other limited production sports cars models as host and we started negotiations wth two such manufacturers.
Stay tuned for other news.
GoodCheer 6:00PM (3/31/2009)
Does that car not have doors?
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Sigma Motorworks, Inc 11:51PM (4/01/2009)
Well noted !!!!
The body was made in fiberglass on top of a Mustang cockpit. The fiberglass skin in the picture is covering the original metal door and wasn´t cut yet.
Yikes 9:31AM (4/01/2009)
Is Sigma Motors based out of some guy's basement?
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Sigma Motorworks, Inc 11:56PM (4/01/2009)
Very funny...
The picture shows a development assembly shop in James Island, SC. That´s where prototypes are developed.
Sigma is a development stage company and is currently looking for a manufacturing facility in the Southeast.
D 12:27PM (4/06/2009)
Why does the shots of the interior show the RED exterior of a mustang?
Reply
Sigma Motorworks, Inc 8:00PM (4/16/2009)
The cockpit we used from a Mustang was originally painted red. We repainted when the prototype was finished.