Electric Vehicle Startups Shake Up CES with Bold New Designs
UK-based EV startup Longbow Motors is set to revolutionize the automotive industry with its latest offerings, the Speedster and Roadster. These high-performance electric machines feature advanced in-wheel motors from Donut Lab, a spinoff of Verge Motorcycles known for its innovative hub-less electric motor design.
Longbow's Speedster boasts an astonishing curb weight of just 2,200 pounds, weighing significantly less than comparable roadsters like the Mazda Miata. This is made possible by the direct-drive Donut Lab motors, which are integrated right into the wheel and free up space inside the vehicle's chassis. The result is a pertly dimensioned machine that's both visually striking and aerodynamically efficient.
The Speedster's design is unmistakably bold, with its roofless configuration offering an unparalleled sense of freedom to those brave enough to take it out for a spin. However, this radical approach also means the vehicle lacks any protection from the elements, making it suitable only for enthusiasts who are willing to brave the weather.
Inside the Speedster, things are just as uncompromising, with a spartan interior designed to be minimalist and devoid of unnecessary frills. The lack of a traditional gauge cluster and primary controls is notable, but this will change later on when they become available. One curious feature that does remain is a shift knob, which raises questions about its purpose – perhaps it's just for show, or maybe there's some sort of simulated gearshift action at play.
One benefit of the Donut Lab motors is that they provide an unparalleled level of performance and handling, particularly when compared to traditional drivetrain layouts. The Speedster can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds, making it a truly supercar-like machine.
However, with great power comes great cost – the Speedster starts at £84,995 (or around $100,000), while its Roadster sibling is priced slightly lower at £64,995 (around $75,000). As with many cutting-edge technologies, international tariffs are likely to push up prices significantly once production begins later this year. For those willing to splurge, a left-hand drive version will be available, and the vehicle will also meet U.S. road-legal standards.
Longbow Motors' bold approach to electric vehicles is sure to generate excitement among enthusiasts, while its innovative use of Donut Lab motors provides a compelling solution for EV startups looking to create high-performance machines with reduced weight and complexity.
UK-based EV startup Longbow Motors is set to revolutionize the automotive industry with its latest offerings, the Speedster and Roadster. These high-performance electric machines feature advanced in-wheel motors from Donut Lab, a spinoff of Verge Motorcycles known for its innovative hub-less electric motor design.
Longbow's Speedster boasts an astonishing curb weight of just 2,200 pounds, weighing significantly less than comparable roadsters like the Mazda Miata. This is made possible by the direct-drive Donut Lab motors, which are integrated right into the wheel and free up space inside the vehicle's chassis. The result is a pertly dimensioned machine that's both visually striking and aerodynamically efficient.
The Speedster's design is unmistakably bold, with its roofless configuration offering an unparalleled sense of freedom to those brave enough to take it out for a spin. However, this radical approach also means the vehicle lacks any protection from the elements, making it suitable only for enthusiasts who are willing to brave the weather.
Inside the Speedster, things are just as uncompromising, with a spartan interior designed to be minimalist and devoid of unnecessary frills. The lack of a traditional gauge cluster and primary controls is notable, but this will change later on when they become available. One curious feature that does remain is a shift knob, which raises questions about its purpose – perhaps it's just for show, or maybe there's some sort of simulated gearshift action at play.
One benefit of the Donut Lab motors is that they provide an unparalleled level of performance and handling, particularly when compared to traditional drivetrain layouts. The Speedster can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds, making it a truly supercar-like machine.
However, with great power comes great cost – the Speedster starts at £84,995 (or around $100,000), while its Roadster sibling is priced slightly lower at £64,995 (around $75,000). As with many cutting-edge technologies, international tariffs are likely to push up prices significantly once production begins later this year. For those willing to splurge, a left-hand drive version will be available, and the vehicle will also meet U.S. road-legal standards.
Longbow Motors' bold approach to electric vehicles is sure to generate excitement among enthusiasts, while its innovative use of Donut Lab motors provides a compelling solution for EV startups looking to create high-performance machines with reduced weight and complexity.
! The idea of having an in-wheel motor is total game changer - it's like they're making cars from the future or something! 
I love how sleek and aerodynamic the Speedster looks, but I also get why it'd be hard to protect the occupants from the elements. But hey, who needs all that extra stuff when you can go 0-60 in under 4 seconds? 
That's like a proper supercar right there! The minimalist interior is kinda cool too - I'm all about that clean design vibe 
And with the Donut Lab motors, they're really making a statement - this is the future of EVs, folks! 
, it's like they've taken the best parts of a motorcycle and slapped 'em onto a car 
. And that price? Insane 
! £84k for a car that can go 0-60 in under 4 seconds? That's like buying a supercar from the 80s 
. But you know what? I think it's worth it 
. The world is already moving towards electric and this is just the start of something big 
. Companies like Longbow are gonna push the boundaries of what's possible with EVs, and we're all gonna benefit from it 
. One thing to watch out for though - those tariffs aren't gonna be pretty 
...
! Who needs all that fancy tech when you can have pure, unadulterated speed? The curb weight is insane, I mean, 2k pounds is next to nothing for a car that's still capable of taking down a supercar on the track. And let's be real, the lack of protection from the elements isn't going to stop anyone with a helmet and some sunscreen 
. The minimalist interior might be a bit too bare-bones for my taste, but hey, who needs fancy gauges when you can feel every bump in the road? One thing that does have me wondering is the shift knob – what's up with that? Is it just a novelty or is there actually some tech behind it? 
i guess that's the price you pay for being a rebel 
The prices are pretty steep, i think most people can't afford it even if they want one... 84k is like an extra car payment or something 
.
but seriously, that curb weight of 2,200 pounds is insane. it's like they took all the extra fluff out of the car and left just the essentials.
the new Longbow Motors Speedster & Roadster r straight fire 
! But at the same time, i'm a bit worried about safety tho 
. And the price tag is just insane 
! But for those who can afford it, this thing is gonna be AMAZING!!! The acceleration is insane 3.5 seconds from 0-60?! That's like, pure rocket fuel 
. Can you really justify the cost without something like a gauge cluster or proper controls? 
.
but yeah the price tag might be a bit steep £84,995 is not for the faint of heart 
the performance tho is crazy 3.5 seconds from 0-60 mph thats just mind-blowing 
I'm curious to see how it stacks up against other high-end electric cars on the market
and can we talk about how cool those Donut Lab motors are? they're genius! 
I love how bold and free-spirited the design is, it's like the car is saying "let's go for a ride!" 
.
️ I mean i guess if u want to be one of them "free spirits" who's all about experience over practicality, go for it. but for me, £85k is like, asking for trouble