New Electric Car Leaves the Tesla Roadster in its Dust

New Electric Car Leaves the Tesla Roadster in its Dust

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Written by Megan Treacy

Tuesday, 14 October 2008

If you’re dreaming of going electric, but also want to go fast, Venturi has designed a new all-electric roadster capable of reaching 160 mph, leaving the Tesla Roadster in the dust. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show, the Volage uses Michelin’s Active Wheel technology, encasing two electric motors (one for propulsion, one for suspension) and brakes within each wheel. Putting all the power in the wheels allows for the slim, lightweight, carbon-fiber frame and greater vehicle control. All this amounts to extra speed. Michelin’s Active Wheel technology has been around for years and showcased in a few concepts, but no commercial applications have been available yet. Production on the Volage is scheduled to being in 2012, so we’ll see if the technology finally makes it to us consumers. Here are the specs: Horsepower: 295 Torque: 171 pound feet 0 - 60 mph: 5 seconds Top speed: 160 mph Distance per charge: 200 miles Like the Tesla Roadster, this car also looks cool. No word yet if the price will be as steep.