Longbow Electric Roadster: A Bold Challenge to Tesla’s Delayed Dream – Breaking News
The electric vehicle landscape just got a whole lot more interesting. While Tesla’s highly anticipated Roadster continues to exist largely in concept form, a new British startup, Longbow, is stepping up to the plate with a serious contender. This isn’t just another EV announcement; it’s a direct challenge backed by a team of industry veterans, and it’s happening now. This is breaking news for automotive enthusiasts and investors alike.
From Lucid & McLaren to Longbow: A Team Built for Speed
Founded by Daniel David, an engineer with impressive credentials from both Lucid and Tesla, Longbow has quickly assembled a dream team. The company has secured the expertise of Mike Fruitt, former CEO of McLaren, Dan Ballmer, previously at the helm of Lotus Europe, and Michael Van der Sander, who led Lucid Europe. This isn’t a group of newcomers; it’s a collection of seasoned professionals who know what it takes to bring a high-performance vehicle to market. David emphasizes the importance of experience, stating, “With the plan and the idea, the most important thing is to verify every step with experienced people.”
The Speedster: A Lightweight Preview of Things to Come
Longbow is initially focusing on two models, both built on a proprietary aluminum electric vehicle architecture. First up is the Speedster, slated for production in the UK in 2027. This isn’t your average electric car. It’s a two-seater, rear-drive machine with a striking design – and crucially, no windshield. Weighing in at a remarkably light 895 kg (under 2000 lbs), the Speedster promises exhilarating performance, with acceleration figures that are, as yet, undisclosed but described as “eye-catching.”
The Roadster: A Direct Tesla Rival (and a More Realistic Price?)
Following the Speedster, Longbow will launch a model directly named “Roadster” – a clear nod to Tesla’s long-delayed project. While Tesla initially envisioned a Roadster priced at a hefty $250,000, Longbow aims for a more accessible $84,000 price tag. The Roadster will be a removable-top hatchback, adding approximately 100kg of weight compared to the Speedster. Despite the added weight, it will still be significantly lighter than most modern EVs – and even lighter than a Lotus Elise from 15 years ago. Acceleration will be slightly slower than the Speedster, but still expected to be impressively quick.
Why This Matters: A Return to Driving Pleasure
Mike Fruitt’s involvement is particularly noteworthy. He famously opposed McLaren’s move into the SUV market and left the company in 2021. Fruitt sees in Longbow a return to the core principles of sports car design: “Longbow’s product is a compact sports car that focuses on driving pleasure, moderate size and emphasizes lightweight. These are the characteristics I feel like the industry is gradually forgetting.” This sentiment resonates with a growing number of enthusiasts who feel that many modern EVs prioritize technology and range over the pure joy of driving. The focus on lightweight construction is a key differentiator, harking back to the golden age of sports cars and offering a more engaging driving experience.
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Longbow’s ambitious plans represent a fascinating development in the electric vehicle space. They aren’t just building another EV; they’re attempting to recapture a feeling – a connection to the road that seems to be fading in an increasingly automated world. Whether they can successfully challenge Tesla and establish themselves as a major player remains to be seen, but their commitment to lightweight design, driving pleasure, and a seasoned team makes them a company to watch closely. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on Longbow and the evolving world of electric vehicles.