The AP-0 is a zero-emissions sports car, not a hypercar — a distinction its creators are keen to emphasize.
The model is due to enter production in 2022 at the Woking facility.
The pinnacle of the AP-o is an electric supercar to be designed and built in the UK and designed by Brit guy Colborne, best known for elemental RP1.
The AP-O is described as race-inspired and road-legal, and while the model revealed today is a concept, the car is in production in late 2022 with prices starting at £150,000.
The zero-emissions model is the latest in a list of electric supercars being unveiled worldwide from various start-ups and established players who hope to create driving appeal in the traditionally quieter EV market. They include Battista Pininfarina, Rimac C_Two, Dendrobium D-1 and Lotus Evia.
However, the ethos behind the car is in line with the RP1 or KTM's X-bow, but intends to offer more comfort on the road than any of those models, but not open top.
Apex claimed the AP-o is capable of a 0-62 mph sprint in 2,3 seconds from a lithium-ion battery powerplant that delivers 650bhp peak power and 428lb ft of torque. Top speed is 190 mph. This fast sprint test is slower than those claimed by Battista and C_Two, which promise “up to two seconds” and 1.9 seconds respectively, but faster than RP1 or X-Bow.
Apex said the car was not meant to be a hypercar. “This is reflected in the price, power and weight of the car. Instead, it's a sports car that's been designed to be light, fast and a statement of intent at the top to create the world's best zero-emission sports car that can be used and comfortably on the road, but turned into a clean driver's car on the road. race track,” the firm said.
The supercar will have a WLTP range of 320km and, through a 350kWh ear plug, can be charged up to 80% in 15 minutes, Apex said.
Apex claimed the AP-0 weighs 1200kg - substantially lower than most electric sports cars - thanks to its use of pure carbon fiber tubing at its core. The structure uses modular bodywork and a spine-center that links the front and rear. The body wraps around the tub and spine but still exposes the carbon fiber chassis. The battery floor is mounted at the front and rear aiming to achieve the lowest possible center of gravity.
It uses a push rod suspension system, like most F1 teams, and has automatic ride height adjustment via adjustable coil over shock springs and dampers.
Moments of dramatic design include ribs (which gives the laser sensor technology the height needed for the radar to work effectively) and the rear cruciform light in fin.
Designer Guy Colborne said the production version would remain largely unchanged from the concept. “We're going to work in and out, pushing the tub a little to start. And then the practicalities, like can we pack a bag for luggage.”
Inside, bucket seats and racing derivatives kick up to the driver's seat. Lidar generates detailed maps around the vehicle, creating a XNUMXD image. Apex said the technology enhances its driver assistance systems by more accurately identifying potential hazards, pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
It also features a holographic augmented reality display and an augmented reality race instructor to help drivers master new race tracks.
The AP-o has a Level 3 autonomy capability that includes Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Hold Assist, but the manufacturer claims the system has been advanced enough for Level 4 (self-driving in all but the most difficult scenarios) when it becomes “ safely achievable."
Apex is led by two Hong Kong brothers Jason and Harry Leung but the firm will perform engineering, design and production from a yet-to-be-built building near Woking. The facility, after launch, will be able to produce 500 AP-0S per year.
Apex previously launched 620kg, 400hp. With. AP-1, of which more than 10 have been sold so far. The Leung brothers said AP-1 is also an ongoing test mule to improve carbon fiber technology for AP-0 vehicle production.
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