Britain has a long history of sportscar manufacturers, large and small. Many have faded into obscurity over time, while a few have managed to return and draw on their history.
With the auto industry making the transition towards electric cars, it’s only natural that entrepreneurs will have a go at making EVs for niches in the market. With this sector being still young, there are opportunities to create niches and get an early lead.
Longbow, with a founding team EV industry pioneers from Tesla, BYD and Lucid, is one such new company which aims to creating a new category. Declaring itself as the first-ever British electric sportscar manufacturer, Longbow wants to re-energise an iconic automotive archetype with the official unveiling of the world’s first Featherweight Electric Vehicle.
Through its first two models – Speedster and Roadster – Longbow offers a unique take on the rich British tradition of lightweight sportscars, focusing on real-road performance with a superior driving experience.
Longbow’s motto ‘Celeritas Levitas’ or ‘the speed of lightness’ should appeal to enthusiasts. Its Speedster and Roadster are the spiritual successors of British icons like the Lotus Elise and Jaguar E-Type with a focus on beauty, lightweight construction, impeccable engineering, and meticulous hand finishing.
Sharing a new bespoke platform and all-electric drivetrain, both cars will be under 995 kgs, thus qualifying them as Featherweight Electric Vehicles. The bespoke aluminium chassis developed by the company is engineered for minimal weight and maximum stiffness.
Development of the Longbow Speedster and Roadster has pursued a singular philosophy: simplify, focus on beauty and engagement, then relentlessly add lightness (sounds like Colin Chapman). Their exterior design reflects a blend of nostalgia and timeless allure while the interior celebrates handcrafted elements. The driving experience is ‘like it used to feel’ with craftsmanship that does not distract or detract from the immediate experience.
The Speedster offers an open-topped experience and with a kerb weight of just 895 kgs, it is claimed to be able to zip from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The light weight also benefits cruising range which is claimed to be around 450 kms.
The closed cockpit Roadster will succeed Speedster. Weighing 10 kgs heavier, its acceleration time is said to be 3.6 seconds.
Only 150 units of each version will be hand-built in the UK. The Speedster has a price from ₤84,995 (about RM490,000) while the Roadster is ₤64,995 (about RM375,000), both prices inclusive of UK taxes.
“There is a need for a more driver-oriented, featherweight, electric sportscar – one that is attainable and accessible, for those who love driving and the places it takes them. That is why we have created Longbow. Our first two cars, Speedster and Roadster, embody everything a modern driver’s car should be: agile, balanced, electric, and exhilarating. We are reviving an icon, the lightweight British sportscar,” said Daniel Davey, CEO at Longbow and also a co-founder of the company in 2023.