Currently reading: Venturi reveals 400bhp electric America crossover
New £290,000 Venturi America gets limited production run; claimed 0-62mph time of 4.5sec and 155-mile range

French electric car manufacturer Venturi launched what may well have been the Paris motor show’s most exclusive vehicle – the £290,000 America, limited to a run of 25 units.

The America is a two-seat crossover, half sports car half beach buggy. Based on a model that was launched in 2012, the new car has been restyled with a raised ride height to give it a degree of off-road ability.

It’s powered by a three-phase electric motor that produces 400bhp and 354lb ft, granting the America a 0-62mph time of 4.5sec and a 0-125mph time of 14sec. Venturi’s own 53KwH battery pack allows for a claimed 155 mile range, and a full charge takes 3.5 hours.

At 4125mm long, 1450m tall and 2060mm wide the America is shorter, wider and lower than a VW Volkswagen Golf, and has a slightly longer wheelbase. With a ground clearance of 280mm it’s got more space underneath than a Land Rover Freelander, although it isn’t four-wheel drive.

Carbonfibre bodywork covers a Kevlar and aluminium honeycomb chassis, although its kerb weight of 1525 kg is relatively high for a compact vehicle made from lightweight materials.

Venturi will begin to take orders for the America when it shows the car at the all-electric Formula E-Prix in Monaco next May, and it will be built in the firm’s factory at Le Mans, with final finishing carried out in Monaco.

Dan Stevens

Read more Paris motor show news

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

The KTM X-Bow offers eccentric looks and sharp handling but it's an expensive first effort from the motorcycle maker

Add a comment…