When US-based Genovation Cars talked about developing an all-electric supercar model which would be adapted from the Chevy Corvette Z06 and be powered by two electric motors instead of a 7-litre V8, it set ambitious goals: 700 bhp with 815 Nm of torque and a range of 240 kms.
Since rolling out the first prototype known as the Genovation Extreme Electric (or GXE for short), the company has been setting new records with the car which actually manages to deliver up to 800 bhp and a range of 280 kms. Some are significant world records, including an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for a street-legal electric car with a speed of 190.48 mph (306.7 km/h) for the standing mile.
New speed record
The performance continues to improve and this month, the GXE broke its previous top speed record set in September 2019. The new world record of 211.8 mph (341 km/h), witnessed and certified by the International Mile Racing Association (IMRA) was achieved during Straight Line Aerodynamic Testing at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.
“During this December test, we broke our previous speed record that was set in September of this same year. That earlier record run was hampered by strong crosswinds, so we were confident that under better weather conditions, we could improve upon that result,” said Andrew Saul, CEO of Genovation Cars, Inc.
“We are thrilled to be the only electric car manufacturer to not only test our vehicle’s record-breaking capabilities, but to validate and achieve this milestone not once, not twice, but three times. Based on the early analysis of the data generated from the new record, we’re confident that we can gain efficiencies which will result in further top-end speeds,” Saul said, adding that the GXE continues to be the fastest street-legal all-electric supercar in the world.
Although the exterior is adapted from a Corvette, the rest of the GXE was designed from the ground up to have a low centre of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution, making it a true driver’s car.
Customers can order the supercar with either a 7-speed manual – an all-electric supercar category exclusive – or an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.
The GXE also comes equipped with a programmable active suspension, carbon ceramic Brembo brakes, state-of-the-art carbonfibre wheels, an ultra-high fidelity 10-speaker JBL stereo, a 10.4-inch custom high definition centre console touchscreen and bespoke exterior and interior.
Philosophy of sustainability
“One of our primary objectives is to reduce the use of petrochemicals and energy used to make our cars. Some of the sustainable parts we intend to use are commercially available off the shelf. These include seats made with soy-based foam. Where traditional tyres usually require up to 19 litres of oil for production, we plan to utilize tyres made from natural rubber infused with small amounts of orange peel oil, a by-product of the beverage industry,” said Saul.
“The batteries we plan to use have the most stable lithium-battery chemistry on the market and are 100% non-toxic. They can be reused for stationary back-up power before eventually being recycled,” he added.
Other areas where Genovation is exploring sustainability are more experimental. Testing on some materials has already been conducted and all potential options will be explored in a carefully conducted and scientific manner.
“We are studying the possibility of using composite materials made from natural, non-toxic and renewable products, such as soy-based resins rather than petrochemical resins and natural fibres made from basalt (derived from volcanic rock), jute, bamboo and burlap for trim pieces and body panels. Customers will have the option to order seat fabric made from wool,” Saul explained.
The GXE will be produced in a limited-edition run of 75 units, with initial customer deliveries scheduled in 2020. Although the price mentioned early during the development was US$330,000, the company is now setting a pricetag of US$750,000 (equivalent to RM3.095 million).
