Article: New company set to resurrect the Aptera automobile

[cfg83]

Hello -

New company set to resurrect the Aptera automobile

Ever since it was first unveiled in 2007, many people were captivated with the sleek, futuristic looks of the Aptera. When Aptera Motors went out of business in 2011, not having commercially produced a single vehicle, those same people were understandably disappointed. Now, word comes that a new company may be manufacturing and selling Apteras as soon as next year.

For some time now, there have been rumors that an automaker had taken an interest in bringing the Aptera back to life. That company is Zaptera USA, the majority shareholder of which is China’s Jonway Group. Operating through Zaptera, Jonway is looking at mass-producing the pure-electric Aptera 2e, a model that was already developed to prototype form by the original company. That production would take place in China.

Richard Deringer, chief operating officer of Zaptera, began to wonder how long it would be before Jonway actually commenced production of the car, plus he suspected that most American buyers would prefer to buy a car that was made stateside. With that in mind, it was announced yesterday that Zaptera USA will be splitting into two companies: the existing Jonway-owned Zaptera USA, and the completely independent Aptera USA.

The second company will produce a hand-built, gas-engined version of the 2e called the 2g, in Southern California. A hand-built 2e and a hybrid model are also being planned. While there are currently very few specs available for the 2g, its aerodynamic design and lightweight composite construction should reportedly deliver a fuel economy of over 100 mpg (2.35 L/100km).

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We'll see how things go, but I've always wanted Aptera to build the ICE version first in order to prove the technology one way or the other.

CarloSW2

[Xist]

Interesting!

Personally, I would have chosen Aaptera or maybe Ahptera! :P

[Grant-53]

I looked at the comments from the Gizmag readers. The two issues sited are price and vehicle stability. Most agree the shape is ideal but not everyone likes trikes. The composite materials of the uni-body do drive the cost. A four wheel version made from aluminum honeycomb powered by a 3 cyl. diesel for under $20k USD would be a highly marketable product especially if it gets 125 mpg highway.

[cfg83]

Grant-53 -

Originally Posted by Grant-53

I looked at the comments from the Gizmag readers. The two issues sited are price and vehicle stability. Most agree the shape is ideal but not everyone likes trikes. The composite materials of the uni-body do drive the cost. A four wheel version made from aluminum honeycomb powered by a 3 cyl. diesel for under $20k USD would be a highly marketable product especially if it gets 125 mpg highway.

Aptera originally explored a small diesel but couldn't get it to comply with emissions in 2007.

The sad part is the price is nuts. $50k for an ICE Aptera? For that price I might as well get a T-Rex.

CarloSW2

[RustyLugNut]

A market probably exists for kits. Several levels of kits could be offered for people who would find it a satisfying exercise to build a custom Aptera for themselves.

[DIMS]

Originally Posted by RustyLugNut

A market probably exists for kits. Several levels of kits could be offered for people who would find it a satisfying exercise to build a custom Aptera for themselves.

Bammm! Totally agree

[justme1969]

This is a kit for 2f1r car.
complete and built cost is 25gs but you could buy pieces and build your own frame etc.

http://tripodcars.com/parts_prices.html

[justme1969]

Also there was a post yesterday about korean and chinese cars If that guy could get the 1.1L turbo diesel it could be made to all work together...
think about that one????

[gone-ot]

As the new "Aptera" hovers at the plate, the Barnum & Bailey circus organ blares "...Ball Game..." through the speakers and the smell of stale popcorn & warm beer wafts through the air, and the financial Umpire yells "...strike TWO..."

[ConnClark]

Why not? Aptera resurrected the Dale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZvfhcSoPOs