New Aptera

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Some of the changes are functionally substantial...

Sure, those were the ones they made a year or two ago, no? But this round seems like more cosmetics, and quite apart from the delay, I really liked the looks of the older version better.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi James,

No, this is the first version that has roll down windows, and the first one to have a front width reduction.

Maybe you missed my previous post, where I mention that BestBuy may be selling the Aptera?

We have all heard the Volt being rated at 230mpg, right? Even though this is arbitrary, it gives us a scale of how good the Aptera is:

Volt: 230mpg
Leaf: 367mpg
Aptera 2e: 851mpg

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

No, this is the first version that has roll down windows, and the first one to have a front width reduction.

Then perhaps your post was somewhat behind the times, since I remember the roll-down window &c version from quite a while ago...

Maybe you missed my previous post, where I mention that BestBuy may be selling the Aptera?

I did see that, but refrained from commenting lest I be accused of undue negativity. But I just hope that's not going to be the only way to buy one, because that'd ensure that I never get one. Went into a Best Buy store once, ran right back out again because of the noise level.
Horrible...

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Went into a Best Buy store once, ran right back out again because of the noise level.
Horrible...

So it wasn't just me!!!

But I tried going in a couple times; stupid punks playing with subwoofers and whatnot drove me out once too often. I get enough of that **** in my neighborhood.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi guys,

This is definitely the first version with roll down windows -- I've been following the Aptera for a long time now. We do not know the specific width yet, and we'll hopefully get other views and details, soon.

Yeah, BestBuy is not my favorite place either, but if it allows us to buy Apteras all around the country in the near future, then I'm all for it. This is also a good indication that they are getting very close to start production -- why would they bother looking for a retailing channel otherwise.

Another point to ponder is that BestBuy invested in Brammo (~10%) when they started selling their electric motorcycles -- maybe there is a similar arrangement with Aptera?

[gascort]

I agree; BestBuy is a good way to retail this car. Not everyone would be happy with any solution, but I think this is a good one if it gets the aptera out there to more people, and faster.

[Frank Lee]

What I love is how Aptera gets all sorts of free developmental feedback. They hardly have to think of anything- and it looks like they missed a LOT...

[RobertSmalls]

The latest version looks more like a car that can actually be built and driven daily. Windows that roll down are an important feature, as is a rear bumper. Door handles, a hood that opens, etc. are nice too. I'm sad to see the exterior mirrors, considering the alternative costs $100 or so.

So, apparently, earlier versions were just concept cars, designed to wow potential customers and venture capitalists.

What's the latest rumour on when/whether they're actually going to build and sell the thing?

[NeilBlanchard]

Hello!

Here's another rendered image of the (near) production Aptera 2e:



And a lower contrast, lighter version of the same image:



I can now figure out what is going on with the front wheel pods! They are asymmetrical when viewed from above -- the inside face is nearly flat, and the leading "point" is close to the inside; and the outside face is much more convex and it curves inward at the front. From the point of view of this rendering, this curve is foreshortened and it looks squared off -- until you look at the lower part.

It has a hood, and there is a "bumper" now.

The lower part of the side windows appear to be set back from the face of the door, forming a sill surface.

They have abandoned the flexible "boot" that was covering the opening where the suspension struts come out of the body (or at least they are not shown on the rendering).

I think they need to add some marker lights on the front and outside of the front wheel pods -- this was one item that was not settled yet.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

Here's some details from the Aptera web page:

The second insight we received from our clinical research last year was that while our interior roominess was… well “roomy”, it could be better (as seen in Chart A above). So we went back to the drawing board to figure out how to squeeze more room out, while not compromising the overall vehicle design.

Here are some of the benefits of the result:

1. Improved occupant headroom

2. Improved hip room

3. Reduced drag 9%

4. Addition of drop glass

5. Improved armrest position.

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