Apex Motors has unveiled the AP-0, the two-seater electric supercar with carbon fiber frame. It was initially to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, but the problem of the Coronavirus epidemic led to the cancellation of the Auto Show, and therefore the British sportscar manufacturer decided to launch its car through a digital presentation.
Apex AP-0 is not a hypercar; on this, the manufacturer has been very clear. This model must be seen as a light, fast 2-seater super sportscar that can be carried safely on the road. When Apex speaks of a light car, it is no coincidence that this model on the scale shows only 1,200 kg. This is not an extremely lightweight, but for an electric car, it is neat. It was probably possible because of using a refined carbon fiber chassis with a modular structure. The same material also used for the body panels.
According to the Apex, the AP-0 is capable of producing a great aerodynamic load without the need for huge airfoils, thanks mainly to the shark fin that mounts at the rear and which joins an elegant ducktail spoiler and the taillights forming a kind of light cross. The driving position is very low and with the feet raised, similar to that of a single seat.
The technology also plays a key role in the Apex AP-0, thanks to the presence of an advanced driver assistance system which, in addition to automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Its cabin with three screens and a square steering wheel welcomes you to a modern environment where augmented reality is also present, with a LiDAR system that allows you to create detailed maps of the surroundings of the car within a radius of 100 meters away. The absence of the side mirrors replaced by cameras.
According to the company, the automated driving system of the AP-0, which can receive updates via the internet and complies with level 3, will also be able to comply with level 4 in the future.
The Apex AP-0 has a 658 HP and 580 Nm electric motor connected to the rear wheels that pushes it from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.3 seconds and make it reach the maximum speed of 306 km/h (190 mph). The 90 kWh battery, positioned under the floor (which weighs 550 kg), allows you to cover up to 515 km (320 miles) on the WLTP cycle with a single charge. The battery can be recharged up to 80% of its capacity in less than 15 minutes. The car is compatible with the CCS charging connectors and type 2; with the latter connector, the charging time increases to eight hours.
The sporty performance of the Apex AP-0 is guaranteed by a package of push-rod suspension (similar to those used in Formula 1), the automatic height adjustment system, and specific tires of 19″ at the front and 20″ at the rear. Besides, the ‘carbon-ceramic brake system that adopts 360 mm discs at the front and 340 mm at the rear with six and four-piston calipers, respectively.
Electric hypercars like the Pininfarina Battista and the Lotus Evija promise even crazier times. However, both cars have a price tag of more than two million dollars. This is where Apex stands out, with prices already starting at £150,000 (around $185,000). For a car with such a performance, this is a reasonable price. But to acquire a copy of the Apex AP-0, it will be necessary to wait until the second half of 2022, enough time to even see some changes that will be made on top of this concept.
