HST International and Tjaarda Design have announced a new partnership that they say will "change the face of electric cars." Actually, what's going on here is that the partnership is changing whats under the hood of two iconic vehicles, the Mustang and the Shelby Cobra. As we learned when we spoke with Michael Kadie and Ed Monfort late last year, these conversions aren't going to be cheap, but the Tjaarda EVX Mustang and the HST Shelby Cobra EVX will certainly turn heads. The vehicles will be on display this weekend at the 34th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach's "Green Power Prix-View" (Prix-View. Get it?) and can now be ordered from HST.
These lithium ion phosphate-loving EVs can both do 0-60 in under four seconds and go over 100 miles per charge (when you're light on the pedal most of the time, I'm guessing) with an operating cost of just three cents a mile. But who's counting when you spend $80,000 (Mustang) or $125,000 (Cobra) on the car in the first place? More details after the break.
Press Release:
HST International - Tjaarda Design Alliance Changes Face of Electric Cars
'Electric Muscle(TM)' on display at Long Beach 'Green Power Prix-View'
SAN DIEGO, APRIL 16 /PRNewswire/ -- HST International has announced a partnership with Tjaarda Design that will change the face of electric cars. The designs that will define the next generation of "Electric Muscle(TM)", the Tjaarda EVX Mustang and HST Shelby Cobra EVX, will premiere at the 34th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach's "Green Power Prix-View" on April 18-20.
The Mustang EVX and HST Shelby Cobra EVX prove that electric cars can be environmentally friendly as well as winners on the track and in the looks department. While designed for different purposes, both cars are true zero emission vehicles and feature 300-horsepower electric motors using lithium iron phosphate battery packs developed by K2 Energy Solutions. With 1000 ft/lbs of torque @ 0 rpm, they have the capability to do 0-60 in less than four seconds and a range of over 100 miles.
"We're excited to be bringing these vehicles to market because they're head turners and so much fun to drive," says Tod Boretto, president of HST International. "But more than that, this is a long-term initiative and a unique opportunity on several levels. We do not believe any other manufacturer is bringing together this level of design, performance and green technology today."
The Tjaarda EVX Mustang is designed to be driven daily -- which, with its ability to do 0-60 in 3.9 seconds is no hardship. With a top speed of 120 mph and a range of 110 miles between charges, its estimated operating cost is 3 cents/mile. The exterior is a modern version of a muscle car era classic Mustang, but under the hood it's a green dream.
The HST Shelby Cobra EVX has the capability to run 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, a top speed of 150 mph and a range of 120 miles, depending on driving habits. With on-board recharging, it requires 3 1/2 hours/220V and 8 hours/110V. Estimated operational cost is 3 cents/mile.
"Tom Tjaarda's place in automotive design history -- from the Ferrari 365 GT California Spider to the Fiat 124 Spyder -- will ensure that these cars continue to drop jaws for their looks as well as their performance," adds Boretto.
The Tjaarda EVX Mustang starts at $80,000 and the Cobra at $125,000, with a range of options available for both vehicles. They will be on display in booth #2104 at the Green Power Prix-View from April 18-20, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Tjaarda EVX Mustang and HST Shelby Cobra EVX will next be featured at NBC's World Series of Golf in May.
San Diego-based HST International uses high-technology engineering and manufacturing to address specialized needs in the automotive industry. Through its alliance partnerships with K2 Energy, Torino International and Tjaarda Design, HST International develops products that achieve the highest levels of quality, innovation and performance. For additional information, go to http://www.hstauto.com/
[Source: HST International]
1. now i just need to save up $75000 more to get the mustang =)
Posted at 3:39PM on Apr 17th 2008 by Dan