Aptera Closer to Roll Out.

[Insightful Trekker]

11.20ish.09

New News release from Aptera - see their site. Still more delays, but IMO this time some relatively good reasons for doing so.

HTH!

[insight1]

I like the Aptera. It is something different from the current production line. We need more alternatives not only in shapes but in propulsion systems as well. We need more diversification, and that brings competition and higher MPG’s. Aptera guys are brave enough to start the new trend, as the insight started back in ’00.
As to the SMART car, in Europe the engine is 800cc made by Mercedes and it delivers way more than 60/70 mpg’s easily. In US because of regulations, the car was pumped to 1.0 cc and the engine was made by Mitsubishi, Yes made by Mitsubishi and distributed by Penske same guys that manage the Saturn. And again b/c of regulations SMART gas mileage dropped by 50%. In Europe people love them b/c they are small, compact and of course gas mileage is great.” This is like going to Miley Cyrus concert thinking that Hanna Montana is performing.”

[adric22]

I wouldn't mind having one of these if it was in the $25,000 range or less.. But I live in Texas so I'm not holding my breath.

[Insightful Trekker]

Originally Posted by adric22

But I live in Texas so I'm not holding my breath.

LOL

I guess we need a Missouri member that's interested in the Apterra.
(Missouri, the "Show Me" state).

[Dakine]

For some Insight enthusiasts Aptera Motors might have produced our next vehicle. Now that possibility is over as they have shut their doors. They were attempting to make vehicles priced from $20-40K that achieved 180-200 mpg with a 130 mile range and were unlike anything we have today. Made from composites 3 times the strength of steel and weighing 30% less and were to be made in the USA. Many of the things that attracted us to the Insight.

Vehicle photos

Shut down announcement

Aptera website

[samwichse]

I guess it's about time... but I was holding out hope that this would be the next Insight.

[IamIan]

They should have just produced and sold small scale years ago ... like their first plan was ... with the first small factory they moved into ... long ago ... before trying to scale up with the move to the second factory ... the whole spend a bunch of money they didn't have to try and scale up ... was a bad idea ... and it destroyed them.

If Tesla had tried to follow the same bad idea they would have skipped the Roadster and tried to buy factories and go from zero to full scale Model-S as their first product ... and they too would have failed ... Aptera should have stuck with the initial plan of low volume production like Tesla started with ... then ramp up later.

They bit off too much too fast ... and went under because of bad leadership choices ... from bad leaders ... Who were not worth they pay checks they got.

[2Slow4u]

I wouldn't count the vehicle design out, you'll probably see them out on the road in about a year under a different name.

[jeff652]

Originally Posted by 2Slow4u

I wouldn't count the vehicle design out, you'll probably see them out on the road in about a year under a different name.

Is this a wish or a hint?

I'd have loved to drive/own a 2e!!!

[2Slow4u]

Thats a hint. But you'll see the Torq on the streets first, which is much more fun to drive IMHO.