There’s a brand new carmaker on the block, going by the name Alcraft, and the British start-up is taking the crowdfunding route to make its first concept car a reality.
Concept images of the Alcraft GT have appeared online and production of the all-electric high-performance car could begin in 2019 if its crowdfunding campaign raises enough cash in time.
How quick is it?
Very. The futuristically styled four-seater uses a fully-electric three-motor powertrain capable of producing the equivalent of 591bhp.
Sent to all four wheels and combined with torque vectoring and the car’s light weight, it is said to be able to complete a 0-62mph sprint in 3.5 seconds, which places it in competition with the mighty Tesla Model S.
No top speed figure yet, but we’d imagine it would be equally as impressive.
What else can it do?
The concept has been designed so that a petrol or diesel engine could be introduced to the mix to extend the car’s 300-mile electric range.
Practicality is also a priority. You’d image its 2+2 seating arrangement would suffice for most prospective owners, but it’ll also boast a 500-litre luggage area to store – I dunno – ‘stuff’.
Design-wise, its exterior is defined by ultra-clean surfaces and visible structural elements with exposed carbon-fibre B-pillars, a wraparound front screen and a roof made largely of glass.
So what about this Alcraft name then?
The Alcraft Motor Company has been set up by businessman David Alcraft, who has been the head of a pharma licensing group since 2003.
Considering the common ground between medicine and automotive is scant at best, any cause for concern from would-be backers would be understandable.
So Mr Alcraft has assembled an impressive and experienced core team comprising names such as Charles Morgan, previously of Morgan Motor Company, ex-Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders CEO Christopher Macgowan, former Morgan designer Matt Humphries, and ex-Toyota, Daewoo and Michelin senior executive Mark Carbery.
Why though?
Mr Alcraft says he has ventured into the automotive arena because he wants to “build a British car company which brings together traditional skills and high technology for the emerging low-carbon car market”.
He adds that the company is driven by a desire to combine “great design, outstanding dynamics and the visceral thrill of electric powertrains to create products that are high in performance and desirability but very usable”.
Fine. How ambitious is the crowdfunding target?
That’s not entirely clear yet.
A rewards-based campaign will soon be launched at alcraftmotor.com, with funding bands starting at £10 and stretching right up to £25,000.
Those who inject more cash than others can look forward to VIP days at Silverstone with rides in a development mule for the GT, as well as exclusive electric bikes by Cyclotricity and wristwatches by Matthew Humphries Design.
Our verdict
A futuristically styled battery-powered car built in Britain that goes like stink? All sounds very Tesla to us, but if it’s a success, Alcraft could join the likes as Lotus, Morgan and Ariel in Britain’s family of specialised carmakers. We’ll keep a curious eye on Alcraft’s development if or when it occurs.
For more articles like this, receive our weekly e-newsletter, including partner deals and all things motoring, register your email below.
Please note: You cannot subscribe to Smart-Motoring unless you put a tick in the checkbox below to indicate have read and agreed to our privacy policy.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.