Hi-tech supercar duo steals the show

Here's a sports car that’s on a real charge! Among the electric models at the British Motor Show, the Lightning GT was the undoubted star.

The prototype blends GT looks with electric power, and could be the world’s first zero-emission high-performance vehicle. Built by the Lightning Car Company in Peterborough, Cambs, it uses 30 batteries, generates 36kW and can be charged in only 10 minutes, according to the firm.

With the help of regenerative braking, it should have a range of nearly 200 miles, and sprints from 0-60mph in less than four seconds. Sales are expected to start at the end of next year, and it will cost around £120,000. Also at ExCeL was the IFR Aspid – and it’s just as spectacular, with 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and 50mpg fuel economy! The brainchild of Spanish engineer Ignacio Fernandez Rodriguez (hence IFR), the car features a unique, ultra-light carbon fibre chassis, and weighs 700kg.

Power comes from a 400bhp supercharged 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol unit derived from Honda’s Civic Type R. The cabin gets leather and carbon trim, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Internet. Prices will range from £75,000 to £107,000 – and look out for a first drive in Auto Express before the end of the year.