[jeremy wayne wilson]

Ford isn't doing crap, so HST International – Tjaarda Design alliance changes face of electric cars

“Electric Muscle™” on display at Long Beach “Green Power Prix-View”
SAN DIEGO, CA – APRIL 15, 2008 -- 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™”, 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 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 a 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 on Sunday. The Tjaarda EVX Mustang and HST Shelby Cobra EVX will next be featured at CBS’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. I HOPE FORD FOLLOWS THIS IDEA WITH AN AFFORDABLE BEV MUSTANG WITHIN 4 YEARS AT MOST.

 

[MetrologyFirst]

Only if they call it something else. The Mustang, like the Vette (OK, not really. The Vette kicks its bu...., you know) is an iconic American sports car. I think it should stay "ICE pure". If Ford does that, they will have irreversibly changed the Mustang heritage. I am not a Ford guy, to say the least, in fact I can't stand Ford. But I love our sports car heritage in this country. The Mustang is Ford's icon. I can't imagine them wanting to mess with its following. Unless the current Mustang following just doesn't appreciate its history.

If Ford does this, they will have truely "sold their soul".

Just call it something else and retire the Mustang. No big deal.

 

[Dave B]

Only if they call it something else. The Mustang, like the Vette (OK, not really. The Vette kicks its bu...., you know) is an iconic American sports car. I think it should stay "ICE pure". If Ford does that, they will have irreversibly changed the Mustang heritage. I am not a Ford guy, to say the least, in fact I can't stand Ford. But I love our sports car heritage in this country. The Mustang is Ford's icon. I can't imagine them wanting to mess with its following. Unless the current Mustang following just doesn't appreciate its history.

If Ford does this, they will have truely "sold their soul".

Just call it something else and retire the Mustang. No big deal.

You talk like American companies need to keep doing what they've done in the past. If this keeps up, they're going the way of the dinosaurs. Why not do something completely drastic? Why not offer the Mustang as a pure EV? I'm not saying it's the ONLY model, but Ford of all companies needs a US counterpart developing an electric. It has NOTHING. No concepts. No nothing.

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

Please note that Ford isn't participating in this exercise. Individuals must buy a Mustang (preferably a 6 cylinder, as the engine is removed) and turn it over to HST for conversion. Same with the Shelby Cobra kit car - the entire drivetrain is replaced.

 

[MetrologyFirst]

Dave B:

That's not what I am saying at all. I think Ford, if they want to exist in the future, needs to enter into this market also. I just think the Mustang, as Fords true iconic long running sports car, needs to be left with an ICE at least from the factory. Let those who wish to modify them have at it. Same with the Vette.

You said it yourself, it would be a drastic move. They may do more harm than good to the Mustang faithful.

Heritage matters for only a few cars in history. I think the Vette and the Mustang are two of them. Not even the Camaro, it could go E-Flex I would think. I used to own one of those also years ago, but it just doesn't have the same depth that a Vette has.

As I said before, I am not a Ford guy. But I am a US car guy. I think it would be wise for Ford to retire the Mustang in the future then start a new sports car platform with electric drive.

I can only speak from a Vette owner's perspective; an electric Vette would be truely unfortunate. The thought brings tears to the eyes.

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

Met makes a good point. Flagship vehicles should remain ICE muscle cars. The major automakers should develop other vehicles for alternative fuel platforms, especially since the proporations will be different - look at the proportions of the Fisker Karma. You shouldn't try to shoe horn a hybrid drivetrain into a vehicle whose styling and perfomance are balanced for a heavy ICE upfront.

 

[jeremy wayne wilson]

GUYS your missing the point of everything here

A BEV Mustang would re invigorate a dying breed, 5 bucks a gallon gas soon and who the heck will care about preserving a ice mustangs heritage. I am almost bankrupt now paying 4 to 5 hundred a month on gas to go to work. Geez guys, Ford will have to get real and market this thing from a Bev guys standpoint and it will sell like hotcakes. A visit to my local toyota dealership 4 times in 2 weeks and they sell every XD scion and Yaris they can get within 2 days. They even have 05-08 mustangs and pickups as trade ins by the hundreds. So already we see no one wants a gas hog anymore no matter what it is!!!!!

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

jeremy,

We get the point, and agree that Ford should produce a hybrid or electric muscle car, but it shouldn't be a Mustang, as the hybrid / electric drivetrain will distort the Mustang's styling or else reduce comfort / performance from being shoe horned in.

I must admit that I am floored at how quickly people are snapping up smaller / higher mileage cars. I would have thought gasoline had to reach $5 - $8 before that happened. Regardless, as fast as automakers are moving to provide hybrids and EV's, it still isn't fast enough for the MARKET, not the government and its mandates.