The entry-level version, LS, will keep its two-cylinder engine. It will be a 700 cm³ powerplant produced by a German supplier, but Loremo refrains to say which one. Fuel consumption has dropped from 67 km/l to 50 km/l. Although still remarkable, it is a loss. The car range remains very good: 1,000 km with its 20-l fuel tank. The price, on the other hand, has increased from 11,000 euros to 15,000 euros. Some people may think it is too much for a car that reaches a top speed of 160 km/h and takes 20 s to go from 0 to 100 km/h, but no 3,80 m long car in the market weighs only 550 kg nor is so fuel efficient. And four people can travel on it.
The sportscar of the range, GT, will adopt a 850 cm³ two-cylinder Otto engine instead of the three-cylinder diesel. According to Loremo, a diesel engine would be heavier, less powerful (36 kW, or 50 bhp, against 45 kW, or 62 bhp, for the petrol engine), more expensive and difficult to develop. Even though it might be cheaper, the price tag for Loremo GT has also increased. From 15,000 euros, it is now expected to cost 20,000 euros. With the diesel engine, it could reach a top speed of 200 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 s.
Since everyone it heading for electric powertrains, Loremo has also decide to develop a version that runs on electricity, the EV (Electric Vehicle). With a 20 kW (27 bhp) engine, it would probably perform better (top speed of 170 km/h and 15 s for 0 to 100 km/h) than LS if it wasn't heavier. The good thing is that the lithium-ion batteries have helped the car to keep this extra weight to less than 10%. From 550 kg, the car has reached 600 kg. Range is 150 km. Curiously, the EV was the last one to start being developed, but will probably be the first to be presented to the public as a series production vehicle. Its price tag may impress, but it is not exaggerated when we remember it is an electric vehicle: 30,000 euros.
Loremo is expected to start selling its cars in 2009 and is very confident on a huge demand for its fuel efficient vehicles. We just hope the current financial mess does not harm this fantastic car.
Source: Loremo
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