Venturi Volage: The Electric GT Fit For Royalty

Venturi Volage

Monaco has been in the press a couple times lately because of the presence of different electric vehicles running around the city. Really it is who is behind the wheel of these electric cars that makes the headlines—Prince Albert II of Monaco. This time, as our partner site AllCarsElectric.com reported, the Prince was behind the wheel of the Venturi Volage, the “Ultimate Electric GT” according to the manufactures website.

This isn’t the first car that we have reported the Prince taking a spin in. Late last year he test drove the Mitsubishi i MiEV Concept, which lead to his commitment that he would like to see more of that kind of zero-emission vehicles in Monaco in the future. Fast-forward to the present and he is behind the wheel of the “Ultimate Electric GT.” Now, if you are like me you are wondering: What is the Venturi Volage?

Venturi Volage- The Ultimate Electric GT

The Volage had its world premier at the “Mondial 2008” (Paris Motor Show) and is the result of collaboration between Venturi Automobiles and Michelin. The Volage is powered by a 4-drive wheels system with active suspension that uses the “Michelin Active Wheel” technology. Each wheel incorporates two electric motors (one for the suspension and one for the drive wheels) for a total of eight electric motors that work together in real time to move and control the vehicle. This technology paired with carbon fiber bodywork developed in the Venturi Design Office gives the Volage a total weight of 1,075 kilos (2370 lbs).

Still not excited? Then try this on for size; the Venturi Volage can achieve 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than 5 seconds. It also is equipped with a regenerative braking system to recharge the batteries as you slow yourself down from the blast to 100 km/h. The companies website says that the batteries have a 1,500 cycle life span and that the car can achieve 320 km (about 198 miles) at a sustained speed of 90 km/h (about 56 mph).

Bottom line—Tesla your competition is coming! The production model is scheduled for 2012 and will be hand built in their facility in Monaco. So if you want one you better get on the list because the production is supposed to be limited.

Check out the manufacturers website and be sure to stick around AllSmallCars.com and read our other blogs and reviews. You can also find pictures of your favorite new small cars in the photo gallery.

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