$30K EV Sports Car that LOTUS should have made - behind the scenes of the SC01

This is a bit of a personal project for me - ever since hearing about the SC01 sports car and placing a deposit I have wanted to meet its founder, Feng Xiaotong and see the SC01 in real life. I got to do both in early February and got a tour around the factory before its released later this year.
Massive thanks to Project Green for the production!
www.brutoncoxmedia.com
Follow me on Twitter @ElliotChina

[@SportsCarSC-01]

Thank you Elliot for making the video, it can allow more people to enjoy SC01. Maybe we can drive next time.😛

[@EVSpeed]

i love your car guys!!!! ive been following ever since day 1 i heard about you. i hope you come to europe soon!

[@kumbackquatsta]

please put english subs on your china car custom videos

[@aneudysc]

Following the previous comment, I think you guys would benefit if you had English subtitles or videos in English as well. It would help in getting your presence, as a company, out there.

[@FFFStudioSH]

I told you on your channel and I tell you here as well. Such an inspiring, exciting and just incredible project. I would love to get one of these, not sure if for a foreigner living in Shanghai that is possible. And as a car enthusiast, car designer and design studio founder, I can just dream with having the opportunity of working on this kind of projects in the future, or even try to run our own. You are the absolute leaders and innovators of what I hope is the start of a legendary brand and a new trend in the Chinese and global EV car trends. And of course, don't hesitate to contact me if you need any support ;) It would be a pleasure.

[@AndrewKay-fg1bj]

Will this be sold in the U.K.? Most articles I’ve read said it’ll be China only?

[@cocoaiscool2709]

I like the founder, he’s not out of this world and over optimistic but his passion is undeniable and strong

[@electricelliotrichards]

Happy that comes across - its completely authentic.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

It's obvious he's a car enthusiast. I really hope he succeeds, it's the best looking Chinese car I've ever seen !

[@UniZi]

Made me feel like a teenager again 😅

[@SportsCarSC-01]

Thank you. Only founders who love cars can create good cars.

[@jingrongdiecast6783]

Love the Lancia Stratos tribute with the design. Rest in peace, Marcello Gandini.

[@SportsCarSC-01]

We all like Lancia, it's a legend,We get some inspiration from it.

[@mykeljewell]

I love this founder. He’s clearly passionate about what he’s doing and even though his English isn’t perfect “you need to drive it to find… the happy time” should be the mantra of every single car company that gives a hoot about making cars.

[@electricelliotrichards]

Well said!

[@SportsCarSC-01]

Hahaha, I will work hard to improve our English. Thank you for liking SC01.

[@mykeljewell]

@@SportsCarSC-01 no worries at all you’re doing great! I’m humbled and impressed by your ability to work so diligently on your passion and know more of my language than I do of yours. You’re great keep the passion growing and I hope you continue to find the happy time!

[@Tom_Mroz]

Owner of the company is very passionate. Nice to see. Wish him success.

[@IDann1]

Feng really gets it, the true essence of a lightweight sports car, even better than Lotus.

[@electricelliotrichards]

agree!

[@danielwatt3408]

Stunning car. It looks like the child of a Lexus LFA, Lancia Stratos, and Lotus Evija. I can't wait to hear your drive impressions when you finally get yours. Congrats to the team behind this. I wish them all the luck in the world to survive the crazy EV market and eventually make it to the UK!

[@electricelliotrichards]

Thanks Daniel!

[@nickfish4385]

A very interesting founder of this company. There are not many like him, much less so in China. I'd love to see Xiaotong succeed.

[@TomanswerAi]

What a hero that CEO is. Inspiration.

[@derekhemmes]

I have a silver 2011 Lotus Elise. Looking at the SC01 was like seeing a grandkid for the first time. If something like this came to NA, I'd buy it in a second. I loved the brief glance at the simplified interior too.

[@willsbrewery3518]

looks a bit Lancia Stratos from the rear as well

[@DBGE001]

Weirdly enough, better looking than the original Stratos and even the recent retromod Stratos.

[@ultimateformulations]

I was thinking that too. From the back and rear 3/4 view- stratos influenced- in the best way! Much respect for what they're doing

[@lancpudn]

What a great looking sports car, They've done a superb job on the engineering & design of it, I'd love to see them here in the UK.

[@examinerian]

This is such a cool thing in every way, Elliot, and Feng Xiaotong's energy really comes across in this visit. I hope you get yours soon and it is everything this promises to be. I might have to get the AWD Aptera, just to compete with you in that traffic-light drag race!

[@electricelliotrichards]

Thanks mate!

[@carlitoxb110]

Huge lancia stratos vibes specially in the rear end, I love the design

[@kumbackquatsta]

their custom car china channel is awesome. deserves way more love and subtitles

[@ewein007]

glad I'm involved in the beginning of this project. it would be a great fun car to drive😊

[@SynchroFPS]

I love that they did a tube chassis.

[@ab3000x]

Lotus, mixed with the original Tesla Roadster, mixed with a Lancia Stratos, mixed with the concept car from Detroit Electric from a number of years ago. It looks fantastic. I didn't like the headlights at first but now that I know they have vents I'm sold on them - the taillights too. I hope they're successful.

[@kumbackquatsta]

thanks for keeping us posted on the company

[@chriseckley4338]

An owner with lots of passion. Car looks great

[@vicsh4581]

Agree Lotus should take this approach not the Eviji vaporware

[@faheemabbas3965]

Geely ownership will destroy them. I don’t care how much people say that the real Lotus will still be there underneath Geely ownership.

[@DBGE001]

@@faheemabbas3965Geely has stop supporting all the ICE lotuses before 2020, no parts will be made or will be available for repairing after accident or crash.

[@SportsCarSC-01]

Eviji with lower prices😁

[@kckfen]

Wow... this car is everybody kit car dream.. car you can tweak and get involved with. They dont make car like these anymore... i love it.

[@weatheranddarkness]

Who knew a mashup of a Stratos and an S-2000 could work out so nicely? But also, I don't understand how that's going to be in front of your house at 30k. That is an incredibly ambitious price point for what you get, with the twin spring adjustable shocks, adjustable brakes, that very complicated space frame, and all those plastics. They deserve an award if they manage it.

[@3L3CTR0static]

Chinese government is subsidizing the hell out of EVs so basically nobody else can compete with them in price

[@emeria9620]

30k USD is about 215k CNY, which sounds pretty reasonable for the Chinese domestic price. Overseas? No, it's not going to cost that lol. The VW ID4 starts from 200k CNY, which is about 25k EUR, whereas in Germany it starts from 40k.

[@SportsCarSC-01]

Made in China often has good prices, right？

[@Jushwa]

Now this is properly exciting, will definitely be checking for updates to see the first drive! Also couldn't help but notice the RX-8 in the back, another fantastic car to benchmark against, they seem to be on the right track no doubt.

[@CT37BN]

A couple of other automakes in that design.. most obvious is Lancia rear, Mazda/Honda front, Lotus/Lancia profile and they all work very well as one.

[@electricelliotrichards]

I agree!

[@umu-i-d2785]

Love founder, ove the car. Well done on putting a DP on it

[@rizalpambudi]

All EV $30k Cars Should Look Like This. Bravo!

[@SETHalpine]

We need more builders as them ! Just passionate and nice. Tt proves that No need to be a big company to make a such sporty pretty car

[@erwanprou6601]

Clearly an "EV Stratos". It's really good to see such in detail how this car is made. It was really interesting. I hope to see this one in France one Day.

[@EVSpeed]

so will there be a part 2? interior view and test drive?

[@electricelliotrichards]

Yes we plan to!

[@EVSpeed]

@@electricelliotrichards looking forward to it! Hopefully soon. I have loved the car since it was first announced. It is my dream car too and I'm so envious of you.

[@TheGaerthy]

Thanks Elliot, desperate for more SC01 content.

[@user-jh4us8op6f]

That suspension setup looks great! It's certainly a fun, interesting-looking car

[@AtypicalDriver]

Great video! Lightweight and centralized battery are key to an EV sports car

[@LeonPhythian69]

Its a thing of beauty, can't wait to see a road test

[@bestishiphop]

What an excellent guy. These are people that get stuff done.

[@grahambrown42]

Looks fantastic, you must be very excited to get your hands on it.

[@electricelliotrichards]

I can’t wait!

[@JBsC6]

Cool new sports car. Look forward to the road tests😊

[@electricelliotrichards]

me too!

[@daskleineddylein]

The front reminds me of the Honda S2000. awesome 🤩

[@itslucasyap]

I really like the design. It looks amazing.

[@TheGaerthy]

Please produce this car ASAP! And Australia next please.

[@makina323]

That rx8 at 7:42 peaked my interest :D

[@PaulSpades]

Funny thing, the rx8. It draws everybody with the rotary engine, but then everybody that likes it wishes it didn't have a rotary engine.

[@anthonyburee650]

I like everything about this car and the owner!! 👍

[@cocoaiscool2709]

can’t wait for SC-01 dakar

[@davidstuart4915]

The Lotus / Tesla/ TVR we have been waiting for :) Be great if the company gains stability, UK market will take a sports and GT (touring) variants, with following targets please: Sub £37k twin motor, 250 min mls range in 0-10c, 0-60 c 4.5 secs, rough back road comfort, low tyre and wind noise, Decent access for us older less flexible folk - Elise was a bad joke from this point of view, TVR only 1000kg but seats 2 metre driver and passenger just fine Hope its not very wide, allowing back road progress :) Pleeese dont let UK pricing run away from China pricing...Oh and it Must have great corrosion protection for UK salt covered roads

[@the_osprey4536]

Would positively LOVE to see this car in the USA.

[@OctavChelaru]

Very cool machine, lots of potential.

[@MuShinnen]

Fantastic looking car. Always love to see smaller businesses doing things like this. Wish them the best. Maybe if we're lucky theyll make a slightly larger GT car with similar styling later down the line.

[@electricelliotrichards]

They have bigger plans :)

[@kuma_score7536]

this kinda reminds me of the Caterham concept V. a small, lightweight EV with a lot of thought put into it from a drivers and owners perspective

[@jakilode5608]

Yesss it does. I know cause I play need for speed 2014 very often

[@spongesurf12]

Looks great! I think a current huge miss on EV's is the big companies are just making electrified versions of existing cars without any real innovation around lightweight, simplicity, elegance, fun, etc. Innovation instead of financially conservative moves is what we need! Also, sports cars with enough storage for a road trip. I hope they are really successful!

[@SportsCarSC-01]

It has a huge trunk, nothing bigger than it.

[@randomkindness1470]

I mean... 0-100 in 1.8s. That red weima car... and those sleek tyres, the huge rear spoiler... that car has some stories to tell

[@SportsCarSC-01]

Yes, that's also our great work.

[@massimilianozeni1848]

looks good!the profile and windows lines looks a lot like those of a Lancia Stratos and a little bit like a Lancia 037 also. You didn't mention the power, I think I read somewhere that this was going to be around 400+hp? what a nice project!

[@electricelliotrichards]

Yes around 400hp.

[@richardike2342]

It is a beautiful Car. It obviously draws some inspiration from the Lancia Stratos.

[@SportsCarSC-01]

Yes, you have great vision.

[@kabob21]

How is this ultimately being sold? It’s got a box tube ladder frame chassis and tubular space frame, what looks like thin aluminum outer panels and 3D printed plastic inner pieces and structures. No reinforced crash bars or crumple zones. Just don’t see them able to pass EU or NA safety regs. Only UK market as a kit car then? Also, how are they going to warranty these outside China?

[@yagooatthegoat]

Kinda interesting everything is together

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

wow i had no clue... i like this a lot. like A LOT. small, nimble, ev. who can afford one of those supercars and also, who can really drive them at full performance? i'd love something like this that's quick but drivable, something i can scoot around in everyday, something i can drive to work, just casually, not something you have to baby around. very cool.

[@Lano-nk2pd]

Great to finally see more of the car. Ive been following this through your channel. Any idea if this will be available in Belgium? Or where you can order it?

[@electricelliotrichards]

Likely once its built - overseas market is bigger for this car.

[@brechtxt8096]

4:49 Peep the GT3RS in the back 👀 might as well draw inspiration from the best

[@PaulSpades]

Yeah, you need benchmarks when developing any product. Looks like they have a couple good ones.

[@ellis777777]

Love it , hope it success and will eventually export outside of China.

[@electricelliotrichards]

Heres hoping

[@ChromeBullet007]

I’m buying one! Amazing

[@angelozhang7687]

My name is also on the car body of the sc01 lol, I love classic Italian cars, this car is clearly a tribute to Lancia Stratos, but it's not a copycat, but carry on its spirit, that's why I signed up for one!

[@SportsCarSC-01]

Thank you, my lover.

[@stevencooper2339]

Lotus did build an EV very similar to this 12 years ago it was called the Tesla Roadster Gen 1.

[@urbanstrencan]

This is what Lotus should do instead of 3 tones SUV

[@romulus_]

would pick one of those up in a hot second.

[@chethansagar]

Love love love this ^

[@DavidMcKendrick-lives-here]

Love it!

[@r3dsign]

Nice project, but from a from design sustainability view is not that good if every part is that complex like a smartphone, so if you crash or have some problem you will have to replace a way more expensive... I would like to see maybe more module solutions. Keep going guys good work here!

[@gadgetgasspoll2923]

Awesome

[@pkthe2ndhokage188]

it's so freaking cool!

[@pspicerwensley]

It’s gorgeous and I bet it’s a pocket rocket 🚀

[@SportsCarSC-01]

yes！！！！！！

[@kanalintu9246]

I hope that they bring this to Europe someday.

[@clements3715]

THe back look like the Lancia Stratos, I like it. There are so many talented people in CHina, I love that. I wish their gov wasn't so bad !

[@thewelshdragon.5979]

You have been brainwashed by western MSM, the Chinese government enjoy 90% support rating.

[@PedroHenriquePS00000]

Its increible how different the structure of the chinese language is from western languagages, i speak portuguese and english and spanish, although they are different compared to chinese they are almost the same thing, chinese is VERY different structurally

[@3L3CTR0static]

Beautiful. I never thought I would say that about a Chinese car lol but if they continue evolving and improving Germany is the US are in so much trouble...

[@luciusch7257]

4105*1890*1183mm 1370kg 320kw 0-100km/h 3.5s rear wheel drive front wheel drive or four wheel drive mode，the price is around between brz and mx-5

[@EVSpeed]

best youtube car video!!!!!

[@xxxxghostxxxx2052]

6:08 in an EV that's so rare.

[@frank-steeve3425]

Lotus used to make the most stylish cars in Need For Speed Hot Pursuit 2 (2010)

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I've always wanted a Lancia Stratos 👍😁 I wonder if it's designed for crash safety?

[@bakhteria]

The windshield and top area is lotus evora

[@199724]

It looks like a Lancia Stratos, not everything lightweight is Lotus.

[@ynnn991]

i guess that's the problem - the fact, that that ISNT a lotus. this is what lotus SHOULD develop, not what it actually does.

[@nickfish4385]

Did Feng mention the delivery in the end of 2023 in the launch event? Is there a new delivery date yet? really can't wait to see it on the roads.

[@electricelliotrichards]

Should be mid 2024

[@nickfish4385]

@@electricelliotrichards looking forward to you driving this car Elliot. good luck.

[@SportsCarSC-01]

It will take some more time, I believe it's not far away.

[@ltkwok]

With so many parts still be me decided, it doesn’t seem the Company is ready for manufacturing… unless it will be in small batches like the Morgan in the UK & the customer can decide all the bits before they build it.

[@electricelliotrichards]

They are all decided, its just being tested. Likely to be in the 2k - 3k range per year I think.

[@yagooatthegoat]

His English is really good 😮

[@rio8677]

❤❤❤

[@kurtisvella9379]

Any chance this car would sell in Australia and New Zealand?

[@electricelliotrichards]

Sure, it’s coming in RHD

[@zeusmultirotor8479]

@@electricelliotrichardsif it’s already planned for RHD that means it can be sold in Hong Kong and Japan

[@zxys001]

🤩

[@mehmetkaraata4999]

I love the exterior front and sides however in my opinion the rear lacks or is not consistent in the same unique design. Needs more thought.

[@MrCOOKIEMONSTA4]

The front end almost looks a tad like a mini lexus LFA, rear looks like an mix between an old Ferrari and an old corvette and the whole thing looks lotus inspired

[@rikaus9273]

430bhp in a that little thing will be great

[@chevynissan9694]

I live in Miami, Florida and would like to be first one in the U.S. to put a deposit on it and be the first happy owner of it.

[@kumbackquatsta]

biden won't let you

[@chevynissan9694]

Not even paying 25% for EV's and 2.5% aliquota?@@kumbackquatsta

[@MuShinnen]

​@@kumbackquatsta literally has nothing to do with Biden.

[@kumbackquatsta]

@@MuShinnen educate yourself boy

[@MuShinnen]

@@kumbackquatsta Take your own advice "boy".

[@aardvarkmindshank]

MG has beaten them to it with the Cyberster. Especially with its cool scissor doors. It does look super nice tho’ 😮

[@electricelliotrichards]

Very different proposition from the Cyberster - that’s more of a grand tourer, this is more of a driver focussed car. It’s almost 1000kg lighter..

[@toyotaprius79]

Lotus pivoting towards SUVs spells everything that's gone wrong ..

[@drtydsh]

In order to keep it moving it has to be done. You're just to closed minded

[@romulus_]

welcome to the realities of the modern automotive industry. no suv, no more sports cars. some people would rather that happen, which I think speaks to immaturity and inability to adapt to a changing world.

[@boomclash101]

Indeed I agree. But thevyounger gen and China has the right idea toyota too cars and trucks for 15 to 35 thousand is were the magic happens . The new prius even tho I was expecting like 100 mpg has a solar roof getting like 4 miles per day and is a hybrid getting like 63 mpg 35000. Magic

[@PocketUau]

This is what the Tesla Roadster wants to be.

[@freddybell8328]

Tesla roadster is in a different league.

[@SoCalFreelance]

A Lotus EV company founded in 2008 is an alternative future that should have happened but didn't.

[@flat6croc]

Would be intersted to know the thinking behind the 4WD is a small sports car. RWD would be far preferable for fun dynamics. Obviously 4WD has outright performance advantages, but that doesn't seem to be the remit here. I'd take convincing that 4WD is going to be more engaging in this kind of car. Traction everywhere all the time, isn't much fun.

[@electricelliotrichards]

That’s a really good question. I can ask him. I have a feeling that one motor could be powerful but too heavy and perhaps it would make the front too light. This is a car built for a market (in China) that may not have any experience of RWD as their first sports car, so prefer the stability and safety of a 4WD car. I’m certain you will be able to turn off the front motor though in the settings.

[@flat6croc]

@@electricelliotrichards Turning off the front motor and having the weight still there along with the performance loss would not be much benefit / wouldn't make much sense. If you're putting the motor in, use it. As for being front light, well that's conventional ICE mid-engine cars for you. But like I said, 4WD in a small sports car like this is not appealing. I don't really buy the stability thing, either. This isn't being pitched as a hypercar with 1,000hp and there are off the shelf stability control systems to make the power safely manageable. Generally it makes me wonder if the guys doing the car understand sports car dynamics. But I guess the proof will be in the driving.

[@seanzhouz3478]

Electric motor can achieve much refined instant torque distribution change, which will make the 4WD much more fun than a RWD vehicle. @@flat6croc

[@flat6croc]

@@seanzhouz3478 Yeah, that sounds more efficient and effective. It doesn't sound fun at all. Which is my point. Why is that more fun and engaging?

[@seanzhouz3478]

Fun is not a unified standard. A sophisticated torque distribution system can make the turn-in sharper with the aid of front wheels, also can make power slide much more controlable. And this car also can switch to pure RWD and FWD, which is the best thing of both worlds. A 2500lb RWD sport car with 50:50 weight distribution and 200 WHP.(similar to a cayman) @@flat6croc

[@romkobo]

I hope they will survive.

[@3089280288]

Lancia, Lotus Honda

[@electricelliotrichards]

Love it

[@SynchroFPS]

Looks like an LFA and a Stratos lul

[@karlInSanDiego]

Prototype != production line, but it's Chinese EV market, so anything's possible.

[@okra3000]

I wish it looked more sleek.

[@chazu-land]

This alone could make me immigrate.