Venturi America: an electric buggy with 407hp

Venturi, the Monaco-based company specializing in all-electric vehicles, came to the Paris Motor Show with a new, more powerful version of its America sports buggy. Boasting over 400hp, the model will be produced in a limited edition of just 25 units starting in May 2015.

An open two-seater sports buggy with a generous ground clearance and an electric motor, the America is designed to be driven in perfect harmony with nature across wide open spaces.

In its latest version, unveiled in Paris, the America is equipped with a 407hp electric motor, allowing it to go from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and to reach a top speed of 220km/h. The ground clearance has been increased to 280mm. The chassis is made of Kevlar and aluminum, while the body is carbon fiber.

The battery charges in 3.5 hours at an electric charging station and enables a range of 250km over a combined driving cycle.

Production on the new America will be limited to just 25 units, each made to order and sold for just under €400,000 (around $502,000). The first models are expected to go on sale around the time of the Monaco Grand Prix next May.

Cutting-edge tech on four wheels or two

Venturi is also the owner of the motorcycle manufacturer Voxan, which created a stir in 2013 by presenting the Wattman, the world's most powerful electric motorcycle. The model boasts 200hp, a top speed of 170km/h and 0 to 100km/h acceleration in just 3.4 seconds. Also made to order, the Wattman is not expected to go on sale before 2015.

'The idea is to make electric technology sexy,' explains Sacha Lakic, the designer in charge of the brand's models.