The Longbow Speedster EV is a lightweight electric sports car shown at CES 2026 with Donut Lab in-wheel motors mounted inside each wheel. The open-top two-seater is built around an aluminum structure and prioritizes low mass for performance efficiency, with reports putting the show car at roughly a metric ton. Donut Lab’s approach places propulsion at the corners, reducing the need for a conventional driveline while enabling independent wheel control.
The demonstration focused on packaging and power delivery rather than production trim, pairing the chassis with four compact motor units developed by the Finnish supplier. The setup is intended to support responsive acceleration, with published figures indicating a 0 to 62 mph time of about 3.5 seconds. Longbow presented the car as part of a featherweight platform concept for future electric sports models.
Image Credit: Engadget, Longbow Motors
What's Driving This Trend
- Featherweight EV Designs
- As automakers strive for efficiency, the shift toward ultra-lightweight electric vehicles prioritizes reduced mass to enhance performance.
- In-wheel Motor Technology
- Innovative in-wheel motor systems are transforming vehicle propulsion by eliminating traditional drivetrains and allowing precise independent wheel control.
- Open-top EV Innovations
- Designing open-top electric vehicles reflects a trend towards combining aerodynamic efficiency with the sensory thrill of an open-air drive.
Who This Affects Most
- Electric Sports Car Manufacturing
- The burgeoning sector of electric sports cars is embracing new technologies to redefine speed and agility benchmarks.
- Automotive Component Supply
- The rise of advanced component suppliers like Donut Lab highlights the increasing importance of specialized tech in the auto industry.
- Lightweight Materials Production
- Industry demand for lightweight materials such as aluminum underscores the push for efficiency in vehicle design.
