Chevrolet has this week revealed the “E-10 Concept” at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Calling it “the future of hot rodding”, the restomod is based on a 1962 C-10 pick-up truck and is powered by a special “Connect & Cruise” electric powertrain.
The latter – comprising two electric motors under the hood and two 400-volt batteries mounted in the truck’s bed under a hard tonneau cover – replaces the truck’s original 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine.
Generating an estimated 450 bhp, which is transferred to the rear wheels via a conventional automatic transmission, the propulsion system is claimed to help the E-10 deliver 0-60 mph times of around 5 seconds; and quarter mile times in the high 13 second range.
And to fit in with other hot rods on the road, the vehicle gets a sound emulator complete with three speakers to simulate an induction sound in the front and two banks of a V8 engine in the back. The driver can select one of five modes on the emulator; these include a V8 engine, a ‘futuristic sound’ or silent – and the sounds automatically adjust to the changing of the gears, thereby mimicking a regular petrol engine.
“It’s all still in the testing stage, but this concept brings the electric option for hot rodders much closer to reality,” says Russ O’Blenes, director of Performance Variants, Parts & Motorsports at Chevy. “Our goal is to provide greater power with greater range, suiting the different needs and priorities of all types of enthusiasts.”
In terms of exterior design, the E-10 features an illuminated Bowtie logo in the grille, LED headlamps and taillamps, and a lowered stance accented with 20 x 9-inch front and 22 x 10-inch rear wheels.
Inside, the original instrument panel is updated with digital displays for the EV system, while the rest of the cabin is restored and features leather-trimmed seats.
