General Motors Corporation, headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, is an American multinational automotive corporation that has played a significant role in the automotive industry since its founding in 1908. The company was established by William C. Durant and has since grown to become one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world.
One of the notable vehicles produced by General Motors was the EVI, an electric two-seater coupé that was derived from the 1990 concept car known as the Impact. The EVI featured a three-phase AC motor that generated 137 horsepower and powered the front wheels. It utilized lead-acid batteries mounted on an aluminum backbone frame, providing a driving range of approximately 70 to 90 miles.
The EVI's aerodynamic design boasted a drag coefficient of 0.19, and its body was constructed from composite plastic. The vehicle had a top speed limited to 80 miles per hour (129 km/h) and included features such as dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, and cruise control. The first units of the EVI became available in California in December 1996, offered for lease at $580 per month or for sale at a price of $33,995. This pricing positioned the EVI within the same market segment as the Buick Park Avenue, which contributed to its limited sales. In its first year of production in 1997, only 289 units were sold, and by September 1998, fewer than 500 had been sold. The EVI was distributed through selected Saturn dealerships.
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