Electric car maker to unveil latest prototype

By KVAL.com staff Published: Apr 22, 2011 at 4:17 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 22, 2011 at 7:28 PM PDT

EUGENE, Ore. - A local electric car startup plans to unveil its fifth-generation product prototype Saturday at a potential production facility in the Whiteaker neighborhood.

Arcimoto plans to unveil Red 5 at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, followed by a celebration at 8 p.m. at a warehouse at 990 W. 1st Avenue.

"Improvements from previous iterations include an ultra-efficient drive system, race caliber suspension, a lighter yet stronger frame, and a newly designed lightweight body shell," the company said. >>> WATCH a POV video from an earlier Arcimoto test drive

The company said Mayor Kitty Piercy and actors Nathan Fillion and Jon Huertas from the TV show "Castle" will be in attendance.

One of the prototype cars was on display outside the Erb Memorial Union on Friday. Kyle Keppler from the Oregon NewsLab produced this clip about the car - and student reactions to the design.