The British were known for making boutique sports cars. In the 50s and 60s just about everyone who knew how to swing a wrench had their own car brand. A few (very few) of these companies like Lotus and TVR even lasted for a while. But now is technology bringing that spirit back?

We’ve heard rumors about the Lightning GT electric sports car over a year ago, and even got to see a completed version at the last British Motor Show. Now it seems the car is beginning testing with hopes for production in 2010.

The project is definitely ambitious. Instead of using a conventionally mounted single engine, the Lightning GT will mount an electric motor around each of the four wheels. Each motor weighs about 55 lbs and should provide good weight distribution for the sports car. 0 to 60 times are planned to be in the four second range.

Power for these quad engines is coming from NanoSafe nano titanate batteries. This is a new technology and is claimed to have a longer life expectancy than lithium ion and nickel metal hydride batteries. These batteries can use a 480v power source to get an eighty percent charge in just four minutes.

But everything is not a done deal just yet. Even if the Lightning GT can perfect the new technology, the financing needs to be worked out. The Lightning Car Company is still looking for investors.