Some crazy stuff goes on at auto shows. Beautiful women showcase seemingly disfigured concept cars, reporters throw elbows in an attempt to access the big dogs, and at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show, a small European auto company releases a fully-electric sports car that will be priced at more than $600,000.

Venturi Automobiles, with headquarters in Monte Carlo, will soon be offering the world the Venturi Fetish in extremely limited quantities (25 worldwide). Yes, that's right, the Fetish. Company President, CEO, and owner, Gildo Pallanca Pastor, explained that, in French, the word fetish refers to something carried for good luck. That's quite a stretch from how it's used on this side of the pond, but in any case, Pastor is banking on the Fetish as a good luck charm for Venturi.

Inspired by Lotus, the Venturi Fetish indeed resembles that automaker's Elise model, with its diminutive proportions, low-slung appearance, and sweeping design. The body is constructed of carbon fiber, as is most of the chassis, with the exception of aluminum front and rear subframes. The result is a 2,245-lb curb weight. But, the fact that Venturi has built a sexy, lightweight two-seater is insignificant when compared with what powers the car.

Lithium-ion batteries propel the Venturi Fetish to a top speed of 106 mph, and the company claims that 60 mph arrives in less than five seconds. Charging the batteries can take anywhere from 3.5 hours (80-amp outlet) to 16.5 hours (16-amp outlet). Venturi claims a maximum operating range of about 200 miles, based on equal driving in the city, on the highway, and on twisty back roads. But, wherever that range taps out, make sure there's an outlet nearby.

Former racecar driver Pastor bought Venturi three years ago, and has pushed the development of the Fetish, wanting to "do the car of 2025" by highlighting technology that is available today. Models will be available for test-drives in the spring of 2005, with the only U.S. outlet being in Los Angeles (the Fetish will also be sold in Tokyo and Monte Carlo). Deliveries may occur as early as next January, but that largely depends on the Fetish's ability to pass U.S. safety standards.

If you like exorbitantly priced, two-seater vehicles that don't go very far or very fast and must subsequently remain out of commission for hours at a time, the Venturi Fetish just may be the perfect vehicle for you.

--By Thom Blackett

Photos by Erik Hanson