Venturi Automobiles has a history almost as intriguing as the cars the French company produces. Known since its inception in 1984 until the day it declared bankruptcy in 2000 as Venturi Atlantique, the company produced its fair share of high-performance sports cars. Nowadays Venturi is based in Monaco and has found a niche for itself producing limited-run electric vehicles. Venturi's latest project debuted at the Paris Motor Show earlier today and is billed as the "world's first electric crossover."

Dubbed the America, the off-road capable "high voltage buggy" is a rear-wheel drive EV powered by a 300-horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque electric motor. The Venturi America has a lightweight carbon composite chassis that's motivated by an advanced 53 kWh lithium-ion battery pack for an impressive range of 186 miles. Venturi claims the America can reach a top speed of around 124mph. The Venturi America can be charged in 4 hours on a fast charger or in 10 hours from a 230V socket. Venturi has big plans for the America, as the company calls it "the result of 10 years of development and technological innovation."

Whether the America takes off or not, it definitely looks like a car worth taking outdoors on a sunny afternoon - if price is no obstacle. Otherwise be prepared to pony up around $400,000 if this thing makes it to production by 2014.