Electric and hybrid vehicles are the way of the
future. But we still love some classic sports cars. So how do we reconcile the
two? RBW may have the answer. The company is dedicated to converting old
British sports cars into battery-electrics and keeping them relevant and on the
road for the foreseeable future, whatever the bureaucrats may determine we’re
allowed to drive in the coming years.
Its first project is based on the MGB roadster, and
brings in outside expertise to make it happen. British Motor Heritage and
Gregson Polska provide new body shells, while German giant Continental AG’s
recently acquired Zytek Automotive unit (formerly known as Gibson Technology)
furnish the electric powertrain, drawing on its experience in Formula E racing
and the electric Morgan project.
The converted roadster packs 94 hp and 226 Nm of torque, propelling it to 96 km/h in eight
seconds en route to a top speed of 169 km/h, with a range of 249 km.
Only 30 examples will be offered, starting with the
first 18 next year – and the price tag for each is rather steep: £ 83,000 (US$ 109k) plus taxes, with a £ 8,300 (US$ 11k) refundable deposit due up front
to reserve a build slot. RBW also plans to build a quartet of similarly
electrified Jaguar XKSS roadsters that will surely be even more expensive,
following the lead set by Jaguar Classic and its own E-Type Zero.
