Aston Martin is following Jaguar's lead with a reversible
electric car conversion for classic models, and the first to receive the
treatment is a 1970 DB6 MkII Volante.
Jaguar last year rolled out an E-Type whose original
powertrain was swapped
for a battery and electric motor. It proved so popular that Jaguar in
August confirmed production plans for
the conversion, which like Aston Martin's setup is fully reversible.
Using lessons learned from development of an electric
option for the Rapide sedan due in 2019, the Aston Martin Works
classic car department has developed a self-contained unit referred to as a
“cassette” that sits on the original engine and gearbox mountings.
The cassette contains the battery, motor and electric
control units and features external cables that feed power to the car’s various
electrical systems. A small screen hidden in the interior provides the driver
with all the vital info on the system's operation.
Having handled the initial concept evaluation and build of
the proof-of-concept DB6 MkII Volante, Aston Martin Works will also be
responsible for completing customer conversions at the historic Newport Pagnell
plant, the home of Aston Martin's classic car department. The program is
expected to start in 2019 under the Heritage EV banner.
No specifications or pricing have been announced. The rival
E-Type EV conversion comes with a 295-horsepower electric motor and
40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery good for about 170 miles of range.
With some major cities already introducing emission-free
zones in congested areas, Aston Martin sees its Heritage EV program as a way to
future proof its classic cars in a world where cars with emissions may be ruled
off the road.
“We are very aware of the environmental and social pressures
that threaten to restrict the use of classic cars in the years to come,” Aston
Martin CEO Andy Palmer said in a statement. “Our Second Century plan not only
encompasses our new and future models, but also protects our treasured
heritage.”
source: https://www2.motorauthority.com/news/1120298_aston-martin-to-electrify-its-classic-cars
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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