RBW Roadster EV

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity. In addition to completely new cars from various brands, there are also conversions based on classic models from the VW Beetle to the Porsche 911 or Jaguar E-Type. A few manufacturers also venture on new developments with old design. These include RBW from the Midlands in the UK, who are currently preparing two model series for a market launch in the coming year. In addition to an e-sports car in the guise of a Jaguar XKSS, there will be an electrified new edition of the MGB from the summer of 2019.

As a RBW Roadster EV, the classic two-seater has an electric drive with 70 kW (about 95 hp) and 226 newtonmeters of torque. This will take a smooth eight seconds from a standstill to 60 mph and will reach an electronical limited topspeed of 105 mph. With full batteries, a range of more than 155 miles should be possible. In the development, the British company is working closely together with Zytec Automotive, part of Continental AG. Zytec is also active as a very successful supplier to FIA Formula E

From the Roadster designed like an old MGB RBW would like to produce 18 copies in 2019, while the total production is limited to 30 cars. Incidentally, they deliberately use no old bodies of the MGB, which was built about 520,000 times in period. Instead they buy totally new bodyshells from British Motor Heritage. The reason for this is simple: with original vehicles, nobody knows the exact history of the past decades, so that a possible weakening of the body structure due to accidents or rust can not be ruled out. With new parts, customers can play it safe and also let their color wishes run wild.

In addition to the paint color, customers can also freely determine the coloring of the leather in the interior and thus create an absolutely unique vehicle. In order to even enjoy a RBW Roadster EV, interested parties must register with them and pay a deposit of 8,300 GBP. This deposit will be fully repaid by RBW in case one should decide against buying one after first test drives in May 2019. The total price for the two-seater is 83,000 GBP plus taxes. For the replica Jaguar XKSS with electric drive are 150,000 GBP plus taxes. In addition, the electrified replica of the legendary Jaguar C-Type will soon be available for 125,000 GBP plus taxes. The bodies needed for this purpose come from Gregson Polska, who would also be able to supply replicas of the XK120 or D-Type in the future.

Images: RBW Classic Electric Cars