Originally Posted On: New Electric Car Based On Classic MGB Roadster Revealed – carwitter
Fans of popular classic cars are in for a treat as RBW recently unveiled full specs and prices for its latest model, the RBW EV Roadster. Based on an MGB Roadster chassis, the Midlands-based company has kept the original car’s timeless classic designs.
They have made a new sports car fit for the 21st century, and aims to give motorists a stylish alternative to the current EVs on the market. Production is set to begin next year and is an attractive choice if you’ve got a spare £90k burning a hole in your pocket.
Classic aesthetics with modern electric engineeringRBW collaborated with Continental Engineering Services and Zytek Automotive, both divisions of Continental AG, to create the new RBW EV Roadster. It features a patent electric drivetrain based on technology used by Continental in Formula E racing cars.
The exterior aesthetics look virtually identical to the car it’s based on – the MGB Roadster. Looking from a distance, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re just seeing a standard MGB Roadster. But when you delve deeper, that’s when you start to notice the differences.
For example, the electric motor gets fitted to the rear of the vehicle, with Hyperdrive Innovation’s lithium-ion batteries under the bonnet. RBW’s Managing Director, Peter Swain, claims this gives its cars “perfectly balanced weight distribution” and “ better handling.”
Realistic green credentials and cutting-edge technologyWhen you’re spending around £90,000 on a new electric sports car, you expect it to offer plenty of technology. What’s more, you also don’t want to run out of juice after just 50 miles from a full charge. Thankfully, the RBW EV Roadster doesn’t disappoint.
The RBW EV Roadster has a range of 160 miles which can increase to 200 miles if you have an optional seventh battery fitted. It has a 70kW motor that will get you from a standing start to 60 mph in just nine seconds.
Being a fully-electric sports car, you can drive anywhere and not have to worry about paying emissions charges in central London or elsewhere.
From a technology perspective, you’ll notice some other changes compared to the spec of an MGB Roadster. For instance, it boasts a Pioneer AVIC-Z920DAB 7-inch touchscreen display with satellite navigation as standard.
It’s also got an attractive LED instrument cluster that doesn’t look out of place in the interior. RBW has done a fantastic job at only making subtle changes – something which will undoubtedly please classic car fans in the world.
A myriad of customisation optionsBuyers can specify numerous options for the RBW EV Roadster. There are 14 exterior paint choices, six alloy wheel styles, and six colour choices for the leather interior. It’s also possible to get the car specified with an optional roof, available in three colour choices.
The RBW EV Roadster is initially going to be produced as a limited run of just 30 models and is priced at £90,000 plus taxes. Production will commence in early 2021, but RBW is taking pre-orders to help buyers secure their new purchases.