Aston Martin announced last week that they’ve created “the world’s first reversible EV powertrain conversion,” which will allow owners of their classic cars to electrify them without damaging the integrity of the car. It’s a riveting development, to be sure, but also a no-brainer; if much-needed emission standards outlaw these automotive masterpieces, this will allow their owners to still drive them rather than relegate them to a pedestal.
The development comes via Aston Martin Works, the marque’s headquarters of all things heritage, and is expected to commence sometime in 2019. But no matter how much Aston wants to stick their flag in this innovation — Jaguar Land Rover actually did it first.
Back in August, Jaguar announced the electric-powertrain conversion of their E-Type would be fully reversible. And the way the two companies are going about it sounds similar: Aston’s EV powertrain is a “cassette” that will sit on the original engine and gearbox mountings, and Jaguar’s battery pack is similar in size and weight to the standard E-Type engine. Of course, Aston’s is for a much wider swath rather than a single model, but hey, credit where credit’s due!
Not that we’re playing favorites. We couldn’t be more thrilled for both of them! Like empty New York apartments, there are too many classic cars that exist today purely as investments, sitting untouched in garages all over the world. These conversions serve to keep the cars in tip-top driving form, and for that we’re grateful.
Above, you’ll see the first version of Aston Martin’s new EV powertrain in a 1970 DB6 Mk2 Volante. Can’t you just hear it now? (Bet you can because, y’know, it’s silent.)
Head over to Aston Martin Works to learn more.
All images courtesy of Aston Martin
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