conversion Archives

Lunaz turns 1960s Aston Martin DB6 into electric sportscar for more than US$1 million

With the latest James Bond movie being in the news as it is about to be released worldwide, there is more than usual awareness of Aston Martin which has a number of cars used in the movie ‘No Time to Die’. The carmaker has been publicising its association with the secret agent for decades and even produces a limited run of the DB5 used in ‘Goldfinger’. The cars are equipped like the one in the movie, guns and all, and are virtually similar to those made 55 years ago.

Lunaz Design, a company owned backed by David Beckham, is also benefitting from the publicity associated with Aston Martin. The company is a specialist in converting existing cars to be electrically powered (such conversions are not permitted in Malaysia) and it has announced production of restored, re-engineered and electrified Aston Martin DB6 cars.

They will join the other models offered by the company that include the world’s first and only electric Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Range Rover and Jaguar sportscar models. Customers can also commission Lunaz Design, which is only 3 years old, to convert Aston Martin DB4 and DB5 models.

“The introduction of electric Aston Martin DB6 cars has been driven by sustained demand from our existing clients. It also reflects the desires of an entirely new classic car buyer. These women and men have been drawn to Lunaz because, for the first time, they are presented with the powertrain and modern conveniences of today, clothed in a design that speaks of an era when aesthetic purity was the only requirement,” said David Lorenz, Founder and CEO of the Lunaz Group.

The company is now accepting orders, with deliveries to start in the third quarter of 2023. The prices will depend on customer requirements but Lunaz Design says that each car will cost more than US$1 million (around RM4.2 million). Following confirmation of orders will commence production and the cars can be in lefthand drive or righthand drive.

Each electrified DB6 by Lunaz will undergo an exhaustive bare-metal restoration and re-engineering process. This means clients are assured of the key requirements of usability, reliability and sustainability.

The car will be powered by Lunaz’ proprietary modular electric powertrain, developed entirely in-house. It uses the very highest standard European-sourced Tier-1 OEM battery cells and electric motors. The battery capacity ranges from 80 – 120 kWh and a single charge is said to provide a range of around 400 kms. Lunaz has chosen to fit CCS (Combined Charging System) capability, an internationally accepted system that allows for fast-charging.

With the different and higher performance characteristics compared to the original DB6 produced in the 1960s, the brakes, suspension and steering are all uprated for safety and driveability. Though owners may like the ambience of the original car, interior comfort and convenience are modernised with the provision of air conditioning and inclusion of the latest infotainment and navigation systems along with wifi connectivity.

The design and engineering team is said to be the largest of its kind in the world. The work is overseen by Jen Holloway, the Design Director who is from Aston Martin’s Q-Branch, and Jon Hilton, the Engineering Director who worked across James Bond Aston Martin projects. They lead the team of over 100 engineers, restoration specialists and craftspeople drawn from companies such as Aston Martin, Bentley, F1, Ferrari, Jaguar, Land Rover, McLaren and Rolls-Royce.

*The Lunaz conversion facility at Silverstone in England.*

Classic Range Rover gets electrified by Lunaz

Fresh coffee wherever you want it with Suzuki Jimny Beans

In this age of increasing food trucks and mobile food services, here’s an idea from Suzuki’s British subsidiary which turns the Suzuki Jimny into a mobile coffee bar. The conversion of the compact SUV was carried out by Coffee Latino, which specializes in such projects.

The vehicle has a Chiffon Ivory Pearl metallic finish with Bluish Black roof and is nicknamed ‘Jimny Beans’. It will be used by the company for promotional activities in the UK, offering complimentary coffee at the venues.

The conversion makes maximum use of space within the compact dimensions of the vehicle. The front passenger’s seat was removed to accommodate all the services required which include a 57-litre water tank with 3M filtration system to ensure the water is clean. A compact 12V drawer fridge manufactured by Waeco is also fitted which cools milk to -2 degrees Centigrade.

At events, the vehicle can run on either gas or mains electricity with power inverter and has two additional large capacity 125A/H 12V batteries to assist with power if required. For gas, a LPG tank was installed in the limited space under the rear floor section which required a specially designed exhaust system with side exit pipe. And with its 4×4 drivetrain, the little Suzuki can also be taken off-road to camp sites or the beach for fresh coffee.

The high specification coffee machine, manufactured by Fracino, is fully integrated into the rear section of the vehicle with an aluminium-topped work area and milled aluminium effect panel surround. It has the facility to serve two speciality coffees at the same time via its twin milk frothing units as well as central hot water dispenser for tea.

The Jimny Beans project is typical of the services offered by 15-old family-run Coffee Latino. They offer bespoke and flexible solutions for customers who have different types of vehicles. Additionally, there is also free barista training along with training to operate the equipment safely and properly. For those who want to venture into this type of business, Coffee Latino has lease purchase on its coffee vans, coffee bikes, prosecco vans and other mobile catering solutions.

MINI ideas that were just for laughs on each year’s first day of April

Electrogenic gives the iconic Citroen DS a new 21st century ‘heart’

The Citroen DS is one of the legendary design icons of 20^th century automobiles. Its sharp futuristic design was unlike other cars that were on sale in 1955, the year it was launched at the Paris Motor Show. Besides the design – which had children referring to its as the ‘spaceship car’ – it was also technologically innovative with its novel hydro-pneumatic suspension system. The system not only had self-levellng capability but the driver could also vary the ground clearance. It was also the first production car with modern disc brakes.

Between 1955 and 1975, some 1.5 million units were produced by Citroen and many naturally remain as collectors’ items today. Now, for those owners of this classic model who wish to transform it into a zero emissions car, Electrogenic is offering to convert the powertrain to a fully electric type.

First conversion of a DS
The UK-based company is believed to be the first one to professionally convert a DS in this manner. Electrogenic removed the car’s original 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and replaced it with a ‘Hyper9’ brushless electric motor. This produces 120 bhp and 235 Nm of instant torque, certainly more than the original combustion engine. Power is delivered to the front wheels through the car’s existing manual gearbox.

Housed within the still beautiful sedan body is a 48.5 kWh battery, offering a real-world range of approximately 225 kms when fully charged. Using a 29 kW charger, recharging time is said to take around two hours. Both the battery size and charger type can be tailored to suit the type of driving an owner will use it for. An optional ‘range extender’ battery provides customers the choice to extend the range of the car to over 320 kms.

Hydro-pneumatic suspension retained
One of the defining features of the DS was its hydro-pneumatic suspension system, which provided the car’s famously plush ride quality. Rather than using the original noisy mechanical pump, Electrogenic has created a silent electric pump which delivers a more sophisticated ride than the original.

The bodywork (a 1971 model) has not been touched, a principle followed by Electrogenic to maintain the beauty of the original car when converting classics to electric power. Only the absence of exhaust pipes and a subtle new ‘DS EV electronique’ decal on the boot provide visual clues to the car’s 21^st century powertrain.

“Repowering classic cars with all-electric drive brings a number of benefits, from ease of use to reliability and performance gains. But with our conversions, the aim is always to enhance the original characteristics of the car. In this respect, the Citroen DS was ideally suited to an electric conversion – the silent powertrain adds to the serene driving experience and fits perfectly with the character of the car,” said Steve Drummond, Director and co-founder of Electrogenic, which has been in business for four years.

More experience in conversion gained
“As with all first-time conversions, the DS presented us with unique challenges. In this case adapting the hydro-pneumatic suspension to run without the combustion engine. The old pump was so noisy that it detracted from the silent drive of the car, but our new electric pump solved the issue completely. As with every conversion, the DS has added further to our knowledge of converting beautiful classics,” added Ian Newstead, another Director and co-founder of the company.

You don’t have to wait 20 years for a fully-electric Rolls-Royce

Everrati and Superformance team up to produce electric version of Le Mans-winning GT40

A couple of months back, we wrote about Everrati Automotive Limited and its new flagship 500-bhp Signature adapted from a Porsche 911. The British company, which specialises in converting iconic cars to run with electric powertrains, has now teamed up with Superformance to build an electrified version of the GT40.

Superformance is a specialist in 1960s-era continuation component sports cars and the GT40 will be the first new model from the partnership. The iconic endurance racing car will be ‘future-proofed’ with a high-performance electrified powertrain and join Everrati’s offerings. The range includes EV versions of the Porsche 911 (964), Land Rover Series IIA and Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda.

*The 500-bhp Signature adapted from a Porsche 911 (left) and GT40.*

*The original Ford GT40 which was raced at Le Mans and Daytona.*

Furthering the legacies of iconic cars
Everrati was founded to further the legacies of some of the most desirable and iconic cars in the world, redefining and precision re-engineering them with state-of-the-art electric drivetrains, maintaining and enhancing the character of the original.

Each Everrati is fitted with a custom-designed electric power unit and battery system, leading to enhanced performance and a zero-emissions future. A prototype chassis has been built and is being comprehensively adapted from combustion engine powertrain to advanced electric propulsion at Everrati’s UK development centre located at a former US airbase in England.

Superformance already offers a full line of high-performance component cars based on some of the most iconic vehicles of all time. All vehicles are built under license from trademark holders including GM and SAFIR GT40, adding authenticity and value. Sold as a rolling chassis, a Superformance car can be configured with heritage or modern drivetrains.

As with all Everrati vehicles, meticulous attention to detail is being applied to key factors such as battery location and weight distribution to maintain and enhance the character and soul of the original.

Angle-American partnership
“So many legendary cars were created by Anglo-American partnerships during the 1960s. In fact, the very first GT40 was brought to life in the early Sixties by a UK-based team led by British engineer, Roy Lunn, at Ford Advanced Vehicles in the UK. Its body was even made by Abbey Panels in Coventry, before the finished car was shipped to the US for its unveiling the day before the New York Auto Show, in April 1964,” noted Justin Lunny, Founder & CEO of Everrati.

“So, it feels highly appropriate for Everrati to be partnering with Superformance, furthering not only the legacy of automotive icons but the partnership between the UK and US. Another cross-Atlantic connection is that our development HQ is located on a former US air base in the Oxfordshire countryside,” he added.

The Superformance factory in California is one of the world’s largest specialty car production facilities. It has produced and distributed more than 5,500 rolling chassis through 25 independent dealerships worldwide.

Everrati Signature Widebody – an electrified Porsche 911 (964)

Marc Philipp Gemballa reveals his first supercar – the MARSIEN (w/VIDEO)

In May this year, Marc Philipp Gemballa – the son of the man who founded the Gemballa tuning company 30 years ago – announced that he was developing a new car of his own, codenamed ‘Project Sandbox’. It had nothing to do with the Gemballa company and is a venture by his own company.

Based on the all-new Porsche 992 Turbo S, the sportscar is off-road capable and inspired by the legendary Porsche 959 rally era. Only 40 units will be produced and most of them already have customers waiting. The price for conversion starts at 495,000 euros (about RM2.455 million) ex-factory plus the cost of a 992 Turbo S.

‘Project Sandbox’ now has a name – MARSIEN – which is derived from the French word ‘Martian’ or ‘from Mars’. The choice of this name came about during the intense test phase in the Al Faya desert in the United Arab Emirates. The stunning red desert sand with sharp fossil rocks and mountain backdrops gave the 27-year old Gemballa and his team the feeling as if they were in an entirely different universe.

“Since it looked and felt like we were on Mars paired with the futuristic design and the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, we couldn’t think of a more fitting name for our first project,” he explained, and so the name was born.

A more unique supercar
Although he grew up in an environment where building the fastest and most powerful production car on the planet and setting the next world record on the Nurburgring was key, Gemballa believes the horsepower game is over. He observes that tuning is done by the carmakers themselves and that the market is constantly being flooded with an influx of new supercars.

The young entrepreneur realised, when aiming to build a successful company for the future, he could not offer just ‘another supercar’, and he needed to come up with something very special for his clients.

*The legendary Porsche 959 from the original Paris-Dakar era.*

Entirely new concept
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Paris-Dakar rally era and more than two years of intense design and engineering development, Gemballa has come up with an ultra-modern, timeless looking supercar. It is a hybrid between a modern-day supercar with all its comfort and day-to-day practicality combined with off-road capabilities using the latest technologies.

The all-new Porsche 992 Turbo S provided the perfect base to realise the young entrepreneur’s vision. With that model as the starting point, the MARSIEN features a full carbonfibre bodyshell. All exterior components are produced in pure carbonfibre, exclusively designed for performance, light weight and cooling. Each body panel is manufactured by a leading German carbonfibre specialist which also supplies leading supercar manufacturers as well as several leading Formula 1 teams.

The exterior paint is applied by a state-of-the-art and certified paint shop which will meet the most ‘daring’ customer colour requests. For the launch vehicle, there is an elaborate triple layer pearl white with special metallic flakes, along with additional protection through a ceramic coating. Customers also have the request for a fully exposed carbonfibre body.

Besides the full carbonfibre body, the exterior of the bodywork has functional design upgrades such as a completely bespoke taillight. Adopting the latest LED technology, the rear light has been developed together with light specialist GERG Lighthouse, enabling a completely holistic design appearance for the MARSIEN.

The shape has been the subject of intensive Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis in order to achieve the best possible aerodynamic efficiency. This area was the responsibility of engineering partner KLK, which has gained expertise in working with LMP1, Formula E, and Formula One racing teams for over 20 years.

Power by RUF
To offer a top-notch powertrain, Gemballa has teamed up with legendary Porsche engine specialist RUF Automobile for the engine development of the MARSIEN. Founded in 1981, RUF Automobile is known for its Porsche engine expertise, having already worked with Marc’s father to produce powerful powertrains for various cars in the 1980s. The engine upgrade ‘POWERED BY RUF’ enables the 6-cylinder boxer engine to deliver over 750 ps and 930 Nm.

For those who need more power, there is second stage power upgrade by RUF Automobile taking the engine up to 830 ps with enhanced VTG turbochargers and a revised ECU mapping and transmission setting.

The Porsche PDK transmission is also used, and it has been revised and adapted to the new conditions so that the enormous power reserves arrive at all 4 wheels without loss. Extended driveshafts have been developed with reinforced Porsche Cayenne joints to reliably enable the enormous spring deflection and the engine’s high torque.

Akrapovic, the well known exhaust system manufacturer, has also developed an entirely new titanium system exclusively for the MARSIEN. This lightweight system focusses on a bespoke sound experience while also helping to enhance power output.

Cutting-edge chassis technology
The suspension and chassis have been developed by KW Automotive to be a bespoke system. Being also intended for off-road motoring, extensive changes to the chassis of the base vehicle have been required. These include a completely new double wishbone front suspension set-up equipped with KW Automotive’s solid piston damper technology. This has an intelligent active damper control as well as an adjustable ride height system that can create overall ground clearance of up to 250 mm at the touch of a button.

Drivers looking for the ultimate off-road experience and don’t mind limited road usability can fit an optional off-road package. This is equipped with Reiger Suspension rally specification off-road dampers further enhancing the suspension travel and increasing the ground clearance to a fixed off-road ride height.

The MARSIEN is currently undergoing a full road homologation process, which includes crash tests, in order for it to be legally used on roads in target markets. The markets that Gemballa is looking at are in Europe, the Middle East, the USA, as well as other major global markets later on.

Uwe Gemballa’s son to launch his own sportscar soon

Marc Philipp Gemballa, the son of Uwe Gemballa who founded the tuning company with his name 30 years ago, has embarked on the development of a new car of his own, codenamed ‘Project Sandbox’. This will see the creation of a sportscar that is off-road capable and inspired by the legendary Porsche 959 rally era. Based on the all-new Porsche 992 Turbo S, the production run will be limited to 40 units, with the first 10 already sold.

Limited production volume of 40 units
Gemballa sees a new market opportunity in the creation of special design lead vehicles in a small production volume – inspired by the core of his father‘s success in creating holistic masterpieces – combined with a new fresh design and technology-focused approach, leaving the era of tuning behind, and ultimately achieving a USP position in the market. It is described as ‘a hybrid between a modern-day sportscar with all its comfort and day-to-day practicality, combined with off-road capabilities’.

*Porsche 959 – world’s fastest street-legal production car when it was introduced in 1986.*

Collaboration with RUF and Akropovic
Gemballa’s company (different from the Gemballa company founded by his father) is collaborating with Porsche engine specialist and vehicle manufacturer RUF Automobile for Project Sandbox. RUF is handling the engine upgrades for the 6-cylinder boxer engines to deliver up to 750+ bhp and 930 Nm.

Another important partner in the project is Akrapovic, the well known exhaust system manufacturer. Akrapovic has developed a bespoke titanium exhaust system specially for the car, focusing on enhanced performance, light weight, design and a unique sound experience.

While the young entrepreneur’s team focused on the exterior design of the system, which resulted in two unique tailpipes – Akrapovic concentrated on creating a unique sound experience, which would be as special as the design of the entire sportscar itself.

Unique soundtrack from exhaust system
Discussing the partnership, Gemballa said: “Since we are following a holistic approach with our new project, making extensive changes to all areas of the base vehicle, we knew we had to come up with something really special when it came to the sound of the vehicle. The exhaust system is one of the most essential factors in triggering emotions. Hence, it’s vital that the sound touches the heart of the driver and helps them to truly feel and connect with the vehicle.”

Besides RUF, which his father’s company had a close relationship with, Gemballa has also invited other companies that his father also worked with. These include suspension technology partners KW Automotive & Reiger Suspension, Michelin, engineering partners VELA Performance, and aerodynamic engineers KLK Motorsport.

Besides a 992 Turbo S donor car, the conversion costs are expected to be not less than €500,000 (about RM2.52 million). The world premiere of Project Sandbox will be in the near future.

RUF’s Porsche-looking Rodeo Concept for off-roading

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

Everrati Signature Widebody – an electrified Porsche 911 (964)

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

Everrati Automotive Limited, a British company specialising in converting iconic cars to run with electric powertrains, has unveiled its new flagship, the 500-bhp Signature. It is developed from a fully restored 1991 Porsche 911 964 and has been given widebody treatment with carbonfibre elements.

The Signature joins other Everrati electrified models such as the Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda (its first conversion in 2019), along with 911 (964) Coupe and Targa models, a 911 (964) Gulf Signature Edition, and a Land Rover Series IIA.

Carbonfibre parts, including roof
To create the wide body, Everrati replaced the steel front and rear wings and bonnet with custom produced carbonfibre parts. The same material is also used for the doors, although these are reinforced with high-strength steel to retain side impact protection.

A carbonfibre roof is offered, along with the choice of a steel item for customers who wish to retain a sunroof where fitted to their car. The front and rear bumpers are refitted with genuine Porsche widebody items, to which RS Cup air vents are added. Thanks to this high-tech and meticulous approach to weight saving, the Signature widebody weighs less than the original 911 (964) Coupe.

A key part of the meticulous, sympathetic restoration and re-engineering process is the integration of the car’s new, sustainable-focussed heart – the electric propulsion system. “We install a state-of-the-art EV powertrain, which has its power delivery optimised specifically for the Signature widebody and is coupled to a 53-kWh battery pack and battery management system,” explained Everrati Director of Engineering, Mike Kerr.

500 bhp and 500 Nm
Sending 500 bhp to the rear wheels, the Signature widebody has more than double the power output of an original 1990s Porsche 964. With 500 Nm available from almost standstill, the car can accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds and depending on driving style, travel for 240+ kms on a full charge, it is claimed. Recharging the battery pack to full from 10% is said to be possible in less than an hour with a DC fast charger.

Everrati retains the car’s aluminium rear trailing suspension arms, refurbished to new, with all bushes and drop-links fully uprated. Customers are offered a choice of two suspension settings: standard suspension with fully adjustable motorsport-grade coil-over spring/damper units, and a fully adjustable package with adaptive dampers that are fully programmable from within the cockpit via a touchscreen.

Brembo stopping power
The EV powertrain provides regenerative braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, capturing energy that would be wasted. The driver can adjust the level of regenerative braking force available to enable one-pedal driving. The uprated mechanical braking system features fully renewed Brembo Porsche calipers with new drilled, ventilated discs all around. An optional, even more powerful braking system is available with larger Brembo calipers front and rear.

Customised and original
As for the interior, the cabin can be personalised to customers’ individual tastes in numerous ways, thanks to a wide range of optional materials and fittings. The original Porsche seats are fitted, which are significantly enhanced for comfort and replicate the look of the original RS Touring Seats, and optional Carbon RS seats provide an even more sporting ambience. The upholstery can be in leather, alcantara, or other materials and in a wide choice of colours and optional finishes and textures.

Customers can also have custom-designed heating and air conditioning system and add a modern Porsche Classic Communications Management with full touchscreen navigation, DAB+, Bluetooth, and Apple Car Play. All of the car’s traditional gauges are replaced with Porsche-inspired EV gauges, and as with the internal combustion engine and transmission components, the original gauges can be retained for the customer on request.

Reversible engineering
“At Everrati, it is sacrosanct that all engineering is reversible, should current or future owners want to revert back to the car’s factory specification,” said Nick Williams, Everrati’s Founder and COO, who previously held senior roles with Daimler and the Volkswagen Group. “If customers wish, the car’s original internal combustion engine and transmission can be refurbished and placed in storage, or even incorporated into a piece of art, such as a glass gable or Perspex box. Whatever the customer can imagine, we will do our utmost to make it a reality.”

Over the coming months, the Signature widebody will continue to undergo its full development programme. For those who are interested in acquiring one, prices start at £250,000 (about RM1.47 million), based on a customer-supplied donor car.

Bringing modern connectivity to old Porsche models

Classic Range Rover gets electrified by Lunaz

The original Range Rover was launched in 1969 and final production took place in 1996. It has come to be known as the Classic Range Rover and can be regarded as the first premium 4×4 (the ‘SUV’ term didn’t exist then). Well-kept units are collectors items and with the engineering having been robust, they remain capable vehicles even today.

Electrifying classic models
For those who want the Classic Range Rover, there is also a new source from Lunaz, a company in England that specialises in making electric classic cars. Lunaz has earlier ‘electrified’ Jaguar, Bentley and Rolls-Royce classics and now intends to also create an initial run of 50 original Range Rovers built in the ‘classic era’ between 1970 and 1994.

*The original Range Rover which as produced between 1969 and 1996.*

Since unveiling its electrified classics, Lunaz has received requests from customers to apply its re-engineering and restoration approach to the Range Rover. In response to this, the company has decided to offer two versions – the ‘Town’ and ‘Country’ specifications – which can be delivered in mid-2021.

The more urban expression of these cars will be presented with increased focus on rear-seat and driver comfort, reflecting their dual use as either self-driven luxury vehicles or chauffeured cars. They will be available in both standard and long wheelbase and either the classic 3-door configuration or the 4-door models.

*Lunaz has been converting these other classic models with electric powertrains. These include the Jaguar XK120 (below).*

Modern engineering, classic looks
The ‘Country’ specification will include a full suite of engineering, technological and design features that augment a full electric classic off-roading experience for the first time. Every vehicle Lunaz produces goes through a full bare metal restoration and re-engineering process ahead of conversion to the company’s proprietary electric powertrain. This approach allows Lunaz to answer the questions of usability and reliability that detract from the experience of owning the most celebrated classic cars in the world.

The electric classic Range Rovers will include a 4-wheel drive system, updated suspension including anti-roll bars and uprated brakes. Within the cabin, the pure utility of the original interior design will be significantly elevated. The Lunaz design philosophy balances the integration of technology and usability within a classic architecture.

Design Director Jen Holloway and her team will work in close consultation with customers to tailor the car to their exact requirements. Material palettes that honour the textile interior that debuted on the original classic Range Rover will be offered as well as more traditional upholstery options with the very finest leathers and woods.

Usability is further enhanced with the inclusion of a full suite of contemporary technologies. Modern conveniences and features will include an infotainment system, air conditioning and entertainment screens integrated into the existing design scheme to ensure the spirit of the original car is maintained.

Electric vehicles have usually been expensive due to the advanced and new technologies but those that have become mainstream models have the benefit of economies of scale to push prices down. Not so with the classic electric Range Rovers by Lunaz which are expected to start at £245,000 (about RM1.33 million), ex-factory. This is the price of exclusivity and being one of 50 owners in the world.

You don’t have to wait 20 years for a fully-electric Rolls-Royce

Lister Stealth to be the fastest, most powerful British SUV (w/VIDEO)

Lister Motor Company, Britain’s oldest racing car company, has taken the wraps off what will be the country’s fastest and most powerful SUV. To be called the Lister Stealth, it is based on the Jaguar F-PACE SVR and has received upgrades the boost engine output and overall performance significantly.

As with all Lister models, exclusivity is guaranteed. Just 100 units will be available, each priced from £109,950 (about RM603,000), about 47% more than the F-PACE SVR in the UK showrooms.

A company with lineage spanning nearly 7 decades, Lister is well known for such products. It has earlier developed the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR-based LFT-666 coupe and LFT-C convertible. Now, it is using the same expertise to develop the Stealth to claim the title of Britain’s fastest SUV.

Upgraded V8 engine
To achieve that required a thorough upgrade of the 5-litre supercharged V8 engine that comes in the production F-PACE SVR. The company’s team of highly experienced engineers set to work on the engine and cooling system to push its power level to 666 bhp/720 Nm – a 22% increase over the standard Jaguar.

The process began with a custom-built intercooler and high-performance air filtration system for optimising combustion temperatures and airflow into the unit. Upgraded dual supercharger pulleys have the cumulative effect of forcing more air into the combustion chamber for exceptional levels of performance for this vehicle segment.

Like in the LFT-666 and LFT-C, Lister’s Engineering Team applied the brand’s proprietary Lister Engine Management System to the Stealth, modifying the programme mapping throughout the process to exploit the Stealth’s full capabilities.

The 5-seater Stealth will accelerate with the same urgency as a modern supercar and keep on going to its top speed claimed to be about 315 km/h. On the way there from standstill, it is said to pass 96 km/h within 3.6 seconds. These numbers would make it not only the fastest accelerating SUV Britain has ever produced but also the most powerful to date.

The Stealth adds proof to its claim of being Britain’s fastest SUV after recently beating rival super SUVs – the Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX and Bentley Bentayga – in a drag race at the renowned testing ground, VMAX200.

Handmade bodywork enhancements
The Lister Stealth showcases its intent with a number of handmade bodywork enhancements that not only exude visual appeal but also contribute to the car’s aerodynamic performance and engine cooling.

The redesigned carbonfibre front bumper features two large air intakes to aid airflow into the engine, while the front splitter increases aerodynamic efficiency at speed while adding to the Stealth’s dynamic handling. Uprated brakes, front and rear, ensure the Stealth stops as well as it accelerates.

A large carbonfibre rear diffuser sits in the middle of an exclusively sculpted rear bumper, creating additional downforce in tandem with the front splitter. Lister has also fitted a custom-designed, stainless-steel exhaust system (complete with carbonfibre tips) delivering gains in overall power output – while generating an unmistakable and thunderous soundtrack.

Completing the distinctive exterior look are matching side skirts and wider wheel arches to give a purposeful stance. This is all complemented by bespoke, Lister-designed 23-inch Vossen forged wheels – the only element of the Stealth not made in the UK.

Extensive personalisation offered
Alongside performance, luxury is one of the hallmarks of every Lister model. The Stealth features the highest-grade Bridge of Weir Nappa leather interior that is tailored to every customer’s specification. Up to 36 individual colour choices are available with a further 90 different stitching options covering all aspects of the cabin from the seatbelts, sport seats, dashboard, steering wheel and roof lining. With this level of customisation available, each Lister will boast its own unique identity that’s truly personal to each owner.

“The launch of the Stealth continues our track record of creating bespoke, beautiful cars that major on performance, luxury and most of all owner and driver enjoyment, with a price point that significantly undercuts the competitors in this marketplace,” said Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of The Lister Motor Company.

Lister LFT-C – for those who want an even more powerful Jaguar F-TYPE R

You don’t have to wait 20 years for a fully-electric Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will eventually offer a fully-electric model and its CEO has indicated that this may happen around 2040. As it is, many companies are already ‘electrifying’ their new models and have announced plans to increase the proportion of models with hybrid or all-electric powertrains during this decade.

UPDATE [29/9/21): Rolls-Royce will have its fully electric model out by late 2023.

2040 is 20 years away and if you can’t wait to own an electrically-powered Rolls-Royce – which usually comes with a 12-cylinder engine – a company called Lunaz can offer you one soon. It will however not be the latest model and will instead be a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V.

*Lunas is already producing electric versions of classic Bentley and Jaguar models.*

Lunaz is a creator of electric classic cars and has already turned made Jaguar and Bentley classic models emission-free with electric powertrains. Now it will start restoration of the Phantom V, a classic model and install its proprietary electric powertrain with a full suite of hardware and software upgrades.

The battery pack for the electric powertrain is the largest of its type in the world at 120 kWh, ensuring range claimed to be over 480 kms – significantly more than required for traditional chauffeur-driven use.

The 8-seat interior scheme tastefully echoes the exterior. The very finest sustainably-sourced leather is crafted by an in-house specialist team and specified in Argent Grey. Instead of traditional seat piping, a double welt feature is presented in Whisper with Argent Grey, creating a contemporary pinstripe detail.

The original woodwork will be painstakingly restored and finished with a contemporary satin treatment. This sympathetic update is offset with rose gold inlays. This approach extends to the door cappings, front fascia and the picnic table backs affixed to the privacy division that separates the driver and rear passenger compartment.

There will be numerous modern technological conveniences and two screens are integrated behind the privacy division’s picnic tables, allowing rear occupants to watch films and mirror screens from mobile devices. A bar service occupies the centre of the unit and is custom-built to perfectly fit the owner’s favourite brand of tequila. Every Lunaz client will be invited to specify dimensions for their beverage of choice.

Retaining the character of these significant cars is the priority throughout the conversion and restoration process. This extends to every detail including the weighting of switchgear which has been exhaustively engineered to operate an entirely new powertrain with the same haptic feedback as the original. Instrumentation also stays true to the spirit of the 1960s design, with delicate integration of a battery range meter and power gauge.

The 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom by Lunaz is built in eight-seat configuration with a front bench for three occupants, rear bench for a further three and two occasional seats. Occupants throughout will benefit from Lunaz’s commitment to specifying only the very best materials. For example, rear floormats have been custom made in alpaca wool, a material that is rarer than cashmere, softer than lambswool and is considered highly sustainable.

“My approach to design is defined by Sir Henry Royce’s philosophy that ‘small things make perfection and perfection is no small thing’. Together with our clients, we work to create relevant expressions of the most significant cars in history. I am proud to give new purpose to some of the most beautiful objects ever created,” said Jen Holloway, Design Director at Lunaz.

Production is initially planned to be strictly limited to 30 units and orders are already being taken from the company’s existing client base as well as some of the most celebrated and influential institutions in the world.

Following demand for electrified Phantoms, Lunaz has also elected to begin creating Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds. Customers are invited to secure allocation for these cars in a range of bodystyles – 4-door limousine, 2-door coupe and drop head coupe.

The start of production of the world’s first electric Rolls-Royce cars follows a surge in demand for the electrification of pinnacle classic cars. This is driven by a rebalancing of car collections for a clean air future. Demand is forecast to be so great that Lunaz is doubling its workforce at its factory in Silverstone, England.

“No car in the world matches a Phantom for presence, style and significance. Through electrification we proudly further the legacy of the ‘best car in the world’, making Rolls-Royce ownership a relevant choice for a new generation,” said David Lorenz, the company’s founder.

Ex-factory, the Silver Cloud by Lunaz starts at £350,000 (around RM1.91 million)), while pricing for a Phantom V by starts at £500,000 (around RM2.74 million). Orders will be accepted from anywhere in the world only by the factory.

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