All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV

Aston Martin DB6 as an EV

Between 1960 and 1971, Aston Martin produced 1,788 DB6 grand tourer cars. It succeeded the Aston Martin DB5 and featured improved aerodynamics and specifications over its predecessor. It is powered by a 4.0L DOHC in-line six engine with 282 hp (210 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Now British company Lunaz Design has turned one into an electric car. The price is £650,000.

This is not the first Aston Martin DB6 that Lunaz has transformed into an EV. At the beginning of the year, the British company did the restoration and electrification of a DB6 car for a businessman from Miami. That example is finished in dark gray and equipped with better brakes, improved suspension and steering system.

This DB6 has been completely disassembled, restored and reassembled to the highest standards. “This is a legacy so beautiful that we are required to preserve it. There is no more alluring evocation of the British GT and we are proud that electrification means it can compel many more generations,” said Jo Slater, Head of Design.

Inside, environmentally friendly materials are used such as veneer made from shells, leather is replaced with organic apple products, plastic is replaced with corn and wood fibers, floor mats are made from recycled plastic bottles, door panels are made from a mixture of renewable plant materials such as corn-based fibers and wood fibers, while the dashboard, shift lever and three-quarter glass handle are made of biodegradable composite material made from eggshells and nuts. Some fabric blends are made from 66 percent post-industrial recycled cotton and 27 percent polyester.

The car is powered by an electric motor with 375 hp (276 kW) and 518 lb-ft (702 Nm) of torque. Other specifications have not been revealed. It is equipped with 80 and 120 kWh batteries, which enables a range of between 290 and 402 kilometers.

Source: Lunaz Design

News

2024 Renault 5 EV

Paying tribute to the legendary “5”, Renault has shown a willingness to bring electric cars closer to a wide range of European customers. This is exactly the role of the compact city car Renault 5 EV, which will be premiered in February 2024.

The car was first presented as a prototype at the 2021 Munich Motor Show, when it was announced that it would go into production in 2024. “I know from experience that reinventing a cult product lights a fire under the whole brand. This is a cult vehicle at a price many can afford. And this is only the beginning for the whole Renault brand,” said Renault CEO Luca de Meo.

It all started back in 1972 when Renault introduced the first Renault 5 model. The task of the engineers was to develop a car that would cover the space created between the 4 and the Citroen 2CV. The car was the best-selling model in France until 1980 when Renault expanded its offering in this class.

The car will be built on the CMF-BEV platform for small electric cars, making the Renault 5 a car at an affordable price (around 25,000 euros). It will be produced in Renault’s ElectriCity factory complex, and the company announces that production costs will be 30% lower compared to the Zoe model, given that 70% of the platform components are identical to those used by the Clio and Captur models.

Renault 5 EV will have a retro design, and will be equipped with a 40 kWh battery developed by Envision AESC in Douai, with the same charging system as the Mégane. It will have a range of 400 kilometers.

Source: Renault

Auctions

1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 is up for auction

In 1973, Porsche introduced the 911 Carrera RS to meet motorsport homologation requirements. It had a larger 2.7L engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection and revised and stiffened suspension, compared to previous models. However, for the 1974 IROC Championship, RSR models were fitted with the 3.0 engine, and were sold to racing teams. One example of this car, the 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0, was a demonstration car that was used to sell the car’s capabilities to potential buyers. Now it’s up for auction.

In 1974, the car was bought new by Sydney Butler, who after three years sold it to the owner of Stoddard Imported Cars, Charles Stoddard, who kept the car carefully garaged and maintained as needed. It remained in his possession for almost two decades, after which it was sold to a Japanese collector. In 2004, the car was sold again in the United States, and the new owner replaced the clutch and rear shock absorbers. In 2017, it was sold to a new owner, when it became part of the White Collection.

From the moment the car left the factory until today, it has maintained its original condition with its original white paint and gold-highlighted Carrera RS script. Also, it is equipped with original Pirelli tires, and the owner kept the car in the best condition with occasional correction of paintwork and the rims to factory specifications.

This Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 is certainly the best preserved example of this model and is one of only 55 produced. It is powered by a 3.0L aircooled flat-six engine with 230 hp (170 kW) and 203 lb-ft (275 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. The five-digit odometer shows 29,452 kilometers (~18,301 miles).

The auction will take place on February 2 in Houston, TX, and the estimated value of the car is $2,250,000 – $2,750,000 USD.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 is up for auction