The New Electrified Classic Sports Cars Are Hand-Built for the US Market, Offering Modern-Day Tech Upgrades and Bespoke Options Throughout Both Vehicles
RBW EV Cars, the UK’s only manufacturer of new, hand-crafted British classic sports cars, today announced the global unveiling of its first left-hand drive Roadster and GT models at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Both electric vehicles, based on the iconic British sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s, represent the first production models from the EV manufacturer specifically built for its largest market: the United States. Moreover, the global debut of the RBW GT marks the first appearance of the EV coupe model, originally designed by the legendary Italian design firm, Pininfarina.
The left-hand drive RBW GT and Roadster models are being showcased from 15th to 18th August at the manufacturer’s exhibit located in Concours Village at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, offering attendees a quintessential British experience. The English-themed display features, among other things, an immersive experience where attendees can not only see and feel both EVs but also learn more about RBW and the Roadster and GT via intuitive touchscreen kiosks and exclusive video footage displayed on flat-screen, wall-mounted televisions. The world-renowned auto event serves as the perfect platform to debut both classic British sports car models, which are now hand-built at RBW EV Cars’ state-of-the-art factory in Lichfield, England, which began operations late last year.
With its Italian design, the RBW GT is a performance-inspired, classic British sports car that has been electrified. RBW’s patented EV subframe allows the classic GT to retain its rear-wheel drive, including a near-perfect 50/50 weight balance. This setup, combined with the GT’s added structural rigidity, results in an unforgettable driving experience. The two-door, iconic sports car, which is a coupe version of the RBW Roadster, is set to receive a faster powertrain next year that is expected to reduce its 0-60 MPH time to under 8 seconds. Meanwhile, the RBW Roadster will now be available with left-hand drive for the first time, allowing US customers to indulge in the quintessential British driving experience on a journey of up to 160 miles.
“The global launch of our first ever left-hand drive Roadster and GT models is marked by the enormous popularity and demand for our classic EV British sports cars in the US,” said Peter Swain, CEO of RBW EV Cars. “Seven years ago, RBW was founded with the mission to electrify and hand-build brand new iconic classic sports cars from the 60s and 70s, and today represents a key milestone in the engineering, operations, and manufacturing work needed to produce the first GT and Roadster models that can be driven on the most idyllic roads in North America.”
As a family-run business, RBW’s attention to detail and quality control throughout the company, including the hand-built process of each Roadster and GT assembled, make it a unique EV manufacturer of classic sports cars. In fact, RBW’s name, derived from the initials of the founder and CEO’s three children—Rose, Becky, and Wesley—underscores the family’s dedication and involvement in the growth and success of the RBW brand. Currently, RBW hand-builds the GT and Roadster models in its manufacturing facility in Lichfield, England. Future production of both models will take place at RBW’s new US factory, which will be officially announced tomorrow, 16th August.
RBW currently offers its Roadster model starting at $139,000 (USD) and its long-awaited GT model starting at $151,000 (USD). As part of RBW’s customer experience, prospective buyers can configure their personalised RBW Roadster and GT by visiting the ‘Build Your Own’ page on the company website. Online configuration options include paint colour, rooftop, interior, wheel style, and more. The RBW website is also available in multiple languages. To inquire about purchasing one, please visit RBWEVCars.com or contact by phone at: +44 01543 897013.
Present-Day Tech Upgrades and Premium Interior Options
While the RBW Roadster and GT may represent iconic British sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s, their present-day in-car tech upgrades offer the latest driving conveniences. Both cars feature the following modern advancements:
- 9″ Pioneer touchscreen multimedia player with easy smartphone connectivity
- Supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB/DAB+ Digital Radio including CarAVAssist App, Spotify, Waze, Bluetooth, and a 13-band GEQ
- Satellite Navigation
- 16 standard paint colours to choose from, including bespoke choices on request
- 9 standard leather choices with bespoke options available on request
Technical Specifications
- Curb weight: 2,535 lbs. (Roadster); 2,668 lbs. (GT)
- Accreditation: ECE REG 100 H/V compliant for IVA and new vehicle registration
- Top Speed: 90 mph (electronically limited)
- 0-60 time: Under 8 seconds
- Range: 160 miles
- Batteries: Six Turntide Lithium-Ion GEN4 (Battery modules)
- DC Charging: 7 KW
- Recharge Hours: 4 hours
- Suspension: Bespoke Double Wishbone and Adjustable Coil-over damper technology
- Braking: All 4-wheel disc brakes with front and rear Regen braking
- Steering: Adjustable power steering (comfort to sport range)