Morris Garages, or MG, produced some of the most recognisable cars coming out of the British auto industry in the last century. Its famous MGA and MGB models were the Mazda MX-5s of their day: lightweight, rear-wheel-drive and fun to drive. The electric MGB Roadster you see here aims to bring that nostalgia right into the modern era. We thought it only appropriate to mention that Don Hayter, the automotive designer instrumental in creating the MGB, passed away today at the ripe old age of 94.

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All-new

The car you are looking at isn’t really an electric MGB Roadster. Well, it is electric, but it isn’t an MG. It is called the RBW EV Roadster and it is made by UK firm RBW EV Classic Cars. It is, quite obviously, inspired by the classic British drop-top but the company doesn’t gut an existing MG. Instead RBW starts with an all-new shell from British Motor Heritage.

Check out this cool electrically powered VW bus.

Battery power

Under that retro-looking shell sits a battery powered drivetrain of RBW EV’s own design. Among the top-level firms that contributed are Continental Engineering Services and Zytek Automotive, both of which are also heavily involved with the development of Formula E racing cars. A lithium-ion battery pack is mounted up front, where the engine is normally found. From fully charged the battery provides a 260 km range.

This Porsche 911 features a Tesla drivetrain.

A 70 kW electric motor sits on the rear axle. This layout ensures a 50:50 mass balance. The RBW roadster has custom front and rear suspension. Independent coil-over dampers are found at each corner. Brakes discs and calipers at each corner feature regenerative braking to recoup energy. The Electric MGB Roadster is said to have a top speed of 130 km/h and can sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds.

Modern interior

Occupants are met by a modern-looking interior. Ahead of the driver are a set of classic-looking dials but the centre of the facia has a WiFi enabled built-in navigation system. The seven-inch motorised touchscreen features an HDMI input to mirror smart phones, SD card input and dual USB ports.