The company is introducing pinnacle classic cars to the vehicle market, restored and converted to electric powertrains that are designed, engineered and manufactured in Silverstone, England under the technical leadership of former Technical Director, Renault F1, Jon Hilton. The aim is to make the most beautiful and celebrated cars in history ready for an electrified, zero-carbon future.
A 1961 eight-seat Rolls-Royce Phantom V, 1953 Jaguar XK120 and 1956 Rolls-Royce Cloud are currently being prepared for market introduction. The Jaguar XK120 is fitted with an 80-kWH electric battery pack whilst the Rolls-Royce Phantom V is specified with a 120-kWH power unit. Each classic by Lunaz represents an entirely custom restoration. Its cars are analysed to the millimetre to ensure Lunaz’s engineers develop the most appropriate powertrain solution for the character of the car and the intended driving dynamics.
All classics by Lunaz are engineered with fast charging capability, regenerative braking systems and the sensitive integration of modern conveniences like traction control and cruise control. These cars will be the first electrified examples of their kind in the world. The choice of iconic classics to convert reflects Lunaz’s confidence in an electrification package developed, engineered and manufactured entirely in-house.
Each vehicle will be truly one-of-a-kind with colour schemes and interiors perfected by leaders in bespoke automotive and fashion design.
The Jaguar XK120 by Lunaz is currently in its final testing phase and will demonstrate the power of combining new world technology with old world beauty. The Jaguar’s twin motors produce 700NM (516lb ft) from zero engine speed and 375bhp. The Rolls-Royce Phantom and Rolls-Royce Cloud are nearing completion at the firm’s technical base. Following restoration and conversion, the cars will join the Jaguar XK120 in being subjected to an exhaustive period of testing and proving in all conditions and road types.
From its inception in early 2018, the company has hired the very best engineering, design and manufacturing talent, handpicked, and including, expertise from Aston Martin, Ferrari, Ford, Formula 1, Jaguar, Volkswagen, McLaren and Rolls-Royce.
The restoration and conversion process represents re-engineering from the ground up. It starts with an exhaustive inspection. Each corner is then weighed to understand the original weight distribution to the gram. This information informs decisions on chassis setup, powertrain packaging and suspension. The internal combustion engine and associated systems are then removed and the chassis is prepared for electrification.
The car is then 3D scanned; this allows the engineers to create detailed CAD models to ensure technical perfection in every step of the process. The specifics of Lunaz’s electric propulsion technology is closely guarded, but each classic by Lunaz is designed, developed, engineered and tested in-house using the highest specification modules available for automotive applications.
Traditional coachbuilding and restoration skills are then employed and the car is stripped down to a bare metal shell. Even imperceptible body defects are addressed by hand before the surface finish process begins.
The same approach extends to the interior. The in-house design team make subtle adaptations to integrate modern conveniences such as satellite telecommunications, WiFi, audiovisual entertainment and navigation aids.
The accessories associated with electric powertrains including battery chargers and DC converters are sensitively integrated into the existing design of the car, utilising the fuel filler cap for charging and adapting dials to an appropriate read-out for the electrical powertrain. New air conditioning and electronic heating systems are installed and the accelerator is converted to a throttle-by-wire system. Following the uprating of braking, suspension, steering and electronics systems every circuit is tested before first start-up procedures begin.
Lunaz’s commitment to technical excellence informed the choice of HQ at the famous Silverstone Technology Park, a site that is globally renowned as a centre of innovation and the perfect location to design, engineer and manufacture every classic vehicle. It is a place where the world’s finest engineering minds have rapidly developed solutions in intense sporting competition for both traditional internal combustion engines and electric propulsion. The company’s placement adjacent to Virgin Racing’s Formula E team is no accident and has given the founders access to some of the most talented engineers in the industry. The technical workshop also stands next to Ferrari’s Corse Clienti race team, rightfully placing Lunaz at the heart of the automotive world.
Company founder David Lorenz is singularly focused on ensuring that the classic cars that have bred such passion for him today can be enjoyed by a generation for whom sustainability and relevance will define every purchasing decision.
“I wanted a car like a 1953 Jaguar to be my daily driver” said Mr Lorenz. “Lunaz takes a history we all love and gives it a bright future. We are innovating to create cars that are usable, dynamic and stand as the ultimate drivers’ classics. For Luna, my daughter, not to have access to a car like the Mercedes-Benz 190SL when she is of driving age would be a tragedy. Without building Lunaz, this is the reality she faces. The company name is a tribute to her. I want to respond to the demands of those drawn to the beauty and romance of classic cars but reject them because the current proposition doesn’t align with their sensibilities and lifestyle requirements. Lunaz provides these people the perfect solution; a beautiful but usable, sustainable and reliable electric classic.”
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