We often discuss what the future holds for our classic cars, will there be a limited petrol supply, will they even be allowed on roads? Jaguar themselves are offering to "electrify" your E-Type (or any xk engined car for that matter), but Lunaz, a company set up in 2018 is on a mission:
“The Lunaz mission is to define the future of classics. We preserve the past by embracing the future, making the most beautiful cars in history a relevant proposition.”
David Lorenz, Founder, Lunaz
What are Lunaz working on?
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 is testament to Lunaz’s confidence in an electrification package developed, engineered and manufactured entirely in-house.
The market is enthusiastically anticipating their completion and each will be truly one-of-a-kind with colourways and interiors finessed 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 Electrification Process
Reading about the process a car goes through to be "electrified" by Lunaz, this is not a engine out/ new engine in process. This process started by hiring some of the top names involved in high end marque manufacturing. The team has been handpicked to satisfy all of the identified requirements of Lunaz’s clientele and includes 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.
Silverstone, centre of specialised manufacturing in the UK.
And home of Lunaz. The company's commitment to technical excellence informed the choice of HQ at the Silverstone Technology Park. The site is globally renowned as a centre of innovation and the perfect location to design, engineer and manufacture every classic by Lunaz. It is a place where the world’s finest engineering minds rapidly develop solutions in intense sporting competition for both traditional internal combustion engines and electric propulsion. Lunaz has access to this globally recognised pool of talent as the company grows.
Lunaz’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.
We look forward to seeing these cars in the flesh once they are ready and hearing about the other projects the company will take on in the future. We honestly do not know what the future holds for the petrol powered car, but it is safe to say, electric powered classics are going to become more and more prevalent as technology and manufacturing develops.