Retro Mini eMastered electric car revealed

David Brown Automotive (DBA) has pulled the wraps off its latest retromod based on the classic Issigonis Mini that features a battery-electric powertrain.

Dubbed the DBA Mini eMastered, the British firm’s latest creation dumps the old wheezy 1.3-litre that produced just 47kW/95Nm in fuel-injected form and replaces it with a 72kW/175Nm electric motor.

That provides for a 0-100km/h dash of around 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 148km/h – a significant improvement on the 12.2sec 0-100km/h sprint the original could manage, although it matches the 1990s sedan’s top speed.

Feeding current to the electric motor is an 18.8kWh battery that is said to offer a 177km range and takes a reasonable three hours to top up using a 6.6kW AC charger.

Despite adding a heavy battery, DBA claims that the Mini eMastered still weighs the same 640kg as the original.

Externally, the retromod Mini gets a pair of LED headlights, colour-coded grille and wheels, and an orange roof.

Inside, there’s brown leather seats, a wooden-rim steering wheel and a modern infotainment system that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other changes include a redesigned ventilation system and lots of bespoke aluminium switches and buttons.

With the declaration by the car-maker that no two cars that roll off its assembly line near Silverstone F1 circuit will be the same, pricing for the battery-powered Mini is said to start at an eye-watering £150,000 ($A285,000).

“There is an inherent challenge in electrifying such an iconic model, to retain the high levels of reliability, performance, and quality that our customers expect,” said DBA sales chief Michelle Gay.

“Mini eMastered is a shape that captures hearts and minds, and it is the embodiment of our passion, vision and commitment to sustainable luxury today and into the future.”

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