Modified Datsun 260Z Has A Secret That Will Anger Purists

Interestingly, he got the idea from radio-controlled cars, which he used to build. Unfortunately, Wile couldn't position the batteries as low as he would have liked, as it would have affected cabin space. "I've always wanted to do midship (mid-engined), handling-wise. I know midship is better than hanging the drive unit out back like Tesla does. I want it in the center so the car handles well."

A battery pack and electric motor add significant weight to any car, especially one designed to be a lightweight sports car. Wile has attempted to keep mass down with fiberglass body panels and a polycarbonate rear windscreen. He even drilled holes into the door handles and side mirrors to keep it as light as possible. Overall, it weighs around 2,400 pounds.

Upgraded Wilwood brakes live behind the aftermarket ESR wheels, while the original headlights have been swapped for modern LED items to conserve energy. The glossy red shine doesn't come from paint but rather a vinyl wrap sourced from 3M.

The small interior is dominated by a roll cage supporting the electric motor. "Any time you can use the driveline or an engine to be part of your chassis and increase structure, that's a good thing," he added. A detachable steering wheel and black racing seats with harnesses give the electric 260Z a racier feel.

It's not entirely spartan, though, with a specialized EV control screen. Wile admits the only other Tesla component in the Datsun is the throttle. Adjustable traction control is part of the package, giving the owner even more control. It's a sensible addition, as the suspension remains stock.

Wile takes us on a virtual test drive in his electric 260Z, which drives perfectly fine while cruising around. But the point of this build was to create an eco-friendly classic with a turn of speed. On that front, Wile has succeeded. The Z pulls away enthusiastically, flying down the road at great speed.

拖引控制,车辆takes off with ease. Wile then disables the driver assist, and the Datsun responds with only a hint of wheelspin. Acceleration is strong, as expected from a lightweight car with a powerful electric motor. Unfortunately, Wile hasn't shared the power outputs or performance figures. Still, we're guessing it's a shade faster than a newNissan Z. The owner is considering taking it to a drag strip, which should prove interesting.

This is undoubtedly one of the more interesting EV swaps we've seen. Last year, we reported on a Canadian businessman who spent four years converting his modernRolls-Royce into an electric vehicle. The project consumed his entire life, with the owner selling his house to finance the build.

Classic EV swaps正变得越来越普遍, with numerous outfitters creating electric versions of cherished vintage cars. Many enthusiasts are against this practice, but there are timeswhen this is considered acceptable.