Billed as the world’s first reversible electric powertrain conversion, Aston Martin’s new initiative arrives in the face of environmental pressures and ever-stringent regulations regarding the use of combustion-engined cars. Debuting on an original 1970 DB6 MkII Volante, the clever EV ‘cassette’ – which was developed using knowledge gleaned from Aston’s Rapide E and Lagonda projects – sits atop the mountings for the original engine and gearbox within an enclosed cell. Its power is managed via a discreet screen inside the car. Customer conversions will commence in 2019 and be carried out by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell, in the very same building most of the cars will have been originally born. Talk about going full circle.

Photos: Aston Martin