Mazda has turned its MK5 model – dubbed the ‘hairdresser’s car’ – into an electric…and it’s now quicker.
The petrol versions of the two-seater convertibles were launched in 1989.
They cost about £15,000 and were regarded as modest sports cars.
READ MORE: One of world’s rarest used motors has been snapped up an eye-watering £8.7m
The motors could only do 0-60mph in a sluggish 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 126mph.
Under the bonnet they boasted a two litre, four cylinder, 132 bhp engine.
More than a million have been sold worldwide making it the world’s best-selling, soft top sporty motor.
They were labelled as the ‘hairdresser’s cars’ as they weren’t proper sports cars but were seen as reasonably flash.
However, now EV technology company Electrogenic, based in Oxford, has developed a ‘drop-in’ conversion kit to easily electrify them.
The ‘plug and play’ package turns them into lightweight, rear-wheel drive modern motors with zero tailpipe emissions.
The 0-60mph becomes just six seconds, the power goes up to 160 bhp, but the top speed drops to 115mph.
It also has a range of 150 miles before it needs recharging.
Steve Drummond. Electrogenic CEO, said: “We’re delighted to introduce the latest addition to our world-leading range of ‘plug-and-play’, EV conversion kits.
“We’ve long been intrigued by the concept of a light, well-balanced, rear-wheel-drive electrified modern-classic, one that truly delivers when it comes to the old-school thrill of driving.
“It seems we weren’t alone, as we’ve received a great deal of interest in the idea of an MX-5 conversion over the years.
“It’s exciting to finally reveal our creation to the world and give MX-5 fans the chance to electrify one of the most popular sports cars in history.”
In October, the company did it with the humble Kia Pride hatchback, as reported on Luxury Auto News.
But in June, it unveiled a kit to turn DeLorean DMC-12s – made famous by the Back to the Future movies – electric.
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