Author: Chang Yan

I thought it was miserable enough last time when I had to write articles on the high-speed train, but this time I almost had to write articles in the cinema.

As modern toolmen, we have demonstrated by our actions what true undauntedness means.

This may also be the main reason why the recent release of the movie “No Time to Die” has resonated with so many people, from the appearance to the essence, deeply evoking people’s sighs for the fleeting time.

On the one hand, this will be the last 007 film starred by Daniel Craig. This new generation Bond, who was selected as the 007 lead actor during my college years, has inadvertently portrayed the time of 15 years in this position.

On the other hand, the film was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and experienced delay in filming, production, and release. It was rumored that Nokia, one of the film’s sponsors, even requested the replacement of the corresponding lens of the smartphones appearing in the movie due to the delayed schedule.

But there are always things that are timeless.

For example, the first-generation Aston Martin DB5 upgraded and featured in this film, capable of conquering the world.

Whether in the trailer or in the movie itself, the most splendid moments are reserved for this car, with its skills of revolving, shooting, and chasing.

Originally featured in the “Goldfinger” chapter of “No Time to Die,” DB5 was popularized worldwide half a century ago with its elegant appearance and imaginative qualities, and was once rated “the most famous car in the world” by a well-known automotive magazine.

Unfortunately, nowadays when we encounter it, it is often just a static scene.

In addition to the financial protection reasons resulting from the rapid rise in car prices, the power components of these classic car models require increasingly complex maintenance, and the degree of emission compliance has also caused a lot of difficulty in making them legally roadworthy in many regions.

This is the ultimate secret that could bring traditional art back to life, even one that might have never crossed your mind before – going from petrol to electric.

Lunaz, a British classic car modification company that has worked on classic cars such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Land Rover, recently announced that it would launch conversion services for the Aston Martin DB4-DB6 series.

Lunaz has an irresistible vision called “We have a responsibility to protect it (classic cars) for future generations”. Therefore, they chose to develop the DB series because, “there is no more nostalgic GT car than the Aston Martin DB6. It combines a fastback design, indulgent proportions, and one of the most iconic metal shapes ever created.”

In this challenge to “remake and electrify for the new generation,” each car to be converted will be disassembled into components and undergo thorough restoration and renovation. Each component will be weighed in grams and laser-scanned. During the repair process, Lunaz will manufacture some body components according to traditional methods, but will also introduce the latest manufacturing processes for some critical new parts to enhance the product’s usability and reliability.

Next, the powertrain components of the entire vehicle will be removed and replaced with brand new electric power systems. As Lunaz’s customers are all wealthy, the company provides battery capacities ranging from 80 to 120 kWh and offers a standard WLTP range of 410 km.

At the same time, the vehicle’s entertainment system will be upgraded to the level required for the current networked era, and the entire interior can be refurbished as well, should the customer so desire.

The ultimate aspect is that Lunaz will also fully preserve the original power system of the entire vehicle. Should the owner ever have the urge to return to the original state, their car can be restored to its original condition once again.The car will receive modifications starting in 2023, with prices starting from $1 million.

Whether you can afford it or not, or you think such third-party modifications are not “pure”, you even have the option of choosing the original electric DB5.

The DB5 Junior, developed by Aston Martin and The Little Car Company, can be understood as a unique collection between children’s cars and models.

The car was developed from the original DB5 3D scan and retains the absolute accuracy of its appearance. It is 3 meters long and 1.1 meters wide, and can accommodate adults and children side-by-side, allowing people from different eras to share their love for driving.

The aluminum honeycomb chassis and composite body provide a sturdy platform and reduce the total weight to about 270 kg. The electric power system provides 5 kW power to the rear wheels, with a maximum speed of 50 km/h.

Not only does it pay high tribute to the original DB5 in terms of appearance, accessories, and interior, but it also offers three driving modes, the same front suspension style as the original, and a Vantage version.

This high-performance version will have a hidden “missile” switch operation, just like 007. After pressing it, the output power of the entire car will double to 10 kW, and the maximum speed will be further increased. The lightweight carbon fiber body and second battery pack further enhance its performance.

If you want, you can continue to spend money on customization.

Oh, by the way, for such a “children’s car”, the price of the standard version is roughly equivalent to a Model 3 Performance.

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So, if Aston Martin decides to fully electrify the DB5, coupled with the absolute high performance of electrification nowadays, there may be quite a few wealthy people willing to foot the bill, just like the rendering produced by British insurance company Money.

The world is so beautiful,

there is no time to die.
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This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.