While the British sports car modifier Frontline may not be a household name, it is quickly becoming unforgettable in the industry. The firm has recently launched two MGB restomodifications, drawing from its extensive experience spanning over three decades.
Frontline is to the MGB what Singer is to the Porsche 911 and Eagle is to the Jaguar E-Type: a company dedicated to modernizing and elevating classic British sports cars. Established in 1991 by engineering expert Tim Fenna, Frontline’s most recent projects venture into the realm of electric automobiles.
Table of Contents
Overview of Porsche 911
Frontline’s newly minted BEE is an electrified rendition of the iconic MGB. It can be customized as either a coupe or a roadster and notably incorporates a manual transmission compatible with its electric drivetrain.
For those clients who remain inclined toward internal combustion engines, Frontline also offers the LE60, a vehicle featuring a V-8 engine within its slim and low-profile front section.
Details on Frontline BEE
The BEE is equipped with a rear-axle-mounted electric motor and is fueled by a 40-kWh battery situated under the bonnet. This configuration mimics the weight distribution of the original gasoline-fueled MGB, with a reported weight of 2,614 pounds and a nearly even 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution.
Although the power output of the BEE’s electric motor remains undisclosed, Frontline states that the vehicle is capable of achieving a 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 8.8 seconds and boasts a driving range close to 140 miles. Furthermore, the manual transmission operates in a manner consistent with traditional manual transmissions, allowing the car to start and stop in any gear without stalling.
For existing Frontline vehicle owners, an electric vehicle conversion will be available as a separate service offering.
Features of Frontline LE60
The LE60 is propelled by a Rover 4.8-liter V-8 engine that outputs 375 horsepower, nearly tripling the horsepower of original MGB models. Weighing only 2,473 pounds, the LE60 offers an outstanding power-to-weight ratio.
To accommodate the potent engine, Frontline has reinforced the vehicle’s chassis and overhauled the suspension, in collaboration with a firm known as Nitron. Additional enhancements encompass high-performance brakes featuring six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear, as well as a limited-slip differential and an expanded body to accommodate a broader track. The LE60’s production run will be capped at 30 units.
Interior Amenities
The interiors of both vehicles harmonize retro aesthetic with modern comfort, including predominantly leather-clad cabins, three-spoke steering wheels, traditional dials and indicators, elegant lever-based switches, and unexpectedly, up-to-date stereo head units. Optional features such as satellite navigation, heated seats, and air conditioning can also be incorporated.
As of now, Frontline has yet to disclose pricing information for these models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Frontline MGB Restomods
What is Frontline and what is its specialization?
Frontline is a British sports car modification company specializing in restomods of classic British sports cars like the MGB. The company has over 30 years of experience and was founded in 1991 by engineer Tim Fenna.
What is the Frontline BEE?
The Frontline BEE is an electric version of the classic MGB sports car. It features a rear-axle-mounted electric motor and a 40-kWh battery. The vehicle can be customized as either a coupe or a roadster and uniquely offers a manual transmission compatible with its electric drivetrain.
What is the Frontline LE60?
The Frontline LE60 is another restomod offering from Frontline but is aimed at those who prefer internal combustion engines. It features a Rover 4.8-liter V-8 engine that produces 375 horsepower and has a number of chassis and suspension upgrades to handle the increased power.
How does the BEE’s manual transmission work?
The manual transmission in the BEE operates much like traditional manual transmissions. The car can be started and stopped in any gear without stalling, which is noteworthy given its electric nature.
What is the weight and weight distribution of the Frontline BEE?
The Frontline BEE has a reported weight of 2,614 pounds and offers a nearly even 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, similar to the original gas-powered MGB.
What is the production limit for the Frontline LE60?
The production of the Frontline LE60 will be restricted to 30 units.
What are the interior features of these Frontline cars?
Both the BEE and the LE60 have interiors that blend retro design elements with modern amenities. These include leather-wrapped cabins, three-spoke steering wheels, traditional gauges, and elegant lever-based switches. Modern features like a contemporary stereo head unit, satellite navigation, heated seats, and air conditioning are also available as options.
Has Frontline released the pricing details for these models?
As of the time of writing, Frontline has not yet disclosed the pricing information for the BEE and the LE60.
More about Frontline MGB Restomods
- Frontline Official Website
- MGB Historical Overview
- Electric Vehicle Technology Explained
- Manual Transmission in Electric Cars: A Rarity
- Rover 4.8-liter V-8 Engine Specifications
- Nitron Suspension Systems
- Classic Car Restomods: A Growing Trend
- Overview of Porsche 911 by Singer
- Jaguar E-Type by Eagle: A Modern Classic