ICONIC British luxury sports car builder Aston Martin has unveiled its first-ever all-electric model – the very special and rare Rapide E.
Launching the sleek production-ready model at the Shanghai motor show – the Chinese are big fans of EVs – the firm announced just 155 examples will be built at their plant in Wales.
With prices available on application, the Rapide E is powered by an 800V, 65kWh battery pack under the bonnet driving two rear-mounted electric motors producing a staggering 610PS and 950Nm of torque.
That results in a top speed of 155mph, with a sub-4.0-second 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5 seconds.
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Meanwhile, the car’s range is claimed to be in excess of 200 miles, with domestic recharging taking as little as three hours and a high-powered fast charger less than an hour.
To ensure the Rapide E retains the handling characteristics of the petrol-powered AMR model, there’s a limited slip differential, revised spring and damper rates and three driving modes of GT, Sport and Sport+.
Styling tweaks are designed to maximise aerodynamic performance, with a revised grille, a larger rear diffuser and special forged alloy wheels being among the changes.
Swathes of carbon fibre have been used throughout, while traditional analogue instruments have been replaced by a 10in digital display that provides comprehensive details of the electric powertrain’s status.
Boss Dr Andy Palmer said: “As our first all-electric production car, it is a truly historic step. It signals Aston Martin is prepared for the huge challenge of an environmentally responsible and sustainable future.”
