Aston Martin is making an all-electric car. Specifically, it’s making this all-electric car. Beautiful, yes, and exclusive too, as the brand plans to produce just 155 of them. The Aston Martin Rapide E, which made its international debut at the Shanghai Auto Show this week, is based on the existing gas-drinking Rapide sedan and, on the surface, it shares quite a bit in common with this older sibling. In fact, it’s simpler to just list the differences: the Rapide E’s grille is grated rather than horizontally finned like on the sedan; the intake shape and fascia design have been re-imagined to make sure the 400-lb-heavier electric version cuts through the air properly; and there are some blue accents on the brake calipers and within the headlights. Under the surface, however, things are quite different. The car runs on an 800-volt 65-kWh battery that charges at 500 km of range per hour when plugged into a high-speed charger, and will provide an estimated range of around 322 km per charge. That battery pack passes the juice to a pair of twin motors mounted on the rear axle, which make 450 kW (or the equivalent to 600 horses) and provide the Rapide E with its rapidity (zing!), getting it up to 60 mph (96 km/h) in under four seconds and pressing it up to a top speed of 249 km/h. Inside the Rapide E has been outfitted with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, plus an 8-inch infotainment system display that sits above the centre dashboard. It will also support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is the first full look at the finished, limited-ed electric car that James Bond will reportedly drive in his next on-screen appearance. It looks fit for a spy—we’ll have to wait just a bit longer to see if it handles well enough for one
Origin: Aston Martin (finally) unveiled its first all-electric car, the Rapide E
Rapide
Aston Martin Rapide E released at Shanghai
Aston Martin Rapide E released at Shanghai The Rapide E is the first Aston Martin to feature an electric powertrain Aston Martin has unveiled its first all-electric model – the Rapide E – at the Shanghai Motor Show, with production of the four-door saloon limited to 155 units. Fitted with twin electric motors, producing a combined 450 kW (612 hp) and 950 Nm of torque, the new Rapide E is set to be built at Aston Martin’s new St Athans facility in Wales, and has been developed in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering – one of the world leaders in electric powertrains. A 65 kWh battery powers the two electric motors, which drive the rear wheels, with the battery pack sitting in the space where an engine, transmission, and fuel tank normally would. The range is quoted at ‘over 200 miles’ according to Aston Martin’s press release, and it looks likely that it will only be a little over that milestone considering the specifications. That figure is based on the WLTP tests though, which we’ve found to be fairly accurate and a realistic target figure for drivers. Considering the likes of Jaguar’s I-Pace and Audi e-tron have 90 kWh and 95 kWh batteries respectively, and ranges of a little under 300 miles and around 240 miles, the quoted 200 mile range does seem optimistic. However, the Rapide E is around 400 kg lighter than the e-tron and a similar weight to the I-Pace, so a range of around 215 miles would represent a fair calculation based on comparisons, and match Aston Martin’s claims. What is confirmed are the charging specifications. An 800V system will allow drivers to charge at high speeds, with rapid charging at 100 kW able to recharge the Rapide E in around 35-40 minutes. Aston Martin quotes 310 miles per minute, and also quotes a fast charging time of ‘as little as three hours’, from which we can work out that a 22 kW on-board AC charger will be fitted. Performance figures are typically Aston Martin, with a sub-4.0 second 0-60mph time, and 50-70mph completed in just 1.5 seconds. The Gaydon-based firm promises that the performance will be repeatable and delivered consistently – a little dig at Tesla’s Ludicrous mode – with the ability to drive a full lap of the Nurburgring with no reduced performance from the battery or motors. Aerodynamics for the ageing Rapide saloon have been tweaked and reduced drag by around 8%, with active flaps behind the grille, a smooth under floor, and new wheels helping achieve those claims. Speaking ahead of Rapide E’s Shanghai debut, Dr Andy Palmer, President and Group CEO, Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “Unveiling the Rapide E will be a huge moment for Aston Martin. As our first all-electric production car, it is a truly historic step. One that signals Aston Martin is prepared for the huge challenge of an environmentally responsible and sustainable future. “As a car company we cannot afford to passively allow that future to come to us; we have to actively chase it. Only by doing this can we learn and prepare, but also preserve those things we love as drivers and car enthusiasts. That’s why it was so important to me that in embracing EV technology we should not let go of those unique qualities that define an Aston Martin. I believe Rapide E embodies that desire and paves the way for a hugely exciting future.” Pricing is available on application, and order books for the Rapide E are open now.
Origin: Aston Martin Rapide E released at Shanghai
New Aston Martin Rapide E revealed with over 600bhp
Aston Martin has revealed its production-ready Rapide E electric luxury saloon at the Shanghai motor show. Previewed by various conceps, this Rapide E is the final version that will be delivered to customers later this year. It is significant both as the first Aston EV and the first model to leave the brand’s new ‘home of electrification’ facility in St Athan, Wales. Limited to 155 examples and available to order now at an undisclosed price, the Rapide E features a front end redesigned from the standard Rapide to aid cooling and aerodynamics. It also provides a visual link to Aston’s latest models such as the DBS Superleggera. Less visible but equally significant are the changes to the underfloor, directing airflow from the front splitter to a new, larger rear diffuser made possible by the removal of the exhaust system. Numerous other changes add up to an 8% improvement in aero efficiency over the old petrol-powered Rapide. The interior has been overhauled, too, bringing the nine year-old Rapide’s design up to date with the rest of the range. The most significant upgrade is the 10in digital instrument display showing key information such as battery charge level, motor power levels, energy usage and regenerative braking. Aston also claims extensive use of carbon fibre throughout the cabin to help reduce weight. The Rapide E’s electric propulsion system is packaged within the space left by the removal of the original 6.0-litre V12 engine. It’s powered by an 800V battery pack encased in carbon fibre and kevlar, feeding two rear-mounted electric motors, making a ‘combined target output’ of just over 602bhp and 701 lb ft of torque. Aston claims a sub-4.0sec 0-60mph time, a 50-70mph time of 1.5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. Though those figures don’t better the fastest Tesla models, Aston claims the performance is “not restricted to a narrow window of battery charge of climatic conditions”, instead delivered in a “consistent and repeatable way”. The car’s range is pegged at just over 200 miles under the new, more realistic WLTP measuring regime. The 800v battery system is capable of delivering 100kW or higher of battery charge using a suitable charger, while an on-board AC charger can take the Rapide E from empty to full in three hours. Aston Martin has also paid careful attention to the Rapide E’s chassis tuning, bringing in revised spring and damper rates and a new limited-slip differential to handle the torque. Three driving modes also feature, while Aston claims the handling characteristics of the Rapide AMR have been retained. Aston CEO Andy Palmer commented that the Rapide E’s unveiling marked “a truly historic step. One that signals Aston Martin is prepared for the huge challenge of an environmentally responsible and sustainable
Origin: New Aston Martin Rapide E revealed with over 600bhp
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