- Aston Martin Rapide E delivers dynamic debut ahead of Formula E Monaco ePrix
- Aston Martin works driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Darren Turner took the wheel of Aston Martin’s first all-electric production car
- European premiere following production-ready reveal at Auto Shanghai in April
- Strictly-limited to 155 units worldwide
Saturday 11 May, Monaco: Following a glittering public reveal at Auto Shanghai just last month, Aston Martin’s first all-electric model – Rapide E – has wowed the crowds in Monaco, after taking to the city’s world-famous streets for it first public demonstration ahead of today’s Formula E Monaco ePrix.
Taking part in two dedicated on-track sessions throughout the day, the British luxury marque’s revolutionary new model was put to the test by Aston Martin works driver and three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Darren Turner. Billed as the most powerful Rapide model ever, the car’s twin rear-mounted electric motors deliver a combined target output of 612PS and a colossal 950Nm torque and Rapide E didn’t disappoint as it showcased its performance credentials on the circuit.
Rapide E is powered by an 800V electrical architecture battery – encased in a carbon fibre and Kevlar casing – with a 65kWh installed capacity using over 5600 lithium-ion 18650 format cylindrical cells. This bespoke battery pack lies where the original 6.0-litre V12, gearbox and fuel tank were located, with the 800V system allowing for more efficient charging and greatly improved thermal characteristics over existing electrical architectures.
Darren Turner said following today’s drive, “I’ve had the privilege to join the Aston Martin engineering team at various stages of the car’s development and the performance that’s on offer in Rapide E really is incredible. The car has the kind of torque and punch that you’d expect from an EV, but they’ve really worked hard to retain the dynamic characteristics of what makes an Aston Martin special. Today feels like a real milestone in this company’s history and for me to be the first person to drive an all-electric Aston Martin publicly is an absolute honour, particularly here in Monaco”.
Dr Andy Palmer, President and Group CEO Aston Martin Lagonda added, “Rapide E is a defining product in Aston Martin Lagonda’s history. We have set out a bold strategy for the electrification and hybridisation across the Group and this product demonstrates that we have the capability to deliver an EV of exceptional performance, while still delivering the qualities demanded of not just Aston Martin customers, but the wider luxury market. As the world’s first all-electric luxury brand, Lagonda will directly benefit from the technologies and experience derived from the Rapide E programme. Darren (Turner) is very lucky to have had the chance to demonstrate what Rapide E can do and I firmly believe that those who have already placed their name down for this special model, will be able to take pride in seeing the car run in anger for the first time”.
Last allocations for Aston Martin Rapide E are available with pricing on application. Production will commence in Q4 2019 at Aston Martin Lagonda’s new production facility in St Athan, Wales.
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Technical Specification – Rapide E
Body
Four-door body style with tailgate & four individual seats
Extruded aluminium bonded body structure
Aluminium & carbon fibre body panels
Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
Single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights & direction indicators
Clear LED rear lamps & direction indicators
Carbon Fibre Splitter, Side Sills, and Diffuser
Powertrain
Rear-mounted twin-motors, rear-wheel drive
Twin 3-phase Surface Permanent Magnet Radial Flux Synchronous Motors
Max motor speed: 11,500 rpm
Max power: 450 kW (604 bhp / 612 PS)
Max torque: 950Nm (700 lb-ft)
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in <4.0 sec; 0-100 km/h in 4.2 sec
Max speed: 155mph (250 km/h) electronically limited
Rear mounted, single speed, offset architecture, helical gearbox
Mechanical limited-slip differential
Final drive ratio: 6.099:1
Steering
Electro-hydraulically assisted rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive, power assisted steering
3.0 turns lock-to-lock
Column tilt & reach adjustment
Wheels & Tyres
21” aero wheels
Front Tyre: 245/35 Pirelli P-Zero
Rear Tyre: 295/30 Pirelli P-Zero
Suspension
Front Independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Rear Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
3-stage Adaptive Damping System
Brakes
Front dual-cast brake discs, 400 mm diameter with six-piston calipers
Rear dual-brake discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston calipers
3-stage Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control (TC)
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Positive Torque Control (PTC)
Electronic Park Brake (EPB)
Dark Anodised Brake Calipers
Dimensions
Length: 5,019 mm (197.6”)
Width: 1,929 mm (75.9”) excluding mirrors; 2140 mm (84.3”) including mirrors
Height: 1,350 mm (53.1”)
Wheelbase: 2,989 mm (117.7”)
Battery capacity: 65 kWh (99Ah)
Weight: 2,140 kg (4387 lb)
In-car entertainment
10” electronic driver’s display with digital dials
8” LCD Screen
Aston Martin App with remote dashboard
DAB radio
AM/FM radio
Apple Carplay
Android Auto
