Aston Martin and Alset Global have unveiled a new hydrogen-powered version of the Rapide S that is going to hit the track next month at the 41st ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Aston Martin and Alset Global have unveiled a new hydrogen-powered version of the Rapide S that is going to hit the track next month at the 41st ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring. the hydrogen Rapide S will become the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in an international event as well as the first zero CO2 emissions sports car to complete a race pace lap at the Nürburgring 24-hour race.
The hydrogen-powered Rapide S is powered by a turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine. It is capable of running on pure gasoline, pure gaseous hydrogen, or a blend of both. In pure hydrogen mode, Aston Martin and Alset Global aim to show that a zero CO2 emissions lap of the Nordschleife is possible while emitting virtually only water from the exhaust. The Hybrid Hydrogen system comprises a hydrogen fuel rail, storage tanks and proprietary engine management system. This enables flexibility in the control of the combustion process according to each particular driving situation: either pure hydrogen, gasoline or a arbitrary blend of both can be selected to ensure optimum power, acceleration and CO2 reduction. This control results in a powerful and dynamic propulsion system that provides sports car performance but with a carbon footprint more akin to that of a supermini.
Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez stated, “As we celebrate our centenary in 2013 and look back on a century of excitement, innovation and style it’s also the perfect time to look to the future with this astonishing race car. Aston Martin has a strong track record of innovation and, with our superb history of competition and testing at the Nürburgring, it is only right that we showcase this amazing new technology at this year’s 24-hour race.”
