When Andy Palmer was discussing just last week about
future electric Astons
, we didn't think it would be quite this soon. But here we are, as part of the Chinese President's visit, with an electric Aston Martin.
The RapidE has been developed in collaboration with Williams and is on display at Lancaster House in London. Bar a few blue badges and graphics, it's as per a normal Rapide outside. No bad thing.
But the V12 is gone! An obvious statement perhaps, yet seeing a huge Williams black box with 'Danger: Hazardous Voltage' where there used to be 5.9-litres of internal combustion is strange. As yet there are no specs for the electric Rapide; will it be quicker than the petrol car?
Of the RapidE, Andy Palmer said: "The exciting RapidE concept tangibly demonstrates the capability and ambition of Aston Martin towards developing low- and zero-emission sports cars." It starts here... Beyond the concept, today also marks an agreement between Aston and Chinese investment company ChinaEquity. The aim is to 'explore the development of a production version of the RapidE concept'. Apparently it could make showrooms within two years.
For now that's everything on the RapidE, but it sounds like there will be a lot more to follow in due course. Enjoy the V12s while you can!
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