The car has 800 volt battery with 65 kWh capacity, using lithium-ion cells mounted to where the original 12 cylinder Rapid E engine and gearbox were located. The battery system powers two rear-mounted electric motors that make the equivalent of 602 bhp and 700 pound-feet of instant torque making it the most powerful sedan available.
Rapide E joins a slew of new conceptual and production all-electric luxury vehicles announced, including the Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes-Benz EQ, the Audi E-Tron, and the Porsche Taycan
Aston developed the Rapide E with Williams Advanced Engineering, the technology and engineering services business of the Williams Group. Its goal: Orient the otherwise-handsome sedan better toward driving performance. It has newly designed aerodynamic wheels, new Pirelli P-Zero tires, lowered body roll, refined rear-wheel-drive, and reduced cavity noise. It has a top speed of 155 miles per hour and a zero-60 mph sprint time of just over three seconds.
More important, said Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Andy Palmer in a statement, the car will be especially beneficial as a first step toward relaunching the Lagonda brand, which will be a zero-emission marque when it begins production in 2021.
Aston Martin has revealed its plan to bring its first EV to market. Based on the four-door Rapide S, the all-electric 2020 Aston Martin Rapide E is expected to begin shipping at the end of 2019. The carmaker projects it will produce an impressive 602 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque from the two electric motors that drive the rear wheels. Feeding those motors is an 800-volt battery system with fast-charge capability. The lithium-ion batteries that replace the V12 engine, transmission and fuel tank will have a 65-kWh capacity, giving the Rapide an estimated range of 200 miles.
Performance is obviously a key element with any Aston Martin . As such, the 2020 Rapide E will reach 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds, according to company estimates, and have a top speed of 155 mph. A limited-slip differential will help put the power to the pavement when cornering, while bespoke Pirelli tires purportedly deliver an optimal blend of low-rolling resistance and grip.
From what we’ve seen, the Rapide E’s body panels are essentially identical to those of the existing Rapide S. Aston Martin does note that the Rapide E will have a “reduced cavity nose,” which translates to a smaller grille. Stylistically, that could be a positive move away from the arguably overbearing grille on the V12-powered model. Don’t expect the grille to be absent altogether, though, since the batteries will require quite a bit of cooling.
The current Rapide’s cabin is disappointing, with outdated electronics and some carryover parts shared with previous-generation Volvos. (Ford, you may recall, used to call the shots for both brands.) The new DB11 coupe is a giant leap in the right direction, as it makes use of tried-and-true technology from new partner Mercedes-Benz. However, something needs to be done to improve the cramped rear-seat accommodations and tiny trunk.
Price is $207,775
