Aston Martin Unveils Production Version of EV Rapide E | Aston Martin
CAR / NEWS
April 18, 2019

Aston Martin Unveils Production Version of EV Rapide E | Aston Martin


Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide E


Production Version of the Rapide E World Premieres


Lagonda, Aston Martin's electric vehicle division, unveiled its first EV model, the Rapide E, at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 16th. The Rapide E, developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), will be a limited edition of 155 units produced at the state-of-the-art St Athan plant in the UK, the company's center for electrification.

Text by HARA Akira



Equipped with Twin Motors Producing 612ps and 950Nm



The Lagonda Rapide E measures 5,019mm in length, 1,929mm in width, and 1,350mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,989mm. Its curb weight is officially stated as 2,140kg. The exterior design reflects its EV nature, with lower cooling requirements than internal combustion engines. The front radiator grille has been modified to a honeycomb design with optimized openings. By minimizing airflow through the body, the overall aerodynamic efficiency has been improved, contributing to an extended range.

The underfloor has also been newly designed to optimize airflow to the rear diffuser, eliminating the need for a traditional exhaust system. Aerodynamic forged aluminum wheels and specialized Pirelli P Zero tires with low rolling resistance further enhance efficiency, resulting in approximately 8% better aerodynamics compared to internal combustion engine models.

The powertrain features two three-phase permanent magnet synchronous electric motors mounted at the rear, delivering a combined maximum output of 450kW (612ps) and 950Nm of torque. Performance figures include 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, an 80-112km/h in-gear acceleration of 1.5 seconds, and a top speed of 250km/h (electronically limited). The car is capable of completing a full lap of the Nürburgring circuit at maximum throttle without performance degradation of the battery or motors.






The two electric motors drive the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential, with three selectable driving modes: 'GT', 'Sport', and 'Sport+'. Revisions to the double-wishbone suspension setup and other tuning adjustments enhance the driving feel, character, and power delivery, achieving handling characteristics comparable to the gasoline-powered Rapide AMR.

The 65kWh battery pack is composed of over 5,600 lithium-ion cells (18650 format cylindrical cells) and is housed in the space previously occupied by the conventional 6.0-liter V12 engine, gearbox, and fuel tank.

The estimated range is approximately 322km under the new WLTP fuel economy standard. The 800-volt high-voltage system enables efficient charging. With a 100kW charging plug, approximately 500km of range can be added per hour, while a standard 400-volt, 50kW charger provides about 298km of range per hour. For charging on the go, the car is equipped with a high-power charger capable of fully charging in three hours.





Aston Martin Lagonda Rapide E


Production Version of the Rapide E World Premieres (2)



An Interior Befitting an EV Model



The interior is befitting Aston Martin's first electric vehicle. The traditional analog gauges have been replaced by a 10-inch digital display, which shows crucial information such as battery charge status, current motor output, regenerative performance, and real-time energy consumption.

Carbon fiber is used extensively in many areas, contributing to weight reduction.






Key vehicle information, including driving range, current battery capacity, and optimal charging times, can be checked remotely via a dedicated app. Setting navigation destinations also simplifies route planning. Furthermore, the app allows users to view parking information and receive reminders for maintenance.

Andy Palmer, President and Group CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda, commented, "With the unveiling of the Rapide E, we have taken a historic step. We are preparing for the significant challenge of environmental responsibility and the realization of a sustainable future. Only by actively pursuing a better future can we learn and prepare. At the same time, as drivers and car enthusiasts, we must preserve what we love for the future. For this reason, it was important to maintain Aston Martin's unique characteristics even while adopting EV technology. I am confident that the Rapide E embodies this aspiration and opens the door to an exciting future."


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