Let’s face it, hybrid’s, fully electric and hydrogen are the future. No matter what way we look at it, we’ll all eventually be driving around in one. Whether it’s a BMW i8, Tesla Model S or another brand, they are invading and proving to be serious competitors on the road.
So, it comes as no surprise that a bespoke auto manufacturer such as Aston Martin has joined in. Last year, they verified that one was indeed on the horizon and shortly after, they confirmed a prototype had been built to test. Recently, they have joined forces with a Chinese company, LeEco, who will provide the battery and drivetrain for the luxury sedan. LeEco is also providing similar products to the insane Faraday Future 1000 hp hybrid ultracar.
The sole test mule looks pretty much identical to regular Rapide models, with a few exceptions. Electric motor underneath the bonnet, blue decals stuck on either side and blue badging. Once a final model hits the market in a year or so, expect changes. As for the interior, there’s no doubt it will remain unchanged.
Of course there is still a lot to sort out in terms of power output, drivetrain, what battery to use and so on. However, that keeps the rumours flowing. Estimated to pump out between 800 and 1000 horsepower sent to all four wheels, that’s an insane amount of horses. Expect torque numbers to skyrocket beyond the 1000 Nm mark. Battery life is assumed to run for at least 322 kilometres on a single charge.
Owning one may be a bit hard. As the British Manufacturer are to build only a few hundred RapidE hybrids annually. Actually, that sounds like quite a lot. Pricing is estimated at £200,000 (approx. AED 1,052,200) and £250,000 (approx. AED 1,315,200) for range-topping vehicles.
With such a price point, Aston RapidE’s will remain as a vehicle select few can enjoy. Given that, Aston Martin could learn from their creation and introduce it into other models. Perhaps that gorgeous DBX Crossover they introduced last year, which is scheduled for a 2019 launch, and will come with a lower pricing bracket.
It’s highly unlikely that Aston will kill off the throbbing 6.0-litre V12 motor as it’s a possibility it will be joined alongside the electric version, that is unless they go for a smaller displacement and fewer cylinders.
What luxury manufacturer is next to join in the EV craze? Morgan has said they want a fully electric range by 2019, Rolls Royce did test out the possibilities a while ago, but quit whilst they were ahead and Bentley are looking to add plug-in options to the Bentuyga and Mulsanne. Only time will tell.
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