Twin-turbo Aston Martin Rapide V12 racer will be the first car to compete in an international event using hydrogen
Aston Martin will campaign a hydrogen-powered Rapide S at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the first time such a powertrain has been used for an international race. The car was created in collaboration with hydrogen experts Alset Global.
The Rapide S is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 which is capable of running purely on petrol, purely on hydrogen or a combination of the two. Aston hopes that using the car in 24-hour endurance event will highlight the reliability of modern hydrogen technology.
The hydrogen system in the Rapide S is comprised of fuel rails, storage tanks and an ECU. The latter is used to manage the combustion process as the car's intake of petrol and hydrogen varies; it can run on pure hydrogen, gasoline or a blend of both, to ensure optimum power, acceleration and CO2 reduction.
Four storage tanks hold a total of 3.5kg of hydrogen, contained at 350bar. The system has been approved by Germany's motorsport governing body the DMSB, as safety is paramount.
The hybrid hydrogen race car is based on the new 6.0-litre V12 Rapide S, which arrives in showrooms this month. In conventional form the new Rapide S can sprint from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, while its top speed is an impressive 190mph.
Aston Martin's participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours next month will mark its eighth successive year of competition in the event.
Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin's CEO, said "As we celebrate our centenary 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."
Matt Bird