Aston Martin EV Breaks Cover

Aston Martin Holdings Ltd. unveiled the production version of the Rapide E supercar, the brand’s first electric vehicle, this week at the Shanghai auto show.

Developed in conjunction with Williams Advanced Engineering, the new EV is based on the V-12-powered Rapide S sedan. Aston Martin says the car is made from composite materials and other lightweight alloys but didn’t disclose its weight.

The electric variant is powered by a pair of rear-mounted electric motors that generate a combined 610 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. This outguns the V-12’s output of 552 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.

The EV accelerates from zero to 60 mph in four seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. Aston Martin says those results are repeatable across various battery charge rates and weather conditions. The piston-powered Rapid S takes 10% longer to reach 60 mph but also has a top speed of 203 mph.

The Rapide E gets a redesigned grille, forged aluminum wheels, low-rolling-resistant tires and new underbody to help boost overall aerodynamics by 8%. The underbody directs air from the front splitter to the large diffuser integrated into the rear bumper.

The car’s 65-kWh, 800-volt lithium-ion battery is cased in carbon fiber and Kevlar. Aston Martin says the system provides a 200-mile driving range on Europe’s new WLTP test cycle.

The battery can be replenished in less than an hour using a rapid charger (at least 100 kW), according to Aston Martin. The standard on-board charging unit requires three hours to fully replenish the battery.

The interior is highlighted by a 10-inch reconfigurable digital instrument cluster. The display can provide drivers with such EV-related information as energy usage, regenerative braking and battery charge state. The same data is available via a smartphone app.

A limited-slip differential and revised suspension settings are used to help the EV maintain the handling characteristics of a sports car. Drivers can choose among three driving modes.