Nürburgring 24 hour race will soon see its first hydrogen-powered Aston Martin.
The hybrid Aston Rapide S Image:Aston Martin |
The prototype Aston Martin will be the first of its kind to compete in international motorsport, racing at the iconic German circuit in mid-May.
Alset Global has modified the Aston Martin Rapide S six-litre, twin-turbo V12 engine to run as a hybrid system using a choice of pure gasoline, pure hydrogen or a blend of both.
The engine uses two parallel fuel injection systems, connected through a proprietary engine management system that adjusts and controls all of the engine’s variables so it can maintain the same performance whichever fuel mixture is being used. Four carbon-fibre tanks hold the 3.23kg of gaseous hydrogen.
Performance is rapid enough to be competitive, with the modified Aston capable of 190mph (306 kph) and can reportedly reach 62mph (100 kph) in just 4.9 seconds.
Although currently a one-off power plant, according to Alset the unit can be fitted to conventional engines relatively easily, increasing a vehicle's price tag by around 15%.