Aston Martin's Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S to make UK competition debut

The first car to complete a zero-CO2 emissions lap of an FIA-sanctioned race - Aston Martin's revolutionary Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S - makes its UK competition debut at the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire.

The car, which achieved a world-first when it qualified for
the 2013 Nurburgring 24 Hours running on pure hydrogen,is based on an Aston Martin Rapide S but features a special bi-fuel hydrogen/petrol twin turbo 6.0-litre V12 engine developed by the brand in conjunction with Austrian hydrogen internal combustion engine specialists Alset GmbH.

"We successfully raced the car at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, covering more than 20 per cent of the race distance running only on hydrogen. Our CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, a regular competitor at the race since 2006, actually completed more than 40 CO2 emissions-free kilometres at full racing speed on one fill of hydrogen alone, comfortably exceeding our target. To finish a gruelling 24-hour race like that was real testament to the engineering teams at Aston Martin and Alset who developed the car," said David King, Head of Special Projects at Aston Martin.

"Since then, the car has made a brief appearance in our centenary parade lap at Le Mans in June, but has never been seen in action in the UK until now. Running the car up the hill at Shelsley Walsh seems the most fitting way to show it off, recognising the company's long association with the venue and fitting in nicely with the wonderful Aston Martin tribute being held at the event."

"Although we can't run the car on Hydrogen at the hill climb, it is still sure to be quite a sight and sound as it leaves the start line."

Posted in: 2013 Nurburgring 24 Hours,Aston Martin,David King,Debut,Dr. Ulrich Bez,Europe,Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S,Motor Sports,Nurburgring,Shelsley Walsh,United Kingdom,World's First Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S