An all-electric version of the Aston Martin Rapide sedan is said to be in the making, slated for a launch in about two years’ time.
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Sources also claimed that the electric Rapide is just the first one of the lot and it will be soon followed by others in subsequent years.
Despite Tesla’s current popularity, the move isn’t necessarily due buyers clamoring for an electric Aston.
With a near-silent powertrain, an electric Aston Martin Rapide would be the perfect car for a spy.
Aston has grappled with the issue of stricter emissions standards, but Palmer thinks producing electric cars will provide enough of a green-credential boost to allow it to preserve its traditional V8 and V12 powertrains.
Already, this can’t sound more obviously like a competitor to the latest and greatest Model S. Though this benchmark for the Rapide EV is way higher than the Tesla Model S P85D’s horsepower rating of just under 700hp. “But I think it’s hard, though not impossible, for them as a relatively new brand to keep pushing up and go into that super premier area”.
Speaking about Tesla’s new Ludicrous Mode that does 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds, Palmer said: “We don’t do ludicrous because ludicrous speed is stupid”.
So what would this new generation of electric Aston Martin cars be like? While the electric Rapide will be efficient, it won’t be shy on performance with 800 hp expected alongside all-wheel drive.
It looks like the target price (Palmer quoted it as $200-250k) won’t be significantly more than an ICE-engined Rapide, which should make it very appealing.
Palmer says the car will be based on its Rapide.
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Another rival, Audi also has plans of coming up with a plug-in hybrid Audi Q6, and has recently announced that the battery used for the car will come from LG Chem and Samsung SDI.
