THE new Aston Martin model launched the hydrogen-powered hybrid Rapide S, featuring twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12, is capable of running on hydrogen, gasoline, or a combination of the two. Rapide S will enter in the 41st ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring race in Germany in May.
The Rapide S can reach 190 mph and accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. And since it burns rubber, it will spit water from its exhaust pipe after a few high-speed laps around the track.
“Aston Martin has a strong track record of innovation and, with our superb history of competition and testing at the Nürburgring, it is only right that we showcase this amazing new technology at this year’s 24-hour race,” said Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez.
However, Aston Martin is not intending to produce the hydrogen hybrid cars commercially.
Gasoline-free racing has been a growing as a concept for years. apart from Aston Martin’s emissions-free car at the race, another firm is raring to launch Formula E electric racing car by 2014.
Aston Martin is also continuing a trend toward eco-friendly supercars. McLaren and Ferrari both introduced hybrid supercars ( costing US$1.3 million) earlier this year at a motor show in Europe.