The Aston Martin Rapide E Wowed The Crowds During Its First Public Demonstration At Monaco

The Rapide E is Aston Martin’s first all-electric vehicle and following its global reveal at last month’s Shanghai Auto Show was shown in action for the first time ahead of last weekend’s Formula E Monaco ePrix. The 612hp twin-electric motor sports car demonstrated its speed and dynamic prowess in front of the crowds at Monaco in two dedicated track sessions. Driven by three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner Darren Turner, the Rapide E offers an advanced 800V electrical architecture battery and packs an eyeball-flattening 700 lb-ft of torque.

Darren Turner was both impressed with the car and honored to be chosen to drive it. “I’ve had the privilege to join the Aston Martin engineering team at various stages of the car’s development,” he said, “and the performance that’s on offer in Rapide E really is incredible. The car has the kind of torque and punch that you’d expect from an EV, but they’ve really worked hard to retain the dynamic characteristics of what makes an Aston Martin special. Today feels like a real milestone in this company’s history and for me to be the first person to drive an all-electric Aston Martin publicly is an absolute honour, particularly here in Monaco”.

Dr Andy Palmer, president and group CEO Aston Martin Lagonda added, “Rapide E is a defining product in Aston Martin Lagonda’s history. We have set out a bold strategy for the electrification and hybridization across the Group and this product demonstrates that we have the capability to deliver an EV of exceptional performance, while still delivering the qualities demanded of not just Aston Martin customers, but the wider luxury market. As the world’s first all-electric luxury brand, Lagonda will directly benefit from the technologies and experience derived from the Rapide E program. Darren is very lucky to have had the chance to demonstrate what Rapide E can do and I firmly believe that those who have already placed their name down for this special model, will be able to take pride in seeing the car run in anger for the first time”.

Only 155 units of the Rapide E will be built, and most have already been accounted for, though there are still a few build slots left, with prices are available on request. Production is set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2019 at Aston Martin Lagonda’s new production facility in St Athan, Wales.

Images courtesy of Aston Martin