Aston Martin Introduces Alternative Fuel Vehicles — Car News

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An Aston Martin DB9 Plug-In Hybrid Prototype While Aston Martin has long been known for its fast and fuel-thirsty luxury vehicles, a pair of recent partnerships hint at the British badge’s increasing interest in alternative fuels. In May, Aston Martin made racing history by entering the first hydrogen-powered car in an FIA-sanctioned event at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The result of a collaboration with powertrain specialist Alset Global, the Aston Martin Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S was also the first car to complete emission-free laps in an international race—at times at speeds of up to 160 mph. Fitted with the same 6.0-liter V12 as the base model Rapide, the four-door sports car can run on pure gaseous hydrogen, standard gasoline, or a combination of both. Although it has already proven itself road-worthy after this grueling event, a production version of the Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide is at least another five years away. Aston Martin is also throwing its hat into the hybrid ring with a high-powered, high-profile partnership with Bosch Engineering. Using the platform of the DB9 coupe, the plug-in hybrid concept boasts 230 more horsepower than the standard gas-powered version and 193 more pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 6.0-liter V12, while the rear wheels are powered by an electric motor, making this the first all-wheel drive Aston Martin, as well. The interior, as expected, is appropriately tricked out with Bosch electronics. While no plans for a commercial release have been announced yet, this unique collaboration, as well as the one that spawned the Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S, nonetheless marks an exciting new direction for the automaker. Related Content: More Car News Top 10 Hybrid Cars Alternative Fuel Vehicles More Aston Martin Reviews