Hybrid hydrogen Rapide S makes U.K. competition debut

Aston Martin's revolutionary Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S made its U.K. competition debut over the weekend when it entered the historic Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire.

David King, Head of Special Projects at Aston Martin commented, "We successfully raced the car at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May, covering more than 20 percent 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."

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.

"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 U.K. until now," added King.