Aston Martin Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S to enter 24 hours of Nurburgring

Aston Martin is ripping up the record books at the 41^st ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring on May 19-20 with the Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S.

The Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S is based on Aston Martin’s new Rapide sports car and claims to be the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in an international event as well as the first zero CO₂ emissions sports car to complete a race pace lap(25 km) at the Nürburgring 24-hour race.

The British sports car brand is working in partnership with hydrogen experts Alset Global and has developed a prototype twin turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine that will power the Nürburgring car.

Capable of running on pure gasoline, pure gaseous hydrogen, or a blend of both, the Hybrid Hydrogen race car showcases Aston Martin’s commitment to engineering innovation. In pure hydrogen mode, Aston Martin and Alset Global aim to show that a zero CO₂ emissions lap of the Nordschleife is possible while emitting virtually only water from the exhaust.

“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 Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer.

The Hybrid Hydrogen system comprises a hydrogen fuel rail, storage tanks and proprietary engine management system. This enables flexibility in the control of the combustion process according to each particular driving situation: either pure hydrogen, gasoline or a arbitrary blend of both can be selected to ensure optimum power, acceleration and CO₂ reduction.

Safety is paramount, of course, and the system includes four ultra-high strength carbon fiber tanks holding a total of 3.5kg of hydrogen stored at a pressure of 350bar. The entire hydrogen system was also approved by German motorsport’s governing body, the DMSB.