Aston Rapide E pure-electric super sedan detailed

Aston Martin has released new details of the Rapid E – the British car-maker's first ever pure-electric production vehicle.

Developed in cooperation with Williams Advanced Engineering, the 155-unit, limited-run sports sedan is claimed to harness the power of an 800-volt electric architecture and 65kWh lithium-ion battery that's mounted where the Rapid's 6.0-litre V12 once lived.

Featuring twin rear-mounted electric motors that, combined, produce 449kW/950Nm, Aston Martin has projected the Rapid E will hit 100km/h in less than four seconds and top out at 250km/h.

Under the latest WLTP test regime, the modest-sized battery pack will offer a driving range of around 322km and can provide 298km of range after just an hour's charge using a 400-volt 50kW charger.

To help maximise the distance covered between charges, the Rapide E has spent time back in the wind tunnel, hence the new aerodynamically enhanced wheels shod with special low rolling resistance Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Instead of an all-wheel drive set-up, engineers said they deliberately kept the Aston sedan rear-wheel drive to maintain the feel and character of the V12 car on which it's based.

Perhaps more incredible is that, thanks to the use of more exotic materials like carbon-fibre, Aston claims the Rapide E weighs around the same as a regular V12 Rapide -- despite its heavy batteries.

To boost traction, the twin electric motors drive through a limited-slip differential.

The Rapide E will be built at the car-maker's new St Athan production facility. Aston Martin says its new Welsh manufacturing plant will become its 'Home for Electrification' for both Aston and its reborn Lagonda sister brand.