Aston Martin will enter the Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S racing car in the ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring race next month. It is described as the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in an international event and the first zero CO2 emissions sports car to complete a racing lap in this endurance competition.
Based on the four-door, four-seat Aston Martin Rapide S the racing car uses a twin turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 engine. The motor can run on petrol, gaseous hydrogen or a mixture of the two - hence the hybrid designation. Hydrogen experts Alset Global worked with Aston's engineers on the engine. Competing at the Nürburgring is intended to underline the reliability and safety of hydrogen technology.
The Hybrid Hydrogen system comprises a hydrogen fuel rail, storage tanks and an engine management system. A total of 3.5kg of hydrogen is stored at 350 bar in four carbon fibre tanks -two next to the driver and two in the boot. The fuel system has been approved by German motorsport's governing body the DMSB.
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: "As we celebrate our centenary in 2013 and look back on a century of excitement, innovation and style it's also the perfect time to look to the future with this astonishing race car." Dr Bez added, "Working with Alset Global to unveil this system in such a challenging environment as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring shows once again how confident we are in our cars, our people and our partners."