The challenges facing adaption of hydrogen as a fuel are quite staggering, from the high costs of fuel cells to the serious lack of fueling infrastructure. But some automakers are wedded to hydrogen as the future of fuel, and a hydrogen-powered Aston Martin Rapide will take place in next month’s 24 hour endurance race at the famed Nurburgring.
Not to be confused with a fuel-cell vehicle, the Aston Martin Rapide will use a unique drivetrain that can run on hydrogen gas, regular gasoline, or a combination of the two in the twin-turbo 6.0 liter V12 engine.
Aston is promising that the car will run at least one full lap on pure hydrogen, though the engine will be tweaked to deliver maximum power on a combination of the two fuels. This is the first time a hydrogen-powered car will partake in an actual race on the Nurbrugring, though there are other contenders for that title.
While specific specs for this hydrogen-powered Rapide haven’t been released, in stock form the Aston Martin makes 550 horsepower from its V12 engine and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The hydrogen fuel will be stored in four carbon fiber tanks; two in the trunk, and two next to the driver.
We can’t wait to see how this hydrogen-powered Aston does on one of the world’s most famous race tracks. Here’s hoping hydrogen finds its place as the automotive racing fuel of the future.
Source: Aston Martin
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