Rapide AMR

Segment
Sedan

Remember the Aston Martin Rapide E? Aston Martin's first-ever fully electric model was originally slated to enter production in late 2019 as the automaker's answer to the Porsche Taycan. It's been a long time coming, too, as the Rapid E was first revealed as a concept way back in 2015 before it was confirmed in 2017 that 155 models would enter production.

The production version of the four-door electric was then unveiled at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show last April. It's now 2020 and Aston Martin has been silent about the Rapide E's development, which wasn't a good sign. Now, Autocar has confirmed the Aston Martin Rapide E has been canned.

An inside source has told Autocar the Rapide E will become a research project for Aston Martin's electrification program but no customer cars will be produced. The publication was unable to confirm how many orders were received or if any customer refunds will need to be issued.

The production version of the Rapide E shown in Shanghai packed an all-electric powertrain developed by Williams Advanced Engineering featuring a pair of electric motors delivering 610 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque and a 65-kWh lithium-ion battery. 0-62 mph takes less than four seconds before the Rapide E maxes out at 155 mph.

The demise of the Rapide E perhaps doesn't come as a huge surprise considering the company's current financial problems. Putting a niche electric sports car into production wouldn't make any sense from a business perspective right now.

Instead, the automaker is focusing on launching the Aston Martin DBX, which will hopefully increase sales volumes. The first deliveries of the DBX will start in Q2 2020. Aston Martin's CEO Andy Palmer recently said 2019 was a "very disappointing year" for the company, so the DBX can't come soon enough.