Would you buy an Aston Martin plug-in ‘huubrid?’ German auto parts juggernaut Bosch hopes so

By Nick Jaynes June 18, 2013

Bosch Aston Martin DB9 Plug-in Hybird — Image used with permission by copyright holder

What you’re looking at above is the first-ever Aston Martin Huubrid (watch the video below) plug-in hybrid built by German auto parts juggernaut Bosch.

The car is a radical concept car that started life as an Aston Martin DB9 and was converted over to 6.0-liter V12 plug-in hybrid, making it the first all-wheel drive Aston ever. With 740 horsepower, the hybridized DB9 can make a 0-62 sprint around 20 percent faster than the 4.2-second stock version, according to Motor Authority. Intriguingly, the hybrid DB9 only weighs 660 pounds more than the stock unit.

Bosch built the plug-in Aston to prove that modular hybrid technology can be achieved – as can eco-friendly supercars.

Bosch added some lithium-ion battery packs and two electric motors to the DB9. The stock V12 powers the rear wheels while the new electric motors power the front. As you might expect, the front motors can accelerate and brake each wheel individually, improving handling. The system is extremely precise. It will even take into account the number of passengers in the car and the tire temperature when calculating power flow.

Bosch didn’t just fiddle with the mechanical bits; it also added a touch-screen display on the inside so the driver can monitor the vehicle power flow, indicating which wheels were powering the vehicle, and watch the status of the battery charge levels.

While we had a good giggle with the video host’s pronunciation of the word “hybrid,” we’re rather glad someone other than McLaren or Ferrari is putting plug-in hybrid technology into a supercar application.

Will Aston Martin take the hint and build one of its own?

We can only hope.

Editors' Recommendations

If you want Aston Martin’s newest supercar, you’ll have to buy a classic first

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.