What's all this about?

If you remember this or even this, you might recall that Aston Martin has been talking about doing an all-electric car for a little while now, with the running gear said to be installed in the Rapide. So, ladies and gentlemen, prepare for no shock (sorry about the pun) whatsoever as we can reveal that Aston has confirmed that the RapidE (see what it has done, there?) is going into production in 2019.

Making it Aston's first all-electric model, no doubt?

You've got it in one. And if you want a slice of this electrified trailblazer for the premium marque, you'll need to move fast - production of the RapidE is going to be limited to just 155 units.

Has Aston Martin collaborated with anyone to build this?

Yup, Williams Advanced Engineering - the F1 team, basically - worked on the original RapidE Concept and will assist Aston Martin with the complex task of engineering integration.

Could we say this is a direct response to Tesla?

It would not be beyond the mental maths of 2 + 2 = 4 to say that, no. The RapidE is supposed to deliver 'four-door sports car looks and the dynamics of the Rapide S'. Only, it'll have to do all this without recourse to a 6.0-litre V12 motor. It should, though, be fun finding out how the RapidE drives.

What do the Aston bigwigs say about all this?

Aston Martin's president and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said: "Having unveiled the RapidE Concept back in October 2015, we reach another milestone with the confirmation that we are now putting the first all-electric Aston Martin into production. RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin's values of seductive style and supreme performance don't merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it. The internal combustion engine has been at the heart of Aston Martin for more than a century, and will continue to be for years to come. RapidE will showcase Aston Martin's vision, desire and capability to successfully embrace radical change, delivering a new breed of car that stays true to our ethos and delights our customers."

Matt Robinson - 27 Jun 2017