Aston Martin Rapide

First revealed as the Aston Martin Rapide Concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006, the Rapide is one of the most eagerly awaited cars of the year. As Aston Martin's first true four-door production sports car, the Rapide encapsulates the core values of the brand within a high powered sports grand tourer, with four full-sized seats, generous accommodation and luggage space and trademark Aston Martin performance.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said, "The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world. It completes the Aston Martin range conveying our established attributes of Power, Beauty and Soul.
"In 2010 there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of the demands of their lifestyle. The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger."

Following the purchase of Aston Martin in June 2007, the production version of the Rapide was approved and development began in earnest. Underpinned by Aston Martin's VH (Vertical/ Horizontal) extruded aluminium architecture, the Rapide retains the flowing proportions that are integral to every Aston Martin. From the outset, the Rapide was designed with no aesthetic compromise. "We wanted to make the most beautiful four-door sports car in the world," said Aston Martin's Director of Design Marek Reichman when the concept was first shown.

The Rapide has been subjected to Aston Martin's rigorous testing programme including extreme climate testing and dynamic performance trials at the company's new Nurburgring Test Centre to ensure it will display the brand's integral high speed abilities. The last stages of endurance testing are now under way with final sign-off expected later this year before a production car is debuted in September.

The Rapide will offer the same performance and sporting ability of all modern Aston Martins. Powered by a version of Aston Martin's 6.0 litre V12 engine producing 470bhp and 600Nm of torque and, hand built at the company's engine facility in Cologne, the Rapide's rear wheels are driven through a highly responsive Touchtronic gearbox. Performance figures have yet to be revealed.

The Rapide will be built at a new production facility in Graz, Austria managed by vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr and co-ordinated by a fully integrated Aston Martin team from the UK.

Source: JUST CARS, July 2009, Collectors Issue #161

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