Aston Martin’s Rapide sedan will be the first ever Aston Martin built outside of the United Kingdom, thanks to a partnership up with Magna Steyr, it was announced today. The four-door will be built in Magna Steyr’s plant located in Graz, Austria, instead, due to Aston’s Gaydon plant running at nearly full capacity of 8,000 cars annually, split between the maker’s DB9, V8 Vantage and DBS models.
Launched as a fairly complete concept back at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in 2006, the low-profile Rapide was well received. After it was confirmed for production in May of 2007, Aston Martin looked into several companies to outsource the car’s build to, finally deciding Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of Canada-based Magna International, was the best fit.
Magna Steyr produces about 200,000 cars annually, including the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW X3.
The Aston Martin Rapide Plant (AMRP) will be based on the auto maker’s award-winning Gaydon plant as well as its Aston Martin Engine Plant in Cologne, Germany and as such will include a travertine marble reception and Aston Martin work clothes. Production is expected to begin in 2009, outputting an estimated 2,000 units.
03/04, 9:34 AM
posted by:
Veda
Great choice for assembling such a prestigious brand.
03/04, 9:37 AM
posted by:
BlackX
agreed
03/04, 10:01 AM
posted by:
mars_Smiley
well thought out! Well done aston.
03/04, 10:39 AM
posted by:
Astonman12
excellent news.
03/04, 10:40 AM
posted by:
Andrewthecarguy
This car is on my short list of must haves. I am hoping to find a 3 or 4 year old example at a bargain…can’t plan too early ahead of time can you?
03/04, 10:52 AM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Jolly good show! Capital idea!
03/04, 12:27 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
I don’t care where they build it – I just want that girl they show with the car!
03/04, 8:49 PM
posted by:
F451
Would Bond drive a four-door?
03/04, 10:07 PM
posted by:
autonut
I think Bond will drive 4 door (wasn’t 7 series par of the course?). I suspect Bond would love to drive between those 2 legs! I would.
03/05, 6:14 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Bond also drove the new Mondeo
03/05, 9:37 AM
posted by:
gilby7
Best-looking “sedan” probably ever. Or, I think so anyway. No way can I afford one, but it’s nice to see some super sleek designs like this and the BMW CS, especially after the hidious and bulbous Porsche Panamera.