The Aston Martin Rapide isn’t slated to hit the market for about another year, but the British automaker has decided to release some new production images of the car’s final design. The Rapide — which is based on Aston Martin’s concept from 2006 — will compete with vehicles like the Porsche Panamera in the ever-growing luxury four-door coupe segment.
As you can see, the production version will be very similar to the concept car, but does swap out quad-air intakes for upper and lower grilles.
The rear of the car has strong family ties to other Aston Martin models, and sports ’smoked’ rear taillights. From the rear view it also appears as though the Rapide will feature either a glass roof or panoramic sunroof, a feature supported by the latest images.
As reportedly recently, the Rapide will be the first ever Aston Martin built outside of the United Kingdom, thanks to a partnership up with Magna Steyr.
Given a strong interest in the Rapide, Aston Martin says it will build between 1,000 and 2,000 units per year, up from an original estimate of 500 or less.
Like Aston’s other models, the Rapide is built on the company’s VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture — the same that underpins the DB9. The Rapide will also borrow its twelve-cylinder powerplant from the DB9, although power will be increased from 450 horsepower to 470. With that power routed through a six-speed transmission — featuring Aston Martin’s Touchtronic control — the Rapide should make the sprint from 0-60 in under five seconds, on its way to a top speed of 180 mph.
Expect to see the Aston Martin Rapide to hit the market sometime during 2010, with a price tag in the $200,000 range.



04/14, 12:18 PM
posted by:
A4
mmm yeah the length is starting to bother me a bit, its a gorgeous car, just a bit too long looking.
04/14, 12:24 PM
posted by:
sctdiverdown
Nice !
Yes – the length is a little interesting, but i am sure the view from most angles the
car will be stunning …..good job Aston.
Now – lower the price
Yeah right …..
04/14, 12:26 PM
posted by:
rzegatl
A4, does this mean you’ll be pulling your order?
04/14, 12:38 PM
posted by:
Borat
I think I’ll stay with Maserati. They managed 4 door version better.
04/14, 12:41 PM
posted by:
A4
Nah ill keep my 7 of them on order, it’s always nice to have a different one for every day of the week.
04/14, 12:50 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
It’s not that long really. DB9 seems to be a bit short in reality.
04/14, 7:40 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
JUST
RELEASE
THE
DAMN
THING
ALREADY
04/14, 7:52 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Yeah show the Panamera who’s boss.
04/14, 9:31 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
tyler_is_aero_tt,
in terms of price or performance? Because i’m sure the porsche will OWN it in performance. the only thing this will own is the price tag war!!
04/17, 4:54 PM
posted by:
jmayhew
470hp is less than the Panamera’s twin turbo V8. Beauty and grace over power and brute force is Aston’s take on this market segment that’s for sure.