Aston Martin’s upcoming Rapide could be built outside of the UK, a new report finds. The British automaker has reportedly approached several independent car manufacturing and design groups to produce the Rapide — which is scheduled to bow in late 2009.
A source familiar with the situation indicated that a decision could be made within the next few weeks. Current bidders include Pininfarina, Karmann, Magna Steyr of Austria and Valmet, the company that makes the Porsche Boxster.
The proposal received by bidders also revealed that Aston Martin is planning to produce more Rapides than originally predicted. Aston Martin is in its third consecutive year of profitability and sold 7,000 vehicles last year.
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11/23, 12:15 PM
posted by:
Syrax
later, in 2009: “Revealed the Chinese-built Aston Martin Rapide!”
now, seriously…Magna Steyr still make Chrysler products? Cause they might want to fill the void if they’re not.
11/23, 12:38 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
She’s too thin.
11/23, 12:49 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
If it stays within Europe, it *might* be okay.
11/23, 1:01 PM
posted by:
Commodore
She’s hot though.
And so long as its built in Europe (or NA), I am fine with it. Just not in China please?
11/23, 1:55 PM
posted by:
Veda
I’d get this car over the Quattroporte. I wouldn’t care if it’s built in China, despite my comments over manufacturing location, if it’s an Aston they must at least seriously supervise the quality aspect and heck it’ll be cheaper to buy. I wouldn’t mind if that girl is built in China as well…
11/23, 2:38 PM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
i would do her, heck i would do the car too, order dont matter as long as they both let me in the tailpipe.
11/23, 2:40 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Found my enclave!
And I don’t mean my exurb.
11/23, 3:13 PM
posted by:
LP640
Give it to Pininfarina
11/23, 3:42 PM
posted by:
BLISS
nice car…..good idea
11/23, 4:30 PM
posted by:
sharpie
I agree with Veda’s comment above. We all know about the recalls for Chinese Toy etc etc etc. But if the car meets safety standard and up to par in quality, then Made in China it is. I have things at home that are Made in China that I have no complain over.
11/23, 4:43 PM
posted by:
terminator
There’s no comparison between this and the Maserati. The Rapide is supposed to be a reported 350+k when it comes out.
11/23, 5:44 PM
posted by:
LP640
^If that’s true then its in range with the flying spur
11/23, 6:02 PM
posted by:
autonutt
Isn’t the Flying Spur closer to 200K? This would be in competition with Maybach, Bentley Arnage and Rolls Phantom!
11/23, 8:42 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
JJT- No form, all thin
Sharpie- I seriously doubt it. And I seriously doubt it’ll be made in China in the first place. You guys can joke around about it, but in the end it’s going to be Pininfarina or Karmann.
autonutt- Somewhere along those lines. And hey, Aston Martin could pull it all off too. Personally though, I think Aston Martin is going to go for something more sporty than Maybach, Bentley or Rolls Royce, but we’ll see.
11/23, 9:42 PM
posted by:
Veda
They really wouldn’t be able to sell it for more than the Flying Spur. For 350K I’d get a Phantom any day.
11/24, 10:05 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
That lady is getting into the backseat for some serious asspillaging
11/24, 12:20 PM
posted by:
LP640
well if the flying spur is $200k the this rapide is very expensive. I thought it would compete with the flying spur, BMW CS, quattroporte.
11/25, 10:35 PM
posted by:
kool_aje
Fuel-thirst cars are history!
11/26, 11:30 AM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
Pro-drive is an enthusiast company that recognizes the issues with image and building this outside England would be a negative. Building it outside of europe would make this car impossiblle to sell. Even production in U.S. or japan would hurt this cars credit immmensely.
11/26, 11:03 PM
posted by:
buytheredcar
even the 4 door AM looks the same as every AM