Aston Martin Rapide official details: Frankfurt Motor Show
September 16, 2009 by George Skentzos
Following months of teasing and web leaks, Aston Martin has finally released the full details surrounding its latest model – the Rapide.
Representing Aston Martin’s addition to the fledgling luxury four-door coupe market, the Rapide can accommodate up to four adults while offering an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.
As the brand’s first four-door sports car, the Rapide manages to succeed where – arguably – the Porsche Panamera has failed by offering a truly stunning package encapsulating the core values of Power, Beauty and Soul.
Four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to each hand trimmed individual sports seat with a personal heating and air conditioning system.
The luggage compartment features a movable bulkhead allowing access from the rear cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 301 litres to 750 litres.
Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “Rapide is the culmination of the Aston Martin range of sports cars, a car that seals the revival of a truly admired marque. There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use.”
Under the bonnet is Aston Martin’s hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing peak power of 350kW at 6000rpm and 600Nm mated to a specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission as standard, boasting a zero to 100km/h time of just 5.3 seconds.
The Rapide’s weight balance is near perfect with a 51:49 split, with the use of lightweight materials contributing to the projected weight gain of only 190kg over its DB9 stablemate for a kerb weight of 1950kg.
The dynamics have certainly not been compromised with Aston Martin’s bonded aluminium chassis able to withstand 28,000Nm of force twisted through 1 degree – a key element in delivering exceptional dynamic feel despite being 290mm longer than the DB9.
To take full advantage of its extremely rigid platform, the Rapide features Adaptive Damping System (ADS) first seen on the DBS which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics.
“There is a real sense of proportion with this car, akin to a tailored suit; the new double grill gives more presence on the road while the iconic signature side strake has been lengthened through to the rear doors to enhance its lateral proportions in a subtle, yet elegant way. The car’s purity makes it look right from every angle.”
First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network with pricing to be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.
Gorgeous only second to a DBS…..and its practical!
Does in come in gold?
No pictures of the rear seats.
Stunning as always, this is what to expect from Aston Martin. I would take the Rapide over the Panamera anytime.
Porsche;
Take notice….THIS is how it’s done!!
I’m sure Porsche are watching, when have they ever let anyone get in front or stay in front for long?
if they don’t make it in diamond then the arabians aren’t buying it
This is why a panamera is superior-
- its much quicker.
- better build quality
- more economical
- handles a lot better
- much practical
- cheaper
- much better technology
- built on a new, purpose build platform
- better resale
You can see Porsche cars everyday on road but Aston Martin is far rarer and more exclusive than Porsche anyday.
What a crock, Aston Martin build less cars per annum than Porsche because they don’t have the facitilies to produce more, nor the demand, it has nothing to do with exclusivity. That’s like saying Caterham or TVR are exclusive because they can only churn out so many cars from their factory compared to Porsche.
Don’t get me wrong, Astons are nice cars, but I’ll take a Porsche over an Aston any day.
Altezza,
Oh and you know this because? Wait.. You’ve driven BOTH!? AWESOME!
I await your reviews and test drives of both. Please also provide a comparative report of how they both performed on the Nürburgring along with a Video review. Thx.
Sorry, meant to direct that one to Shane….
Shane, I await your response ;)
Aston have never made a better car than porsche…..ever
Porsche spent over a $1bil on this new platform designed from the ground up by the best in the business. The Rapide is just a stretched DB9 which itself is now a old design. As for the V12, its just 2 mondeo v6’s bolted together.
The aston is nice if you’re a show pony but if you want the best then there is no substitute
So Shane, you’ve driven a Vantage and a 911 back to back, have you?
Please fill us in on what it was like. I bow to your awesomeness.
Shane….
Aston have never made a better car than porsche…..ever..
I will argue that one…I would take a DBS over a 911 any day of the week over a 911. Porsche’s are like Mazda 3’s in Perth. Everywhere and boring.
Porsche spent over a $1bil on this new platform designed from the ground up by the best in the business.
$1 Billion doesnt go far these days, just look at the VE. lol… Ok, so it’s a pretty good platform…BUT ITS U-G-L-Y
Did you read the full review from CA?
………………
“Aston Martin’s bonded aluminium chassis able to withstand 28,000Nm of force twisted through 1 degree – a key element in delivering exceptional dynamic feel despite being 290mm longer than the DB9.”
………………
The Rapide is just a stretched DB9 which itself is now a old design.
Define Old? Its still gorgeous. And see above comment
As for the V12, its just 2 mondeo v6’s bolted together.
Do your research first before making blatant comments like the above.
The AM V12 which is originally from the Vanquish was jointly developed by Cosworth and Ford. Yes it shares a common displacement with the Mondeo but it is far from a Mondeo engine. Oh and It’s hand built ;)
The aston is nice if you’re a show pony but if you want the best then there is no substitute
On the contrary, Aston’s IMO are a subtle timeless design, much like the Porsche (though I think Aston’s are a far sexier shape).
Now Lambo’s on the other Hand is you want to point fingers I would deem to be Show Pony style
We are all waiting for your review Shame. Are you fishing or what ?
How old are you boy ?
Also, IMO the porch is not timeless, it is way past its use by date.
Isn,t it just a VW Beetle with a roof chop ?
Now that’s fishing with a meat cleaver.
Looks good but I’d actually get a Panamera on first glance. Need to test drive both…
Anyone saw the preview video of Rapide on Autocar? its rear seats are ridiculously small and cramped, doesn’t look like a comfortable place to be. As a sports car, it’s compromised by weight and size, as a limo, it’s compromised by it’s lack of practicality. Really, there is no practical reason to buy this car at all.
And yet, i absolutely loves it, it is such a gorgeous car, better than maserati 4P, and makes Panamera looks like a pig in terms of design.