Aston Martin Rapide at Frankfurt Motor Show
September 17, 2009 by Anthony Crawford
All eyes were on the Aston Martin stand at Frankfurt this year with the unveiling of the much talked about and much praised, Rapide four-door sports sedan.
Adding two extra doors to a DB9, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful coupes in the world, is no easy design job. It had to be seamless; otherwise the car would look out of proportion, which could damage the perception of the model or worse still, the brand itself.
Judging by the smiles on the faces of the world’s media when the circular veil was raised, Aston Martin has nothing to fear.
Head of Aston Martin design Marek Reichmann, has pulled it off, the Rapide can take its rightful place in the brand’s stable, as the most beautiful four-door production sports sedan in the world.
The car was first conceptualised in June 2005, and had to maintain all the brand traits of a low volume, highly exclusive, high performance luxury sports car, but with two additional doors.
Only 2000 cars a year will be produced, ensuring the utmost exclusivity in a rarefied automotive segment.
I asked Mr Reichmann about the benefits of a low volume model such as the Rapide, as opposed to the Porsche Panamera, which is produced in numbers up to 20,000 per year.
“Take the grab handle that you use to get out of the car; its made using two types of different leathers and stitching, that type of attention to detail is just not possible with significantly higher volume luxury cars”
The seats are a design piece in their own right, and are superbly comfortable, front or back.
The Rapide is every bit as much a sports thoroughbred as the rest of its Aston Martin siblings.
There’s a huge 6.0-litre V12 engine under the bonnet, producing 350kW of power and maximum torque of 600Nm at 5000 rpm.
It should be a comfortable car to drive too, with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
No longer will you have leave the kids or dogs behind, Aston Martin has just become family friendly.
Print it: 
Looks stunning, as always.
If you do actually pay any attention at all, you will notice many differences to the other AM models.
God that is stunning, apart from the rear-end which looks abit sad in my eyes. But everything else is typical Aston which means it’s modern and very cool. Very very cool.
Can’t wait for the sports super saloon comparo (this, Quattroporte, Panamera, 760i, S63, S8 etc). It’ll be a pretty good read…
I’d still take the Maser. True 4 door sedan (not one of these hatches that have been endowed with the term GT – what would SAAB be saying???), looks to match or beat anything in it’s class and soemthing about that Ferrari engine under the bonnet…
Looks like the rear doors dont have a very big opening? Did you guys get to sit inside???
I now realise that my previous silly rantings regarding Porsches versus Astons have been foolish and seriously misguided.
All Astons are absolutely beautiful cars, indeed they are a genuine work of art.
This Rapide is a fine example of an engineering masterpiece, from the country that has produced many a fine marquee, with Astons being the top of the line.
( also some mighty fine people have been made in the UK )
I now realise the error of my thinking regarding the sad old Porch, yes they are fast, but that is all they have going for them, and indeed the terrible shape that is the Panamera is destined to be a huge flop and long-lasting embaressment.
Long live Aston Martin, the producer of the finest cars on the planet.
Regards, Shane.
Now now Shane,
I think some of us were just a bit fed up with the fanboy biased Porsche opinion and that you made incorrect assumptions about A-M too.
Sounds like you had driven both and had an intimate understanding of them when in truth, you probably didn’t. Nothing personal- just dont act like a know-it all ;)
I agree with your comments Shane, I love Astons, they are my favourite car on the planet.
Also I am from the UK, so thanks for the nice comments.
Is it possible for Aston Martin to build an ugly car? I doubt it. How they continue to release one beautiful car after another astounds me! Why aren’t some other makers able to do same?
what aobut that one 77? they won’t even let journalist drive it. that sucks
Is that Jeremy Clarkson in the back in this photo?
http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp.....15;416.jpg
Can’t be, he’s not wearing jeans.
Stunning looking car, but look at the rear seats, they look very cramped with a small door opening. I agree with imugli, i’d take maserati 4p as well. Maserati is a proper 4 door limo with more space and i think more stylish too. AM makes beautiful cars, but they are all too similar looking, and i think the design is nearing the point of becoming a bit dull like Porsche design.