It has been over three years since Aston Martin first previewed its Rapide, ultra-luxury sedan in concept form. And last month, at the Frankfurt auto show, the British automaker finally revealed the production version of the car.
Aston Martin - Rapide
The Aston Martin Rapide concept is a four-door, high performance coupe of remarkable grace and poise. Based on Aston Martin’s unique VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, the Rapide combines the company’s commitment to power, beauty and soul with space and practicality for every eventuality.
Aston Martin - Rapide
The high-strength, low-mass architecture is implemented in all Aston Martins of the current generation, beginning with the DB9 Coupe and flanked by the DB9 Volante and the Vantage.
Aston Martin - Rapide
The Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 horsepower with peak power being delivered at 6,000 rpm and 443 pound-feet of peak torque at 5,000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission allows the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.
Aston Martin - Rapide
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. The four-door will be built in Magna Steyr’s plant located in Graz, Austria.
Aston Martin - Rapide
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.
Aston Martin - Rapide
The first cars will not be delivered to customers until early 2010, with a price tag in the $200,000 range.
Aston Martin - Rapide
Aston Martin - Rapide
