Aston Martin is set to reveal the four-door four-seater Rapide at the 2009 Frankfurt Motorshow.
First shown in 2006 in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, the Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin’s new shareholders in mid 2007 following the sale of the marque by the Ford Motor Company. In a little over two years, Aston Martin’s design and engineering team have delivered a new car from the ground up. Rapide has been developed from the same platform as the DBS, DB9 and Vantage range.
As Aston’s first production four-door sports car (if you don't count the undoubtedly disgusting Lagonda), a press release says that the "Rapide encapsulates core values of Power, Beauty and Soul; four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to cosseting sports seats both front and rear bestowing occupants with ample accommodation. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers whether they be sports bags or indeed, sets of skis, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere."
The rear of the cabin has been designed with the promise to create space where passengers feel a part of the driving experience. Comfort and support is supplied in the form of two individual seats. Practicalities have been factored into the design - the boot features a moveable bulkhead and both 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.
Powering the Rapide is a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 443 lbft peak torque at 5000 rpm. A six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, integrating steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.
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.
“With Rapide, the entire family can enjoy their Aston Martin together in unison, in an invigorating yet comfortable environment, sitting low, with plenty of visibility from every seat and with new levels of comfort, refinement and entertainment.”
Director of Design, Marek Reichman who led the in-house design team which penned the new car said in a rather flowery way “Like a race horse standing still, you can see its power and elegance, the shape of Rapide‘s rear haunches are muscular conveying the power that lies beneath while its low stance produces a powerful look.
“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.
> Aston Martin Rapide: Specification
> Body
Four door body style with 4 individual seats.
Extruded bonded aluminium VH body structure
Aluminium, magnesium alloy and composite body
Extruded aluminium door side impact beams
Single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights and direction indicators
LED rear lamps and side repeaters
> Engine
All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12
Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
Compression ratio 10.9:1
Max Power 350 kW (470 bhp / 477 PS) at 6000 rpm
Max Torque 600 Nm (443 lb ft) at 5000 rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds; 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.3 seconds
Max Speed 188 mph (303 km/h) (predicted)
> Transmission
Rear mid-mounted ’Touchtronic 2‘ six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system
Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
Limited slip differential
Final Drive Ratio 3.46:1
> Steering
Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
Column tilt and reach adjustment.
> Wheels & tyres
20” alloy wheels
Front Bridgestone Potenza 245/40 R20
Rear Bridgestone Potenza 295/35 R20
> Suspension
Front Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Rear Independent double wishbones with anti- squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
> Brakes
Front Dual cast brake discs 390mm diameter with six piston calipers
Rear Dual cast brake discs 360mm diameter with four piston calipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Positive Torque Control (PTC)
Electronic Park Brake (EPB)
> Dimensions
Length 5019 mm (197.6”)
Width (including mirrors) 2140 mm (84.3”)
Height 1360 mm (53.5”)
Fuel Capacity 90.5 litres
Kerb Weight 1950 kg (target) (4299 lb)
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Paul Green
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