With the development of the Rapide moving into its final stages, Aston Martin decided to released one more photo and more importantly, new details on its Porsche Panamera rivaling sports sedan. On course for a public debut at the Frankfurt Show in September with the first customer cars planned to be delivered in early 2010, the production model differs only in a few minor details compared to the Rapide Concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006.
In its latest press release, the British maker revealed that the much anticipated Rapide will be powered by a version of Aston Martin’s 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 470bhp and 600Nm of torque. Power will be driven to the rear wheels through Aston Martin’s paddle-operated six-speed Touchtronic automatic transmission. While performance figures have yet to be revealed, the British marque claims that early indications are that the four-seater sports sedan will offer ‘class-leading performance and dynamics.’
Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world. It completes the Aston Martin range conveying our established attributes of Power, Beauty and Soul. In 2010 there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of the demands of their lifestyle. The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger.”
“Rapide will exceed expectations to deliver elegance and practicality in a form that will allow driving enjoyment and comfort beyond anything that exists today,” added Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Rapide will exist in a class all of its own, a true Aston Martin with the high performance and dynamic excellence that defines the brand, and a luxurious sporting grand tourer without equal.”
The production version of the Rapide will be the first car in Aston Martin’s history to be built out of Britain as production will be carried out by Magna Steyr at the firm’s Austrian plant in Graz.
