The Aston
Martin Rapide concept was first displayed in prototype form
at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show. The production version was unveiled
at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and despite a few minor changes,
the overall design of the production model has for the most
part replicated the appearance of the original concept.
Unlike previous four-door Aston Martins which have widely been
regarded as failures, the Rapide appears to have a bright future.
Not only has its styling been almost unanimously praised by
both the automotive press and public alike, but the four-door
luxury sports coupe segment into which it is entering is one
which has been noticeably lacking in good looking cars. Take
the Porsche Panamera
for example. About it's only competition in terms of style is
the Maserati
Quattroporte.
Powering the Aston Martin Rapide is a 6.0 litre V12 mounted
in a front-mid position. The engine produces 470 horsepower
@ 6,000 rpm, and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque @ 5,000 rpm. Transmitting
the power to the rear wheels is a 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed
gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system. Top speed
of the Aston Martin Rapide is an estimated 188 mph, while the
0-60 mph sprint takes just 5.1 seconds.
As expected for a vehicle in the luxury four-door coupe market
the interior of the Rapide is trimmed in luxurious materials
and stuffed with the latest technology. Even the entry is special
thanks to the unique 'swan wing' doors which swing slightly
upward when opening.
The Rapide's two rear seats have been positioned to create a
space where passengers feel a part of the driving experience
with clear views to the front and sides. Comfort and support
is supplied in the form of two hand trimmed individual seats
and a personal face-level heating and air conditioning system.
Aiding the practicalities of everyday use, the luggage compartment
features a movable bulkhead to permit 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 of Aston Martin, Dr. Ulrich Bez said of the
car: "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."
Interior equipment and materials:
- Full grain leather interior
- Walnut facia trim
- Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror
- Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror
- Electrically operated front seats
- Memory front seats and exterior mirrors
- Dual stage driver and passenger front airbags
- Front occupant side airbags
- Head protection airbags occupants
- Heated front and rear seats
- Heated rear screen
- Automatic front and rear temperature control
- Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
- LED map lamps and ambient lighting
- Trip computer
- Cruise control
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation
- Bluetooth telephone preparation1
- Satellite radio system (USA only)
- Powerfold exterior mirrors
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring1
- Alarm and immobiliser
- Remote-control central locking and boot release
- Battery conditioner
- Tracking device (UK only)
- Boot mounted umbrella
Similar and related vehicles:
2004 - Maserati Quattroporte
2008 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S
2010 Porsche Panamera
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