Posted on 08 October 2009 by Scott Hayes
Posted on 18 September 2009 by Scott Hayes
It’s finally here! Aston Martin has at last unveiled the production version of its brand-new four-door sports car, the Rapide, at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Looking virtually identical to the Rapide concept, which debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, the production model blends sexy styling with five-door practicality. Exterior highlights include bi-xenon headlamps (with integrated LED sidelights and direction indicators), clear LED taillights, hidden door handles and 20-inch alloy wheels outfitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires.
Inside, the hatchback boasts a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, walnut trim, and iridium silver accents. Other features include a rear center console, automatic climate control, individual seating for four (with heat), organic electroluminescent (OEL) instrument displays, and LED interior lighting. In the tech department, the Rapide has a GPS navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 1000 Watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with iPod and USB connections. While the Rapide only has a 301-litre luggage capacity, it can be expanded to 750-litres by touching a button that lowers the rear seats.
Power comes from Aston Martin’s 6,0-litre V12 engine which produces 350 kW and 600 N.m of torque. Backed up by a six-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission (with steering column-mounted magnesium paddles), the Rapide accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.3 before hitting an estimated top speed of 303 km/h.
Measuring 5 019 mm long and 1 360 mm high, the Rapide uses a modified version of Aston Martin’s aluminum V/H platform. With an independent double wishbone suspension (with coil springs, anti-roll bars and monotube adaptive dampers), the car should offer a premium ride quality while remaining sporty.
According to CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, the “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.” He continued, “With (the) 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.”
Posted on 18 July 2009 by Scott Hayes