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Rapide: Pure Aston Martin
The World’s Most Elegant Four-Door Sports Car
· The most elegant four-door sports car in the world
· Accommodates four adults in luxury and comfort
· Benchmark levels of driver engagement and refinement
· Spacious and functional creating a truly versatile Aston Martin sports car
Gaydon, Warwickshire 15 September 2009. Aston Martin will unveil one of the most
eagerly awaited cars of 2009 at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Rapide,
functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an
engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.
As the marque’s first production four-door sports car, 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.
Rapide’s rear environment has been intelligently packaged 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.
At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine providing effortless power
and torque: Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp
(477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm
(443 lbft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2
automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear
automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.
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 ‘V/H Architecture’ platform
which already forms the backbone to Aston Martin’s critically acclaimed line-up: the
DBS, DB9 and Vantage range.
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 Rapide said: “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.
We are now taking orders for Rapide. Please call for more details!!
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