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 and will be available
globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network. Pricing will be
confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.
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 lockto-
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)
Interior
Full grain leather interior
Walnut facia trim
Iridium Silver centre console outer finish and Graphite inner finish
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener (USA and Canada
only)1
Electrically operated front seats
Memory front seats and exterior mirrors (three positions)
Dual stage driver and passenger front airbags
Front occupant side airbags
Head protection airbags for front and rear 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 system1,2
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 door locking and boot release
Battery conditioner
Tracking device (UK only)3
Boot mounted umbrella
In Car Entertainment
1000 W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower® technology
Integrated Apple iPod® connector4
USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA)
and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
3.5 mm auxiliary input socket
Options
Cooled front and rear seats
Twin screen rear seat entertainment system with 6-disc DVD player, auxiliary input,
wireless headphones and remote control
Alternative facia trim finishes – Mahogany, Piano Black, Bamboo, Tamo Ash, Birds
Eye Maple, Olive Ash Burl, Double Apex Alloy
Matching wood door trim
Colour-keyed steering wheel
Second glass key
Magnum silver rear lamp infills
Delete model badging
Delete protective tape
20” alloy wheels with graphite finish
20” alloy wheels with polished finish
Alternative brake calliper finish – black, red, silver
Personalised sill plaques
Auto dimming interior rear view mirror with garage door opener (Europe only)
Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)
Tracking device1,3
First aid kit
Ashtray and Cigar Lighter
1Not available in all markets
2Includes Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) in Continental Europe
3Complies with UK Thatcham Category 5 requirements. Excludes subscription.
Standard in UK
4iPod® is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries
Aston Martin Rapide: Design
Instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin, the Rapide assumes its extra doors
gracefully to visually remain every bit a sporting coupe as its sister models. The four
‘swan wing’ doors open up and out at 12 degrees avoiding scuffs and scratches
when parked next to a raised walkway, while serving the dual purpose of allowing
easier access to the front and rear cabin. The opening angle of the doors has been
increased to 70 degrees to allow easy ingress and egress. Front on, the new
polished alloy upper and lower grill adorn the Rapide to give it presence on the road
while the new front lights house a single lens bi-xenon headlight with innovative light
tube sidelights subtly distinguishing the Rapide to other road users.
Adding to the sense of proportion, Rapide’s low roof line combined with uniquely
styled 20” wheels contribute to its sporting stance, and the iconic side strake, housing
the side LED indicators is elongated to meet the rear doors. The pillarless side glass
helps convey Rapide’s coupe lines. The front and rear window choreography has
been designed to permit the absence of a visible B-pillar to unclutter the curve line of
the doors from front to back creating a seamless glass to glass window frame.
Contributing to Rapide’s interior comfort, the side glass will rise up further into the
window seal when the car is driven at speed cancelling out wind noise and the glass
is laminated to improve noise insulation.
Strong rear haunches hint at the power that lies beneath creating the classic
Aston Martin sports car silhouette. The wing mirrors have been specifically designed
to emerge from the door giving the driver optimum visibility through the front corner
glass. At the rear, a practical tailgate provides access to the 301 litre luggage space
flanked by the signature Aston Martin ‘C’ shaped tail lamps each housing 360 LEDs.
Echoing the beauty of the exterior, Rapide’s interior welcomes all occupants to a
exquisitely hand crafted and spacious cabin. To the front, the familiar dashboard and
controls are ergonomically designed to provide the driver with all the information
needed to extract the very best from the car. The Rapide boasts a new front seat
design giving a sporting feel supporting the occupant when driving spiritedly and
providing high levels of comfort during more leisurely journeys. The double-edge
stitch design enhances the visual impact of the seat alluding to the attention to detail
and hand craftsmanship. Heated and optional cooled seats feature with two centrallymounted
rotational dials, one at the front and one at the rear offering fingertip control
to all passengers.
Both rear passengers are treated to their own individual heating and air conditioning
operated independently from the front system. Controlled by a singular rotary dial in
front of a digital display, two directional air vents channel air to the upper body
serving to heat or cool occupants quickly and effectively while air is also channelled
separately to the foot wells. The rear heating and air conditioning can also be
controlled via the rotary dial located between the front seats giving the driver full
control.
Aston Martin engineers chose to integrate an electronic park brake into Rapide
saving space to the side of the seat and creating an uncluttered centre console. A
revised Bluetooth™ microphone is located above the driver’s head improving sound
pick-up from the driver’s voice to give crystal clear conversations.
The long swooping front centre console continues all the way through to the rear
seamlessly linking the front environment to the rear, thus creating a sense of
involvement for the rear passengers. Large storage binnacles set between both the
front and rear seats provide ample space to store CDs, games and keep valuables
from view.
Two individually appointed sports seats form the rear environment of the Rapide.
Aston Martin’s design and engineering team paid special attention to creating a
space that is cosseting giving both passengers an equally sporting feel to that of the
driver while also providing passengers as much forward and side visibility as
possible. Forward visibility has been optimised through intelligent profiling of the
B-pillar and front seats to give occupants a clear view of the road ahead. Despite the
low sleek coupe appearance, adequate leg and head room accommodates adults
and children in comfort.
Rear passengers can benefit from the optional Aston Martin rear entertainment
system; two LCD screens are seamlessly integrated into the back of the front seat
headrests optimally positioned at eye level. A six DVD multi-changer, integrated into
the boot compartment, provides hours of entertainment with sound being delivered
via wireless headphones or through the standard Bang & Olufsen Besound Rapide
audio system, so however long the journey, passengers will be treated to a rich
audio-visual experience. Should the passengers have different taste in entertainment
whether it be a DVD, a games device or simply listening to an MP3 player; the
screens can be operated independently combined with wireless headphones. A
infra-red remote control is supplied to control the video and sound from the comfort of
the seat.
Continuing the successful brand partnership between Bang & Olufsen and
Aston Martin who share similar values in design and craftsmanship; Rapide is fitted
as standard with the 1000 W BeoSound Rapide - a bespoke sound system tailored to
the Rapide. 15 speakers have been optimally located throughout the cabin to deliver
the finest sound quality naturally associated with Bang & Olufsen. The famous
Danish audio specialist’s skilled Tonmeisters worked closely with Aston Martin’s
acoustic engineers during the entire development of Rapide to create a soundstage
that cannot be localised to any particular speaker and delivering notes that are
precise to the instrument played or the vocal sung.
Turning on the BeoSound Rapide, the occupants are greeted with a sense of theatre
as the two Acoustic Lenses rise silently from the dashboard.
Acoustic Lens Technology (ALT) enables a wide (180 degrees) horizontal dispersion
of high frequencies. The technology prevents the loss of critical sound and gives
listeners an improved sense of space. ALT allows sound to be focused within the car
depending on who is inside. In Auto mode, Beosound Rapide uses sensors on the
seatbelts to determine how many people are in the car and their location and will
adjust the soundstage for the optimum sound experience. Manual override options
feature for: Driver, (focus sound solely on the driver) Front (focus on two front
passengers), Rear (two rear passengers) and All Round (all four passengers).
The speaker grills are formed from a single piece of aluminium and integrate
seamlessly into Rapide’s interior dispersing sound equally to all passengers. A
microphone located behind the rear-view mirror continually monitors ambient noise to
adjust volume settings to compensate. The result of this leading technology creates
an unparalleled automotive audio experience.
The two rear seat-backs effortlessly fold flat at the touch of a button to produce an
increased luggage area creating 750 litres of boot space (an additional 449 litres over
when the seats are in the upright position). Well appointed, the boot space is handtrimmed
with a carpet floor and four iridium anodised runners and tread plates.
Increasing the versatility of the rear luggage compartment a divider can be raised or
lowered to create a separate area accessible from the back seats should rear
passengers require access to their luggage during the journey.
For customers with young children, ISOFIX™ attachment points feature as standard
and Aston Martin will be offering approved child seats specifically for the Rapide.
Protecting passengers in the event of an accident, a total of eight airbags are
strategically located throughout the cabin giving peace of mind to all passengers in
all driving conditions. Restraint sensors around the vehicle help Rapide decide not
only which airbag to deploy but also how aggressively depending on the severity of
impact. Seatbelt pretensioners are fitted to both front and rear seats and rear
passengers are protected with individual head protection airbags ensuring that
Rapide is one of the safest sports cars on the road.
The Rapide is built in a new state-of–the-art 23,000 sq. metre manufacturing facility
in Graz, Austria. Utilising the same modern technology as the global headquarters in
Gaydon, England and combining hand-craftsmanship; the Rapide is hand built to
Aston Martin’s usual exacting standards. Customers will be able to visit the facility as
part of the Aston Martin experience where specialists are able to guide and help
customers specify their Rapide with over 2.5 million different combinations of paint,
options and finishes available from Aston Martin’s core options list.
Aston Martin Rapide: Performance
Like all Aston Martins, the Rapide has undergone the marque’s strict and rigorous
testing programme to ensure the required levels of quality, durability, performance
and dynamics are met. Around 50 prototypes were built all designed to be subjected
to the very toughest tests. For example, hot weather testing took place in
Death Valley, USA and Kuwait, Middle East exposing the car to temperatures in
excess of 50 degrees Celsius, while cold weather assessments in Sweden and in a
cold testing chamber saw prototypes subjected to –40 degrees Celsius. High speed
testing was conducted at the famous Nardo proving ground in Italy, while dynamics
were honed at the Nürburgring, Germany where prototypes were relentlessly run for
8,000 km on the Nordschleife to test all components pushing them to the very limits.
The Rapide is a sports car – a thoroughbred which can be enjoyed by four people in
unison. Aston Martin engineers have spent thousands of hours tuning suspension,
throttle maps, tyres, brakes and steering to create a car that, while practical, also
provides a dynamically engaging drive. Despite the extra versatility, the low roof line,
and therefore low centre of gravity, makes Rapide feel like an agile coupe.
Ian Minards, Product Development Director said: “We have learned so much with the
development of the current Aston Martin range, and Rapide has really benefited from
this knowledge. Our prototypes have been so close to production specification that
we are able to really understand the car from very early on in the development
process.
“Rapide is about the journey, and we always intended to combine the ethos of the
DB9 and package it for up to four people in comfort but preserve the excitement of
driving an Aston Martin sports car.”
The front mid-mounted 6.0 litre V12 engine which sits at the heart of Rapide
produces 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm
and 600 Nm (443 lbft) and peak torque at 5000 rpm. The resultant 0-60 mph time is
5.1 seconds (0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds). The engine designed and developed by
Aston Martin engineers at Gaydon, England is hand built in a dedicated facility in
Köln, Germany.
The use of lightweight materials has resulted in the Rapide’s projected weight gaining
only 190 kg over its DB9 sibling delivering a target kerb weight of 1950 kg. This figure
is achieved through the use of Aston Martin’s Vertical / Horizontal (V/H) architecture
– a platform technology derived from the aerospace industry employing aluminium
which is bonded rather than welded to create a lightweight and ultra-stiff chassis.
Despite the Rapide being 290 mm longer than DB9, it was a key objective to
maximise the structural rigidity accounting for the increased length in wheelbase. The
Rapide’s structure would require 28,000 Nm of force to be twisted through 1 degree.
This torsional rigidity is a key element in delivering the excellent dynamic feel by
optimising wheel to road contact and minimising vehicle shake and vibration.
Aside from the front doors and bonnet, all of Rapide’s body panels are new. The front
wings are formed from composite while all four doors and roof are pressed aluminium
and the rear quarter panels are steel.
Ian Minards said: “Dynamically the Rapide feels every bit as agile as the DB9, I have
personally experienced the car being driven at high speed on the Nürburgring, and
was enormously impressed with its capabilities.”
The standard six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission has been calibrated to
ensure that the additional weight of Rapide has had a minimal impact on fuel
economy, emissions and performance.
Derived from the same transaxle unit that was developed for the DB9, the system
has been substantially re-tuned to accommodate driving and handling characteristics
of the Rapide with a final drive ratio of 3.46:1.
System functionality is consistent with that on the DB9, with ‘Park’, ‘Reverse’,
‘Neutral’ and ‘Drive’ modes selected via facia mounted controls.
When in ‘Drive’ mode, pulling either of the leather-trimmed magnesium alloy paddles
mounted on the steering column will activate Touchtronic mode, enabling the driver
to control gear shifts via the paddles. Touchtronic mode is also accessible directly on
engine start-up. Alternatively, the ‘Drive’ mode can be selected at any time by
pressing the ‘D’ control on the centre console, engaging a fully automatic mode
which will select the most appropriate gear for the speed and driving conditions
automatically.
The system also includes a ‘Sport’ mode - activated by a button on the centre
console – which engages a more aggressive gear shift strategy as gear changes feel
sharper and more forceful, engine speed matching on downshifts is more aggressive
and in full automatic mode, upshifts occur at higher speeds.
A new saddle-design fuel tank has been integrated to hold 90.5 litres enabling
Rapide to deliver a range of over 300 miles without reducing the car’s sporting
dynamics and serves the dual purpose of a flat loading space in the luggage
compartment.
Aston Martin Rapide: Control
As the culmination of the Aston Martin range, Aston Martin’s engineers have gained
much experience and learning from the development of the DBS, DB9 and Vantage
range of sports cars – this wealth and breadth of experience has all been channelled
into Rapide to produce a four door with unrivalled sports car characteristics. The
basic ingredients have already been proven: the powerful engine, the lightweight yet
stiff understructure, the honing in the toughest environments around the world and
the exhaust note which is always evocative no matter which model. Applying these
characteristics to Rapide alongside a car which