A Rapide That's Special in Every Detail

The Rapide Luxe Edition, a lavish specification of the Aston Martin Rapide, has been revealed on the brand's official website. While the differences may not be immediately apparent compared to the standard Rapide, a closer inspection reveals an exceptionally refined craftsmanship.

Like the standard model, the chassis is equipped with Bridgestone Potenza tires, but the wheels have been updated. The 20-inch alloy wheels feature a 10-spoke design with a polished finish. Additionally, a wide array of body colors are available, including "Concourse Blue" and "Quantum Silver."

In contrast to its understated exterior, the interior exudes an almost excessive level of luxury. The all-leather interior is accented with walnut trim, and both front and rear seats, like the standard model, feature a ventilated specification. The sound system is a Bang & Olufsen audio system boasting a total output of 1000W, with 6.5-inch LCD displays embedded behind the headrests of the front two seats. This rear-seat entertainment system, known as RSE, allows for adjustment of the displays to an optimal viewing height. Other distinguishing features include "RAPIDE LUXE" plates on the side sills and glass surfaces for the main control switches and key. Furthermore, a luxurious luggage set, coordinated with the interior, is also included. It comprises six pieces, including a beauty case and garment bags.

The engine and chassis, among other performance aspects, remain unchanged. Consequently, the 6.0-liter V12 engine produces 350kW (470ps) at 6000rpm and 600Nm (61.2kgm) at 5000rpm. Mated to a 6-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 303 km/h.

Currently, pricing and availability in Japan have not been disclosed.

BRAND HISTORY
Aston Martin, the British marque, is currently drawing global attention as the epitome of cool sports car brands. Founded in 1914 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, the small company adopted the Aston Martin name after achieving success in hill climb competitions known as Aston Clinton. Since then, it has left a brilliant legacy in the history of motorsport and sports cars.

Conversely, the company's financial journey has been fraught with crises, repeatedly requiring external intervention. For instance, David Brown, who became owner in 1947, left his mark with sports cars like the "DB2" and the racing machine "DBR1," named after him, leveraging his exceptional business acumen and engineering prowess. More recently, Ford's sale of its stake to an investment group led by David Richards, founder of Prodrive, is still fresh in memory.

However, Aston Martin has consistently pursued the creation of sports cars embodying potent power and exquisite style throughout its history. The current lineup has expanded to include the "V8 Vantage," the "DB9," and the four-door saloon, the "Rapide."