ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE | The Details of Aston's Four-Door Come Further into Focus
ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE | Aston Martin Rapide
The New Generation Four-Door Aston, Finally Debuts
Aston Martin has released detailed photographic data of its new model, the "Rapide," on its online image gallery. Details of the model, scheduled for delivery in early 2010, are now further revealed.
Text by Giraffe
Aston's First Four-Door Model in a Long Time
The Rapide is the production version of the "Rapide Concept" announced at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show, and it marks Aston Martin's first four-door model in quite some time.
The aluminum-bodied car measures 5019mm long, 2140mm wide, and 1360mm high, making it slightly larger than the Panamera. Mounted in the front-mid position of this body is a 5935cc V12 unit, all aluminum, producing a maximum output of 477ps at 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 61.2kgm at 5000rpm.
The engine is handmade, assembled by craftsmen one by one. Performance figures include 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 303km/h.
To optimize weight distribution, the transmission employs a transaxle system. It's a 6-speed automatic "Touchtronic 2" with integrated paddle shifters. Incidentally, the torque tube is made of aluminum, and the propeller shaft is carbon fiber.
Both the exterior and interior are infused with Aston Martin's identity, creating a unique world. As a prime rival to the Porsche Panamera, its arrival is eagerly awaited worldwide.
ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE | Aston Martin Rapide
Body | Length 5019 x Width 2140 x Height 1360mm
Curb Weight | 1950kg
Engine | 5935cc V12
Max Output | 350kW [477ps] / 6000rpm
Max Torque | 600Nm [61.2] / 5000rpm
Drivetrain | FR (Transaxle)
Transmission | 6-speed AT
Suspension | F: Double Wishbone R: Double Wishbone
Tires | F: 245/40 R20 R: 295/35 R20
Top Speed | 303km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 5.3 seconds
BRAND HISTORY
Aston Martin, the British marque, is currently drawing global attention as the coolest sports car brand. Founded in 1914 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, this small company came to bear the Aston Martin name after success in a hill climb event called Aston Clinton, and has since left a brilliant mark on the history of motorsport and sports cars.
Conversely, the company has faced numerous financial crises, each time receiving a helping hand, charting a truly tumultuous course. For example, David Brown, who became owner in 1947, left his name on the sports car "DB2" and the racing machine "DBR1" by leveraging his excellent management skills and engineering acumen. More recently, Ford's sale of its shares to an investment group led by David Richards, founder of Prodrive, is still fresh in memory.
However, Aston Martin has always adhered to crafting sports cars that possess surging power and beautiful styling. The current lineup includes the "V8 Vantage" and "DB9." Furthermore, the "DBS," a new flagship model that will succeed the "Vanquish," is expected to make its debut in Japan in the near future.



