Test drive of the Aston Martin Rapide S | Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide S

Test Drive: Aston Martin Rapide S

"DB9," "Vanquish"andAston Martin's 100th AnniversaryThe new model "Rapide S," commemoratingGeneva Motor ShowatdebutedJun Nishikawa test-drove this four-door Aston, embodying Aston Martin's philosophy, just like the two preceding models.

Text by NISHIKAWA Jun

Aston Martin, You Say...?

Officially, it's Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd.

Once upon a time, until the mid-60s, a four-door saloon called the "Rapide" existed under the "Lagonda" name, another luxury brand.

The four-door Aston Martin "Rapide" inherits its name from that history.

Lagonda Rapide

The Rapide, which debuted in 2010, evolved into the "Rapide S" at this spring's Geneva Motor Show. It's not an additional trim level, but rather a minor model change. Therefore, the basic styling remains entirely unchanged.

Still, the visual impression of significant change likely comes from the dramatically altered front fascia.

Aston Martin Rapide S

Aston Martin Rapide

Design With Purpose

The grille has been significantly enlarged. In terms of impact, I believe it ranks among the highest in Aston Martin's history (the license plate is mounted in the center of the grille).

However, it maintains a refined elegance distinct from the ostentatious "look-at-me" designs prevalent today. For instance, the grille fins are crafted from genuine aluminum, and along with the design featuring indentations at the top corners, it faithfully upholds Aston Martin's tradition.

In fact, this enlarged grille serves a dual purpose beyond its striking design.

It was designed to actively contribute to pedestrian protection. The massive, single-piece aluminum grille is attached to the body by four pins. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, these pins release upon impact, allowing the entire grille to be pushed inward.

In essence, the single grille acts as a buffer, absorbing the impact of a collision.

There was also a "clever solution" beneath the front hood.

Unlike other brands that employ auxiliary systems, such as pop-up hoods using small explosive charges, this design achieves sufficient cushioning space between the aluminum hood and the top of the engine by lowering the engine's mounting position by 19mm compared to the previous model.

Lowering the mounting position of the heavy engine (though Aston's is relatively light for a V12) directly translates to a lower center of gravity.

A lower center of gravity improves handling performance. Furthermore, this method avoids the need for additional complex systems, thus preventing added weight. It's a simple solution, but one that is highly welcomed for a sports car, offering nothing but benefits.

Aston Martin Rapide S

Test Drive: Aston Martin Rapide S (2)

The Body of a Sports Car

And it is precisely this low-mounted engine that is the highlight of the new Rapide S.

Like its predecessor, it features a 6-liter naturally aspirated V12, but its internals and specifications have been thoroughly revised, resulting in a significant performance increase of +81 hp to 558 hp, along with improved fuel efficiency.

The accompanying transmission is a 6-speed automatic called "Touchtronic 2." Despite having a torque converter, it is renowned for its dynamic shifting feel.

Another key feature is the transaxle layout (where the transmission is located above the rear axle), which is essential for a true sports car and contributes to excellent weight distribution.

It's not just the powertrain.

The VH architecture, a well-regarded Aston Martin chassis, has now reached its fourth generation, featuring a hybrid body constructed from aluminum, magnesium alloy, and composites.

With the newly developed engine mounted low within this structure, and coupled with the three-stage electronic adaptive damping system "ADS" (including a new "Track" mode alongside "Normal" and "Sport"), optimized "Touchtronic 2," and stability control DSC, the "four-door Aston Martin" promises an even more serious sports car experience than previous models.

Aston Martin Rapide S

Test Drive: Aston Martin Rapide S (3)

Immersed in the World of Aston Martin

Like other two-door Astons, the Rapide S features doors that open upwards, a mechanism known as "Swan Wing." In the case of the Rapide S, all four doors swing upwards. The sight of all four doors open is quite reminiscent of a supercar.

Carefully minding my head, I slid into the cockpit. The view and the scent were pure British luxury, the full Aston Martin experience.

While the interior design itself hasn't changed dramatically, the abundance of carefully selected materials – veneers, leather hides, aluminum – adorning the cabin makes simply gazing at it a pleasure. To be able to order such customization must surely lead to an even more exquisite feeling...

Pressing the crystal key into the center of the dashboard brought the V12 engine to life with a resounding roar.

The sound was deep and powerful, and sufficiently crisp to stir the driver's emotions. Yet, there were no unpleasant vibrations. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) countermeasures were impeccable.

Aston Martin Rapide S

Test Drive: Aston Martin Rapide S (4)

A Sports Car That Responds Instantly: Aston Martin

The international press drive began in a small village in Catalonia, Spain. As soon as we left the village and reached the open country roads, the results of the evolution were immediately apparent in my hands. The ADS mode was set to "Track" from the start.

The nose responded with remarkable sharpness and immediacy. The engine and front axle moved as one, with a lightness that felt wonderfully connected through the steering wheel. It felt as if I could guide the front half of the car with my hands, a sensation made possible by the front-midship, low-mounted engine.

Not only was it easy to direct the car where I wanted it to go, but the powertrain's response was also naturally quick, allowing me to handle subsequent maneuvers with confidence and ease.

Honestly, I had expected a slight loss of cohesion compared to the two-door models due to the extended wheelbase. However, to my surprise, it felt completely different from the previous model I had driven just before departing. It was as if I could drive it with a feel akin to the new "Vanquish," which was truly remarkable.

The power response from the new AM11 engine was also superb. Even on the narrow winding roads of the Pyrenees, which I was driving for the first time, I was able to push the car to its limits.

And the magnificent exhaust note echoing through the mountains and valleys with every acceleration was simply breathtaking... The symphony of sound and motion truly set the driver's heart alight.

The Rapide S certainly possesses the qualities of a luxury saloon. Cruising at a relaxed pace with the ADS set to "Normal" is also a pleasant experience. The added convenience of two extra doors is undeniable, and it would undoubtedly serve well as a business express. However, the true essence of this car lies in its genuine sporting prowess.