This past July, RRD founder Roberto Ricci wrote off his Aston Martin Rapide while out for a filmed joyride with Mpora editor Dave White. And post-aftermath, Ricci somehow managed to handle the situation with more amusement than reluctance. The accident occurred after Ricci mistakenly disabled the stability control while goosing it around a banked corner. From what could be seen in the video, it appears the car understeered into a guardrail on an off-ramp while ejecting one of its wheels into a field as part of the collision-which Ricci almost gleefully runs out and retrieves.

The driving segment followed a tour of the RRD manufacturing facilities. The company mostly produces recreational items like surfboards, windsurfers, sails and kites. Interestingly, Ricci didn’t seem all that bothered by the accident and rather happy to be alive instead. I would be too.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: autoblog.nl

Want to buy Aston Martin stock? Well, you might have to wait a little longer. The British company plans to increase sales in emerging markets and will soon start importing cars into China – all the while it keeps its sights on an initial public offering.

“We are still thinking of an IPO,” CEO Ulrich Bez said this week during press conference. “We will be ready for it if the time is right. You need to pick the right window.”

For those of you that don’t remember, Aston Marin was sold by FoMoCo in 2007 to a group of private investors including Kuwait’s Investment Dar Co. in a deal valued at 479 million pounds ($765 million). Aston is now looking at expanding its model range to boost sales in emerging markets.

“We came very late to the party in China,” Michael van der Sande, the company’s chief commercial officer.“We are now taking it much more seriously.”

Aston Martin, which delivered 4,299 units for at the end of fiscal year March 31, expects to sell “a few hundred” vehicles in China in 2011, Bez said.

So when can we expect an IPO? Bez said that Aston is under no pressure from shareholders to carry out an IPO and can finance development without raising funds.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Bloomberg

Earlier this month, Aston Martin announced that the production of its Rapide sedan will be moving Magna Steyr’s plant in Austria to its Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, UK.

Reports now suggest that Aston martin is planning to cut production of the Rapide in order to match output to sales. Production of the Aston Martin Rapide is reported to drop around 25 units a week or 1,250 units a year. Originally, Aton Martin was producing 2,000 Rapide units a year in 2007 and 2008.

Sources say that production of the Rapide will drop to 10 units a week as the company adjusts output.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the, Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Three years ago, just before Aston Martin launched the Rapide sedan, it appointed Magna Steyr as a partner to produce the car at its facilities in Austria due to constraints at the company’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, UK. Well, Aston Martin is happy to confirm today that production of its Rapide will move to the company’s Gaydon plant in the second half of 2012.

“In 2008 we had facility restrictions at Gaydon which indicated that production of Rapide at Gaydon would likely compromise production of our other cars,” said Aston CEO Dr Ulrich Bez. “We were not prepared to do this. Now, three years on things are very different – Gaydon is more established, more flexible and more efficient.”

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

The Gaydon plant now has a far larger model mix with 8 models in five variants compared to three model lines in two variants in 2008.

“I would like to place on record our gratitude to Magna Steyr and their team of dedicated employees who have become part of the Aston Martin family in the last few years and met all our requirements and expectations,” Bez said.

The Aston Martin Rapide said: “I’m coming home, I’m coming home; tell the World I’m coming home; Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday; I know my kingdom awaits and they’ve forgiven my mistakes; I’m coming home, I’m coming home. tell the World I’m coming.”

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the, Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Aston Martin Rapide:

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

The current Aston Martin Rapide is by no means a slow car. Powered by a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft, the Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

However, the engineers at the company’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, like to make things go faster and the designers like to add lettering at the end of a model’s nameplate that signifies that “faster.”

To that end, Aston Martin is reportedly working on an Rapide S, which will be a quicker version of the Aston sedan and will carry the DBS’s 510-hp engine, carbon-ceramic brake discs as standard and firmer suspension settings.

The Aston Martin Rapide S will arrive later this year and will obviously carry a nice price bump.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the, Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

2010 Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress

Aston Martin has a big heart and we’re not talking about the engines under the hood of its supercars – we’re talking about the company’s philanthropy. Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez will auction his company Rapide sedan at this year’s annual Bonhams auction at Newport Pagnell, with all proceeds to go to charities that are providing aid to victims of the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan.

“Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan and we at Aston Martin are no exception,” Dr. Bez said. “After many years’ presence in the market and closer ties being forged with the Japanese automotive business in recent projects, we have many friends in the region and we wanted to do something to help.”

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

“The Bonhams Aston Martin Auction seems the perfect platform to encourage the extended Aston Martin family to support this cause, so we have decided to auction my Rapide which I have used in my role as Chief Executive to represent Aston Martin at numerous events in both UK and Europe.”

Aston Martin chassis number F00039 is a UK-spec, right-hand-drive model built in late 2009 exclusively for Dr. Bez. The car has Concours Blue exterior, with an Obsidian Black leather interior stitched in Falcon Grey, and black carpets.

The 2011 Bonhams Aston Martin Auction opens from 9 am on Saturday May 21st at Aston Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the, Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 (overall) World Car of the Year Finalists

The World Car Awards and the New York International Auto Show have announced the top three finalists for the World Performance Car, World Green Car, World Design and World Car of the Year categories.

While winners in all four categories will be named at a press conference at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, April 21 based on the decision of 66 journalists from around the world – we figured we’d go straight to the people and ask them who should win.

Here is a poll and you let us know who YOU think should win in each category.

2011 World Performance Car of the Year Finalists:

2011 World Performance Car of the Year Finalists

2011 World Green Car of the Year Finalists:

2011 World Green Car of the Year Finalists

2011 World Car Design of the Year Finalists:

2011 World Car Design of the Year Finalists

2011 (overall) World Car of the Year Finalists:

- By: Omar Rana

Ferrari 458 Italia - Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2011 New York Auto Show is right around the corner (well press days start on April 21, 2011, but you know how we feel about shows). At the show in New York, a jury of 66 distinguished auto journalists from around the world will name the 2011 World Car Award winners including the 2011 World Car of the Year, 2011 World Performance Car of the Year and the 2011 World Green Car of the Year.

The top three finalists in all categories will be announced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show on March 1st, 2011.

The 2011 World Car of the Year Finalists (Alphabetical Order):

• Audi A1
• Audi A8
• BMW 5 Series
• BMW X3
• Jaguar XJ
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Mercedes-Benz SLS
• Nissan LEAF
• Porsche Cayenne
• Volvo S60 / V60

Click through to see the list of the 2011 World Performance and Green Car of the Year finalists.

The 2011 World Performance Car Finalists (Alphabetical Order):

• Aston Martin Rapide
• Audi RS 5 Coupe
• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
• Ferrari 458 Italia
• Lamborghini Gallardo SUPERLEGGERA
• Mercedes-Benz S63 / CL 63 AMG
• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
• Porsche 911 GT2RS
• Porsche 911 Turbo
• Renault Megane III / Renault Sport

The six 2011 World Green Car finalists (Alphabetical Order):

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition
• Chevrolet Volt
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell
• Nissan LEAF
• smart electric drive

- By: Omar Rana

Aston Martin Rapide 'True Power Should be Shared' Part 2

Last week Aston Martin released a new webisode series titled ‘True Power Should Be Shared’ featuring the Aston Martin Rapide sedan. The automaker today released part 2 of the series, which you can check out after the jump.

Click through for the video.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the, Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Aston Martin Rapide:

Part 2. Aston Martin Rapide. True Power Should Be Shared:

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin has launched a new series of webisodes to promote its new four-door Rapide sedan. Currently, the automaker has just release Part 1 of the series with more to come.

“Shot in Lisbon, Portugal, the films follow a group of agents as they attempt to deliver a precious object, time, to a mystery figure,” Aston Martin said in a press release. “The ethos of the film is said to be based on one of life’s quandaries: the more success you had, the less time you had to share it with the people who mattered.”

The webisode series is Aston Martin’s first foray into the digital campaign medium and is aimed to establish a media presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to reach the company’s fan and customer base which now spans some 39 countries.

You can check it out along with the making of ‘True Power Should Be Shared’ after the jump.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the, Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Aston Martin Rapide:

Part 1. Aston Martin Rapide. True Power Should Be Shared:

Making Of. Aston Martin Rapide. True Power Should Be Shared:

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Most of us read Playboy for the wonderful stories the team of editors at the publication put together… no really, we do (besides the occasional browsing of beautiful ladies features in the magazine).

Either way, Playboy has announced its 2011 Cars of the Year award and here is the final list:

Playboy’s 2011 Cars of the Year:

• Best Hybrid: 2011 Honda CR-Z.
• Best Convertible: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder.
• Best Sports Coupe: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.
• Best Bank for the Buck: 2011 Mazda2.
• Best Sports Sedan: 2011 Aston Martin Rapide.
• Best SUV: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
• Most likely to succeed: 2011 Hyundai Equus.
• Best Plug-in: 2011 Chevrolet Volt.
• … and the 2011 Car of the Year award goes to: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Refresher: Power for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Playboy

Aston Martin Rapide Luxe

We’re not sure how/why but Aston Martin thinks that the Rapide wasn’t luxurious enough so they revealed this new Luxe addition. On the outside, the Aston Martin Rapide Luxe edition is available in a range of exterior colors, a bright finish grille and 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tires.

On the inside, the Rapide Luxe edition comes with custom leather upholstery (shown in red in the pictures), Walnut wood trim, a rear seat entertainment system a 1000 watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, heated/cooled seats, glass swtichgear and a 6-piece luggage set that matches the interior color.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the, Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Aston Martin Rapide Luxe:

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Aston Martin (via autoblog.nl)

Drake with the Aston Martin Rapide

There is no doubt that rappers love having expensive cars in their videos – and that’s why we love watching them. The new 2011 Aston Martin Rapide has made its music video debut in a new song by Rick Ross called ‘Aston Martin Music.’ The song also features none other than new popular artist Drake and Chrisette Michele. You’ll also see the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster along with a classic Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Check out the video after the jump.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the, Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Aston Martin Rapide:

Aston Martin Music by Rick Ross feat. Drake and Chrisette Michele:

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

It’s been a while since Aston Martin has said anything about the relaunch of the Lagonda brand. According to latest reports, Aston Martin has killed plans to build the awkward looking all-wheel-drive Lagonda SUV that made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

What’s the reason? At first you might think it’s probably due to development cost or EU emission standards – but that’s not the case here. Apparently, people hated the Lagonda so much that Aston finally decided against the model.

However, A Lagonda sedan based on the Aston Martin Rapide may find its way to the market. But that won’t happen at least for another four years.

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

Aston Martin is getting ready to launch six new models over the next six years. The models will include a replacement to the DB9 / DBS, Vantage, Rapide as well as new models including the Lagonda and Cygnet.

The Aston Martin DB9 replacement will include a redesigned exterior, fresh interior and an updated V12 engine. Much of the VH structure alloy underpinnings will be upgraded to cut weight and improve stiffness. The next-generation DBS will get more power and a sportier chassis along with a revised interior and a more aggressive exterior. All these changes are expected to be made between 2013 and 2015.

In 2014, Aston will update the Vantage, which is being engineered alongside the DB9. The next Vantage will feature some structural changes to reduce weight. Also in 2014, Aston Martin will push its Lagonda brand. Aston is still pushing its Lagonda SUV concept, which will share its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

Even though the Aston Martin Rapide sedan just made its market debut, Aston is working on the next-generation model, which should arrive in 2016. Aston has ruled out a Lagonda sedan in favor of the Rapide.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Tree falls on Aston Martin Rapide

Joel A. Feder, an expert in social media, is at the MAMA spring rally and happened to witness something very painful.

Last night during a storm that rolled through with hard rain followed by hail knocked down a tree in the parking lot. Unfortunately, the tree happened to land on a brand new Aston Martin Rapide and a Bentley Continental Supersports. While the Supersports got away with no harm done to it, the Rapide faced a smashed windshield, a broken passenger side mirror and a nice dent on the hood.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the, Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Tree falls on Aston Martin Rapide:

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Joel Feder

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin announced today that its new four-door Rapid sedan has started leaving the plant for delivery to the first batch of eagerly awaiting customers.

“Following a warm reception from customers and media observers alike, the Rapide is now set to reach customers and Aston Martin”s 125 showrooms in 34 countries over the coming weeks,” Aston said in a statement.”

The Rapide is on sale now via Aston Martin”s global dealership network. Prices in the United States will start at $199,950, featuring an extensive list of standard equipment including Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system tailored specifically for Rapide, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and Adaptive Damping System.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Kap Shah

Aston Martin has announced that it will return to the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the 5th consecutive year at the 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24 hour Race with it’s new four-door sports sedan – the Aston Martin Rapide.

Aston Martin said that the Rapide will see little changes for the race besides some of the mandatory changes required to compete in the demanding race and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

“This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car ““ it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny, said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team. “The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nurburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009.”

The Aston Martin Rapide race car will see some race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tires designed for track use.

The 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hour Race will take place on May 15/16 2010.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power for the Aston Martin Rapide comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Aston Martin Rapide Race Car:

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana