The Aston Martin Rapide is the UK brand’s first four-seater since the 1961 Lagonda Rapide. It will also be the first model built outside its UK plant in the firm’s 95-year history. Aston has chosen Magna Steyr, a specialist car plant in Graz that produces models for BMW and Mercedes. Aston is preparing 240 workers at Magna’s Austrian plant to build up to 2,000 Rapide sedan units a year starting next year.

“Aston have spent the past 16 months replicating their British production operation at their own dedicated factory in Graz, with a small team of Aston specialists training Magna staff, some of whom have traveled to Gaydon for first-hand experience,” reports The Sun.

What’s reason for picking Magna instead of the firm’s Gaydon, Warwickshire plant? Apparently, the Rapide was planned three years ago when there was no prediction of a recession and Gaydon was pumping out cars at full capacity.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power 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.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: The Sun

Making our Mondays just a little brighter, Aston Martin today released a bunch of new images of the 2010 Rapide sedan. We’re just going to end with that since you’re probably already looking at the high-res gallery (posted after the jump).

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power 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.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Kap Shah

Do we really have to introduce this? I mean you guys probably already hit the jump and are already watching the video… so let’s just move forward with a little refresher.

Refresher: Power 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.

Click here to read our original post on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Make the jump for the video.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

- Key Competitors: Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz CLS, upcoming Audi A7.
- Engine: 6.0L V12 producing 470-hp/443 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: Rear mid-mounted Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system.
- Performance: 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds; Top speed of 188 mph.
- Pricing/Availability: TBA/early 2010.

Aston Martin has finally revealed the full production version of the Aston Martin Rapide at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Said to be the “most elegant four-door sports car in the world,” Aston Martin says that the Rapide can carry four adults comfortably.

Aston Martin made it a point to note that the Rapide received the immediate green light for production after the brand was sold to new shareholders by FoMoCo in mid-2007.

Sales of the Aston Martin Rapide will start early next year. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

2009 Frankfurt: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide:

2010 Aston Martin Rapide:

Press Release:

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 lock-to-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

- By: Omar Rana

According to AutoTelegraaf.nl, the much-anticipated Aston Martin Rapide will make its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The publication also posted a couple of new images of the four-door Aston Martin, giving us our first look at the production interior.

Power is expected to come from a V12 engine making 477-hp. 0 to 62 mph will come in under 5 seconds with a top speed of more than 186 mph.

Pricing is expected to come 10 percent to 15 percent higher than the DB9 – meaning we’re looking at 300,000 euros ($424,748 USD).

Aston Martin Rapide (New Images):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl

Before you skip all the details and jump right to the video – we just want to warn you to turn down your volume to avoid listening to loud foreign music (you will hardly hear the sound of the Aston Martin Rapide).

What you see here is some folks spotting the Aston Martin Rapide undergoing hot-weather testing in Kuwait.  Power for the Aston Martin Rapide will come from a hand-built 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp with a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. The engine is mated to Aston’s Touchtronic gearbox.

Check out previous spy shots here and here.

Click through for the video.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoBlog ES (via CarScoop)

Seems like Aston Martin is having a lot of trouble keeping its upcoming four-door Rapide under the covers. Spotted earlier this week hanging out in a parking lot, the Rapide has been caught without any camouflage once again.

This time the Aston Martin Rapide seems to be hanging out at a service area near some trucks.

We’re guess Aston Martin will release all the details shortly – so stay tuned.

Aston Martin Spotted Undisguised (in white):

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Autogespot

No matter how much automakers try to keep their new creations under the cover – they are bound to get released before their launch date. Being all prestige and everything, you would think that Aston Martin would do a little more to keep its latest product a secret prior to its launch date; apparently, not.

A CAR Online reader Simon Gregg recently spotted this totally undisguised Aston Martin Rapide just hanging out. The 470-hp four-door Panamera competitor is scheduled to make a debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Gregg was only able to take shots of the exterior so it seems like we’ll have to wait until Frankfurt to see the inside. Nonetheless, Gregg did get a look inside the Rapide and said “The interior boasts a centre console which runs all the way through to the rear seating area – a strict four seater!”

Spy Shots: Reader catches undisguised Aston Martin Rapide:

Source: CAR

- By: Omar Rana

Don’t get too excited because Aston Martin hasn’t dropped any high-res photos of the four-door Rapide. Nonetheless, Aston did release a single image showing us the side of the Rapide along with a press release that details some of the specs of the four-door sedan.

Under the hood of the Rapide is a hand-built 6.0L V12 engine producing 470-hp with a maximum torque of 443 lb-ft. The engine is mated to Aston’s Touchtronic gearbox. Performance figures of the Rapide have yet to be released.

Aston Martin says that the Rapide will make its debut in late 2009 with the first customer cars due to be delivered in early 2010. Production will take place at the company’s Graz, Austria facility.

Click through for the press release.

Aston Martin Rapide:

Press Release:

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE: THE WORLD’S MOST ELEGANT FOUR-DOOR SPORTS CAR

The Aston Martin Rapide has moved into the final stages of its development programme, on course for a public debut in late 2009, with the first customer cars due to be delivered in early 2010.

First revealed as the Aston Martin Rapide Concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006, the Rapide is one of the most eagerly awaited cars of the year. As Aston Martin’s first true four-door production sports car, the Rapide encapsulates the core values of the brand within an elegant, high-powered sports grand tourer, with four full-sized seats, generous accommodation and luggage space and trademark Aston Martin performance.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world. It completes the Aston Martin range conveying our established attributes of Power, Beauty and Soul.

“In 2010 there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of the demands of their lifestyle. The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger.”

The concept received worldwide acclaim for its design as well as strong expressions of interest from customers. Following the purchase of Aston Martin in June 2007, the production version of the Rapide was approved and development began in earnest. Underpinned by Aston Martin’s VH (Vertical/Horizontal) extruded aluminium architecture, the Rapide retains the elegant, flowing proportions that are integral to every Aston Martin and remains remarkably faithful to the original design study.

The cohesive design language and elegant form of the Rapide ensure it is a perfect complement to the other cars in Aston Martin’s line-up. From the outset, the Rapide was designed with no aesthetic compromise. “We wanted to make the most beautiful four-door sports car in the world,” Aston Martin’s Director of Design Marek Reichman stated when the concept was first shown.

The signature elements of Aston Martin’s design language translate seamlessly to the four-door format, with key features such as the ’swan wing’ doors – rising upwards and outwards as they swing open – facilitating access to the two beautifully trimmed individual rear seats. The bodywork flows effortlessly from front to rear, where a kicked up tail and strong rear shoulders wrap around the wheel arches to create the classic Aston Martin silhouette, enveloping the additional doors, seats for children or two adults on shorter journeys and functional luggage capacity.

Described by Reichman as a lithe ‘long distance runner’, compared to the sprinter-like poise of the V8 Vantage and the muscularity of the DBS, the Rapide’s lines are a master class in maintaining purity of proportion and vision. Detail design is crucial, with Aston Martin’s iconic side strake extended to run through the front doors before blending into the rear door, lending a sense of dynamic thrust to the Rapide’s stance.

The Rapide has been subjected to Aston Martin’s rigorous testing programme including extreme climate testing and dynamic performance trials at the company’s new Nürburgring Test Centre to ensure it will display the brand’s integral high speed abilities. The last stages of endurance testing are now underway with final sign-off expected later this year before a production car is debuted in September.

The Rapide will offer performance purity and the same level of sporting ability as all modern Aston Martins. Powered by a version of Aston Martin’s 6.0 litre V12 engine producing 470bhp and 600Nm of torque and, hand built at the company’s engine facility in Cologne, the Rapide’s rear wheels are driven through a highly responsive Touchtronic gearbox. Performance figures have yet to be revealed, although early indications are that the Rapide will offer class-leading performance and dynamics, alongside new levels of refinement and luxury.

The Rapide will be built at a new production facility in Graz, Austria managed by the acclaimed vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr and co-ordinated by a fully integrated Aston Martin team from the UK. The new production facility is closely modelled on the Gaydon factory and will combine a sophisticated modern production line with the Aston Martin traditional hand-finishing skills, a proud blend of craft processes and attention to detail. The interior will further develop Aston Martin’s skilful use of genuine high quality materials, applied appropriately and effectively to ensure that form always follows function.

“Rapide will exceed expectations to deliver elegance and practicality in a form that will allow driving enjoyment and comfort beyond anything that exists today,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Rapide will exist in a class all of its own, a true Aston Martin with the high performance and dynamic excellence that defines the brand, and a luxurious sporting grand tourer without equal.”

- By: Omar Rana

We saw the first official Aston Martin Rapide renderings last month. Today Aston Martin has dropped another round of official Rapide renderings along with some new details.

According to AutoCar, the Aston Martin Rapide is based on a stretched DB9 wheelbase (by 255mm), making the car 5 meters long – giving it enough room to compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Despite the sloping roofline, the Rapide sits 63mm higher than the DB9 allowing more than enough headroom for the rear-passengers.

Weighing in at 1,940kg, the Rapide will be powered by a 6.0L V12 that produces 480-hp. Mated to a 6-speed automatic with Aston’s Touchtronic paddle shifting, the Rapide will run from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 180 mph.

Sales of the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide will in fall of 2009.

2010 Aston Martin Rapide Renderings:

Source: AutoCar (via WOT)

While the failure of Senate to pass the auto bailout for the Big 3 may be some depressing news to many this morning we’re excited to show your the first official pictures of the upcoming production version of the Aston Martin Rapide.

While these may be pretty basic computer renderings – they are our first look at the production version of the Rapide that will arrive by the summer of next year.

Looks a lot better than its rival – Porsche Panamera; however, we think that Lamborghini did the best job at an uber-luxurious four-door with their Estoque Concept.

Aston Martin Rapide (Production):

Our friends at CAR Magazine have obtained the first official image of the Aston Martin Rapide four-door-sedan; conveniently just days after the launch of the 2010 Porsche Panamera. Although the image is a photo-rendering by Aston Martin, it shows what the final production of the new Rapide will look like.

Couple of cosmetic changes have been made to put the Rapide into production, but nothing major. Power for the Aston Martin Rapide is expected to come from a 6.0L V12 engine that will make close to 500-hp with a maximum torque of 420 lb-ft. It will be mated to Aston’s 6-speed ZF automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

We’ll see the production Aston Martin Rapide early next year with production to begin in late 2009. Pricing is expected to be between £130,000-£150,000.

Source: CAR

While Aston Martin is concentrating on the relaunch of its Lagonda brand, the premium sports car maker is considering a strategic change for its next-generation of sports cars. According to AutoWeek, the DB9 and V8 Vantage models may move upmarket with a higher price tag and lower production volumes.

Basically, Aston Martin wants to charge more for its cars and wants to be more exclusive. It’s testing the market with the new $1.75 million One-77 of which only 77 units will be made. If Aston Martin is basing its decision on how well the One-77 does, we can expect the next round of Aston’s to carry a higher price point since all units of the One-77 have been accounted for.

The Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage replacements are currently in concept stage and are expected to be launched in 2011.

Two options are currently being considered. One is to move the Vantage closer to the DB9 price tag and move the DB9 closer to the $277,000 price tag of the DBS. Another option is to replace the DB9 and the Vantage with one exclusive model. When FoMoCo dropped Aston last year, rumor on the streets was that a mid-engine was in the works for 2011.

Do you think Aston Martin should move upmarket with the way the industry is going right now? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Source: AutoWeek

After departing its way with FoMoCo, Aston Martin has seen the introduction of the new exclusive One-77, completion of the four-door Rapide and the resurrection of the Lagonda brand. With Aston Martin on its side Prodrive has become a serious player in the sports car and racing world.

That $2 million Aston Martin One-77 will enter production late next year. Only 77 units will be made, all of which have been accounted for. Power will come from a 700-hp 7.3L V12.

The Aston Martin Rapide will also arrive in the markets next year. U.S. will get its allocation in spring 2010 with pricing expected to be around $400,000. Aston Martin Rapide will be assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Power will come from a 6.0L V12 engine producing in the excess of 500 horsepower. 0 to 60 mph will take under 5 seconds with a top speed 180 mph.

Lagonda will show its first concept vehicle next year with a production model coming in 2012. A second model is planned for 2012 with pricing rumored to be around $100,000.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Aston Martin announced today that it is reviving the Lagonda marquee. For those of you thinking “what the heck is Lagonda” – get ready for a history lesson. Lagonda was a British car manufacturer purchased by Aston Martin in 1947. Aston Martin didn’t use the ‘Lagonda’ name in its lineup until 1961 when it introduced the Lagonda Rapide, a 4-door GT car. Production lasted until 1964 with only 55 units produced.

So what’s Lagonda going to mean to Aston Martin in 2008? According to Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin the Lagonda name will allow Aston Martin to “develop cars which can have a different character than a sportscar.”

“With Lagonda offering exclusive, luxurious and truly versatile products with high quality and usability and suitable for both existing and emerging markets, I believe we can be present in more than 100 countries in the world,” said Bez.

Bez said that Aston Martin will show Lagonda’s first concept car next year during its 100th birthday with a production model on the market as early as 2012. Bez also said that the Aston Martin Rapide will come to the market next year followed by the project one 77 as the ‘most spectacular Aston Martin ever.’

Press Release:

Aston Martin CEO confirms the revival of the Lagonda Marque

September 01, 2008: Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez has today confirmed his intention to revive the Lagonda marque.

In a statement today he said, “After my eight years with Aston Martin, four with profitability, and 16 months of independence, it’s time to think about a longer term future. Aston Martin is an honest, authentic brand which builds the most beautiful sportscars combining modern technology with craftsmanship. Next year we will launch the four door Rapide sportscar, and this will be followed by the project ‘one 77’, the most spectacular Aston Martin ever. Aston Martins are currently available in 32 countries but we will remain limited in our market penetration by the pure character of our cars – sportscars.

“We have now investigated and concluded that the revival of the Lagonda brand would allow us to develop cars which can have a different character than a sportscar, and therefore offer a perfect synergy. Lagonda will use a unique design language as Aston Martin does. We will take elements of DNA from the past but will be very future orientated as we are with Aston Martin. With Lagonda offering exclusive, luxurious and truly versatile products with high quality and usability and suitable for both existing and emerging markets, I believe we can be present in more than 100 countries in the world.

“In 2009 Lagonda is about to celebrate its 100th birthday and in its centenary year we are confident that we will show the first concept of a car which could be in the market in 2012,” he confirmed.