Autocar - On board the Aston Rapide

[Merc1]

Autocar's Steve Cropley has been given exclusive access to the Aston Martin Rapide, joining the development team during hot weather testing in Kuwait.

Riding in Aston's DB9-based £150,000 four-door, which is due to go on sale next year, Cropley had an unrivalled opportunity to learn about the new car as it was pounded in temperatures beyond 50 degrees centigrade.

"It was remarkable how good the development car was," says Cropley. "It had a discreet engine note, an absence of rattles,, Alcantara headlining, double-stitched leather and a general aura of luxury.

"From the front passenger's seat the car reminded me a lot of a DB9, mainly because its fascia is so familiar. So are the mechanical bits; the 6.0-litre V12 engine has the same 470bhp output, though the torque and throttle curves are being tweaked to suit saloon users."


Full Story: Autocar - On board the Aston Rapide


Uh oh.....can you say about face? I might end up liking this car after all. To think a production car that looks better than all the concepts that portrayed it.


M

[NarutoRamen]

^^That door opening is really weird. It's not as good looking as the DBS or even the DB9 but it's light-years better than the Panamera.

[The Artist]

wow those doors are wierd..
car is booring though

[Yaz]

Um, where you guys been? That's how Aston Martin's doors open to clear a curb. The only difference is that this one has two more.

Here's a video of the same car spotted in Kuwait:

[NarutoRamen]

Originally Posted by Yaz

Um, where you guys been? That's how Aston Martin's doors open to clear a curb. The only difference is that this one has two more.

It looks fine on the coupe, but just looks odd here. I think the second set of doors opening at that angle give it a more awkward feel.

[ree]

Originally Posted by NarutoRamen

^^That door opening is really weird. It's not as good looking as the DBS or even the DB9 but it's light-years better than the Panamera.

[dr Dunkel]

So, this is how you build a premium saloon... the competition should take note.

[Centurion]

Originally Posted by dr Dunkel

So, this is how you build a premium saloon... the competition should take note.

..........except if they want a car with high usability. I have to admit, the car is breathtaking gorgeous but the rear accommodation is a joke. Look at the legs of the man, it's like he's sitting in a space capsule. It's quite easy to make a car with beautiful proportions, Porsche could have done it too. But the cost can be great with limits on headroom and legroom and cargo space -- peep the boot opening of the Rapide.

That is why the Panamera has a hatch like rear end in order for the car to actually be considered by people who buy normal cars like the S-Class, 7-Series or A8. Aston Martin on the other hand is a niche brand and don't have the pressure of developing a car that will work for the mass. Mercedes has the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class, leaving them with the liberty of developing an CLS with a very low roof. Both the CLS and Rapide are vanity car, stunning and offer a great alternative to people who thought about buying two door car anyway. But as far as the Panamera is concerned, it was built with a different purpose in mind -- to offer a four door alternative to Porsche customers forced seeking a performance sports saloon. It's all a balance between usability and striking proportions. Though I do anticipate the new CLS to be roomier than the Rapide which is undoubtedly the most thrilling four door coupe since the introduction of the CLS. I can already picture a nice portion of the London bankers trading in their Bentley CGT and DB9 for a Rapide. Very exciting car that might not be for everybody but will be everything to someone.

[PanterroR]

In terms of looks - this car puts Panamera to shame.

[martinbo]

I love those doors - unique and visually arresting. Will cause a stir in any carpark.

Luw, that's one huge guy in the back of that Aston and I'm sure that, whilst he will be more comfortable in the Panamera, it won't be a huge margin. There's a grave misconception that the Panamera has oodles of space in the back seats - that's simple not true. No amount of supposed packaging and engineering benefits can justify the Panamera's discordant hatchback shape.