Aston Martin: Rapide News
#121
it does look amazing. but AM didnt really try anything new here, except for the risk in adding a new segment. the car wows me because it looks like a signature AM. but NOTHING about it is suprising.
dont get me wrong, i think this is the hottest sedan in existance. but AM is not pushing their own limitations with this one. granted, AM will be laughing all the way to the bank, but all they did, comestically, was slap two door onto their coupe design.
dont get me wrong, i think this is the hottest sedan in existance. but AM is not pushing their own limitations with this one. granted, AM will be laughing all the way to the bank, but all they did, comestically, was slap two door onto their coupe design.
#122
New Aston Martin Rapide revealed
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...ncepts/237412/
Based on a long-wheelbase DB9 chassis and powered by a 480bhp, 6.0-litre V12, the £140k Aston Martin Rapide should slot between the DB9 and DBS in the company’s range. It will have a six-speed ZF auto with Aston’s Touchtronic control.
These CAD images show a production car very faithful to the concept shown at Detroit in 2006.
The exaggerated styling line running along the front wing and door is new, but otherwise the Rapide’s skin follows the handsome, swooping look of the concept, but with crisper shoulders and bonnet creases.
The front apron also features a cleaner look, with a single wide lower air intake. The concept — and prototypes — featured flanking inlets either side of the lower air intake.
Aston’s engineers have stretched the DB9’s wheelbase by 255mm, making the car five metres long, the benchmark for luxury saloons like the Mercedes S-class.
Despite the swooping roofline, the Aston Rapide is 63mm higher than a DB9, an increase that ensures the styling retains its balance, yet also offers practical rear headroom.
The Rapide will be heavier than a DB9, tipping the scales at around 1940kg, a 130kg increase in kerb weight. The extra power should compensate for this, giving it a 0-60mph time of around 4.5secs and top speed of more than 180mph.
The Aston Rapide’s rear cabin is designed to seat a pair of young adults in individual buckets. Access is through rear doors that hinge with a wider version of the swan-neck operation on the front doors.
Aston has created more space under the front seats to allow passengers to slide their feet under the seat base, and enhanced the practicality with a foldable bulkhead and parcel shelf.
Based on a long-wheelbase DB9 chassis and powered by a 480bhp, 6.0-litre V12, the £140k Aston Martin Rapide should slot between the DB9 and DBS in the company’s range. It will have a six-speed ZF auto with Aston’s Touchtronic control.
These CAD images show a production car very faithful to the concept shown at Detroit in 2006.
The exaggerated styling line running along the front wing and door is new, but otherwise the Rapide’s skin follows the handsome, swooping look of the concept, but with crisper shoulders and bonnet creases.
The front apron also features a cleaner look, with a single wide lower air intake. The concept — and prototypes — featured flanking inlets either side of the lower air intake.
Aston’s engineers have stretched the DB9’s wheelbase by 255mm, making the car five metres long, the benchmark for luxury saloons like the Mercedes S-class.
Despite the swooping roofline, the Aston Rapide is 63mm higher than a DB9, an increase that ensures the styling retains its balance, yet also offers practical rear headroom.
The Rapide will be heavier than a DB9, tipping the scales at around 1940kg, a 130kg increase in kerb weight. The extra power should compensate for this, giving it a 0-60mph time of around 4.5secs and top speed of more than 180mph.
The Aston Rapide’s rear cabin is designed to seat a pair of young adults in individual buckets. Access is through rear doors that hinge with a wider version of the swan-neck operation on the front doors.
Aston has created more space under the front seats to allow passengers to slide their feet under the seat base, and enhanced the practicality with a foldable bulkhead and parcel shelf.
#125
#128
Production Aston Martin Rapide Images Leaked
From Autocar via WCF...
What appears here are the first real pictures of the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide, leaked from official sources. A couple of teasers have recently crept up but none as clear as these. Aston Martin could debut the Rapide at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show which kicks off during the first week of March. There isn't much new that can be seen on these shots that we haven't seen before. The dark glass roof is there, the shiny wheels, two tailpipes and side air intakes can all be easily spotted.
Just to recap, the Aston Martin Rapide is a four-door coupe sedan/ saloon which can sit only four people. Its segment is fairly new in that it will compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Porsche Panamera and the upcoming Audi A7. If BMW and Lamborghini do eventually turn concept to metal we will add the CS and Estoque respectively to that growing list. Power sources are not yet known but the new 4.7-litre V8 that powers the V8 Vantage 420 is a strong candidate for the job. It produces 420hp (313kW) and 470Nm.
Manufacturing of the Rapide begins later this year and will peak at 2,000 units a year. The first customer deliveries are expected in early 2010.
Just to recap, the Aston Martin Rapide is a four-door coupe sedan/ saloon which can sit only four people. Its segment is fairly new in that it will compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Porsche Panamera and the upcoming Audi A7. If BMW and Lamborghini do eventually turn concept to metal we will add the CS and Estoque respectively to that growing list. Power sources are not yet known but the new 4.7-litre V8 that powers the V8 Vantage 420 is a strong candidate for the job. It produces 420hp (313kW) and 470Nm.
Manufacturing of the Rapide begins later this year and will peak at 2,000 units a year. The first customer deliveries are expected in early 2010.
#134
I like it, though I'll agree with somebody above, it just looks like a DB9 with two extra doors on it. It sounds like the pics came from a legit source too. It does look nice though, I like fastback style roofs on sedans, and then again its better to stick to what works rather than do what Porsche did with the Panamera. ugh, that one took me by surprise.
#136
it does look amazing. but AM didnt really try anything new here, except for the risk in adding a new segment. the car wows me because it looks like a signature AM. but NOTHING about it is suprising.
dont get me wrong, i think this is the hottest sedan in existance. but AM is not pushing their own limitations with this one. granted, AM will be laughing all the way to the bank, but all they did, comestically, was slap two door onto their coupe design.
dont get me wrong, i think this is the hottest sedan in existance. but AM is not pushing their own limitations with this one. granted, AM will be laughing all the way to the bank, but all they did, comestically, was slap two door onto their coupe design.
Mind you, in Porsche's case, I think they did awful with the Panamera...
#140
the Lambo Estoque too doesen't look so well as the Rapide.
The Maserati Quattroporte GTs rests the best one.
#144
First details released via press release...
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."
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."
#157
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/06...ion-model.html
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 | 19 comments »
<style>.fullpost{display:inline;}</style> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> Who needs spy photographers like Hans Lehmann when you have readers like Car Magazine's Simon Gregg that stumbled upon Aston Martin's all-new Rapide sport sedan sitting in a parking lot without a single trace of camouflage! From what we gather, the test car must be one of the final prototype models of the four-door Aston that is scheduled to be officially revealed to the public at the Frankfurt motorshow in mid-September. The undisguised prototype is finished in a menacing black color with a contrasting red interior.
Poised to take on any top-notch sport sedan including the most powerful variants of the Porsche Panamera, the Rapide will be offered with a 6.0-liter V12 engine that churns out 470bhp and 600Nm of torque. Power will be driven to the rear wheels through a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with Aston's Touchtronic control.
The Rapide that will be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, will begin arriving at Aston Martin showrooms around the world in early 2010. As for prices don't expect anything lower than $200k.
Via: Car Magazine (Photos: Simon Gregg)
<script type="text/javascript">oogle_ad_client = "pub-1597089000639545"; google_ad_host = "pub-1599271086004685"; /* 336x280, created 5/28/08 */ google_ad_slot = "8077557356"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><script>window.google_render_ad()</script><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: inline-table; height: 280px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 336px;"><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: block; height: 280px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 336px;"></ins></ins>
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 | 19 comments »
<style>.fullpost{display:inline;}</style> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> Who needs spy photographers like Hans Lehmann when you have readers like Car Magazine's Simon Gregg that stumbled upon Aston Martin's all-new Rapide sport sedan sitting in a parking lot without a single trace of camouflage! From what we gather, the test car must be one of the final prototype models of the four-door Aston that is scheduled to be officially revealed to the public at the Frankfurt motorshow in mid-September. The undisguised prototype is finished in a menacing black color with a contrasting red interior.
Poised to take on any top-notch sport sedan including the most powerful variants of the Porsche Panamera, the Rapide will be offered with a 6.0-liter V12 engine that churns out 470bhp and 600Nm of torque. Power will be driven to the rear wheels through a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with Aston's Touchtronic control.
The Rapide that will be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, will begin arriving at Aston Martin showrooms around the world in early 2010. As for prices don't expect anything lower than $200k.
Via: Car Magazine (Photos: Simon Gregg)
<script type="text/javascript">oogle_ad_client = "pub-1597089000639545"; google_ad_host = "pub-1599271086004685"; /* 336x280, created 5/28/08 */ google_ad_slot = "8077557356"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><script>window.google_render_ad()</script><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: inline-table; height: 280px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 336px;"><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: block; height: 280px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 336px;"></ins></ins>