The combination of two door sports car technology and four door sedan functionality  makes a unique hybrid. Mecerdes-Benz CLS has been creating an entirely new category of car ─ ‘four door coupé’. The Maserati Quattroporte GT S (boasting 440 horse power) was already materialised then, but sadly met with a less than enthusiatic reception. Porsche launched Panamera in 2009, official addressing this sector of the market. Apart from the highly anticipated Lamboghini Estoque, the recent Rapide is a response from Aston Martin. It was dated way back and even earlier than the Panamera-Rapide concept car ─ which took an appearance in North America International Auto Show 2006. An issue with capital put the project into halt, it was not until 2009 that the manufactured version was exhibited at Frankfurt Auto Show.

The Rapide model is based on DB9, aiming to include the functionality of four doors, allowing four passengers and horse power of 470 horse power. Very few people realize this is not the first four-door model by the label. Aston Martin bought Lagonda (another English car manufacturer) in 1941, and developed the first ever four door model with DB4 as its starting point. With the four liter enginee Lagonda Rapide, the Rapide name is eventually resurrected.

Aston Martin’s Road Car is participating in the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24, after V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. Led by its CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, the team from Gaydon (U.K.) is joining in the competition. The Rapide model participating in this competition is fitted with its original engine, made safer and light-weight; its suspension system is also readjusted. Competing with ‘pure breed’ race cars such as Audi R8, Porsche GT3, Ferrari F430 and BMW M3 GT2, Rapide is recognised as part of the English ‘aristocracy’ auto manufacturer.

Text: BEBOP | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Kimio Ng | Video: THINK SILLY
Update: 23 Jul 2010

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 5,935cc V12
Max Power: 470ps/6,000rpm
Max Torque: 600Nm/5,000rpm
Transmission: ‘Touchtronic 2’  Six-Speed Gearbox
Max Speed: 296km/h

HKD$3,088,000
+852 2366 2017 (MF Jebsen Automotive Limited)

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE
astonmartin.com/thecars/rapide