[sujaylahiri]

Originally Posted by BUSA

I dont think its a good idea for a sports car to have four doors. If you want four doors and you want to drive fast, get the Evo. Expect the rear seat legroom to be average.

I think Aston Martin should be concentrating on making something with their own head rather then copy-paste Ford vehicles parts.

Think of it as a cross-breed between a 4 door sport sedan like the Evo and a 2 door GT car like the 612 Scaglietti.
If crossover SUV's (X6, Mazda CX-7 etc.) could be popular, then why not these cars.

[Nitin]

Originally Posted by sujaylahiri

Think of it as a cross-breed between a 4 door sport sedan like the Evo and a 2 door GT car like the 612 Scaglietti.
If crossover SUV's (X6, Mazda CX-7 etc.) could be popular, then why not these cars.

Good point there,sujay.
The whole success of the CX-7/CX-9 and the other crossovers was attributed to a new creation among cars. Same story,get a luxury sedan with a racing car's genes,and presto!! The Rapide is on the road to success.

[MaserQ]

Beautiful creation. For once, who gives a damn whats inside the hood.

[shankar.balan]

check this spy video of the new Aston Martin Four Door Rapide
The name no doubt inspired by the Lagonda Rapide of yesteryears...

Aston Martin Rapide Spy Video

[aaggoswami]

Thanks for the video. This smashing ( IMO ) car will easily win over Maseratti Quatroporte ( sorry if spelling is wrong ).

[Big Daddy]

Pricing?? More than the flying spur??

[Amien]

Since the DB9 is one of my all time favourites i must say i REALLY really like this car and could probably fall in love with it if i keep looking xD

[1Day]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Pricing?? More than the flying spur??

It will be priced around 200-225k in US about 20-50k more than flying which should put it at about 2.25+cr in india.

[f450]

The final car has been revealed. And it looks STUNNING! Well, it looks like a cross between a DB9 and a Quattroporte, but atleast they're both good-looking cars!

Aston Martin Rapide news - - 2009 - BBC Top Gear

[Nitin]

There was an article in last month's edition of Road & Track. Interesting stuff.I'd love to see these sedans on the road!

[ram.west]

[SIZE=2]This is the first official image of Aston Martin’s Rapide, the 180mph-plus (290kph) four-door that will move Aston into saloon car territory for the first time in 20 years. Just like the concept, under the skin is a long-wheelbase version of the DB9’s aluminium platform.
The most noticeable of the styling differences is the exaggerated ‘swage’ line running along the front wing and door. The front apron also features a cleaner look, with a single wide lower air intake.
Aston’s engineers have stretched the DB9’s wheelbase by 255mm. This takes the Rapide’s overall length to within a few millimetres of five metres, the benchmark length for luxury saloons such as the Mercedes S-class.
Despite the swooping roofline, the Rapide is 63mm higher than a DB9, an increase that ensures that the styling retains balance, yet also offers rear head room. The Rapide’s rear is designed to accommodate smaller adults or teenagers, with an individual bucket seat on each side of the centre tunnel. The electric motors for the front power seats have been repackaged to allow passengers to slide their feet underneath.
The Rapide concept was a hatchback and so is the production car, but there is a foldable bulkhead and a parcel shelf where suitcases can be hidden from view for security.
Under the bonnet is a slightly more powerful version of the DB9’s 6.0-litre V12, boosted up to 480bhp. It is mated to a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with Aston’s Touchtronic control.
The Rapide is about 130kg heavier than a DB9, at 1940kg. That might blunt acceleration slightly, but the Rapide will still be capable of more than 180mph and 0-100kph in about 4.5sec.



Article Courtesy: The Hindu- March' 04, 2009
Picture Courtesy: automotive.com
[/SIZE]

[Nitin]

Beautiful! Now this is one classy looking sedan! Compare this with the Lagonda!

[MaserQ]

Beauty. Now with five doors. Makes the Panamera look as interesting as nuts and bolts.

Source: Autocar - Official pic: Aston Martin Rapide

[ac 427]

i think Porsche should look at this. Now thats a way to use 'design influence'.

This is pure art.

AC

[Rotorhead]

wow, thats one beautiful car. Yet another stunner from AM.