ASTON MARTIN has released the first images of its Rapide, the firm’s new super saloon that’s set to go head-to-head with Porsche’s upcoming Panamera.
Although the look of Aston’s new four-door is due to stay true to the original concept car, Rapide designer Marek Reichman insists the production super saloon is “98 per cent different” from the concept.
Obvious alterations include a more muscular stance, cleaner front-end styling and a repositioned front air intake.
The car is based on an extended DB9 chassis. It is 25cm longer than a DB9, so it clears the five-metre long benchmark set by other luxury models such as the Mercedes S Class.
The Rapide will share the DB’s mechanical layout, powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine offering 480bhp. It will use a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with Touchtronic.
It goes from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and top speed is 180mph – impressive for a car weighing 1,940kg.
To accommodate the rear passengers – who Aston describes as small adults – the Rapide has two individual bucket seats, with extra room created under the front seats to offer leg space.