The first picture showed that the production version will lose the tiny side air intakes on the front bumper that were first shown on the concept version, while the sides pick up a new shunt line that runs almost the entire length of the body. Originating with the 4WheelsNews site, the second picture reveals the rear of the car features what appear to be LED tail lights, dual exhaust tips and a boat-tail type rear decklid spoiler.
According to CAR, where the first image was sourced, the rear of the production Rapide also sports a slightly different bumper and bootlid to the original concept, as well as some unique chrome detailing.
Inside, the Rapide will be almost identical to the DB9 but will differ thanks to more generous rear seats, headrest mounted LCD monitors, and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Under the hood will likely be a 500hp (373kW) V12 engine in a range-topping model and a less powerful V8 unit in a base version. RWD and a six-speed automatic are likely to be the only drivetrain options.
Unfortunately for purists, the Rapide will not be built at Aston's traditional Gaydon plant in England - production of the four-door has been contracted to Magna Steyr who will build the vehicle at its Austrian plant.
Production is expected to start in 2009 for the Rapide, giving it ample time to get into the market against the upcoming Panamera, although rivals like the CLS and Maserati Quattroporte already have a big head start over the new four-door Porsche and Aston Martin.
Reader Comments
Wed Nov 26 2008 7:59 AM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
What a surprise it looks no different than anything else they make.
Wed Nov 26 2008 12:23 PM
Suggs says
Well that comment could be aimed at Porsche as well.
If it isn't broke dont fix it !
Wed Nov 26 2008 2:23 PM
NoNameDenton says
I love this car
Thu Nov 27 2008 4:39 AM
Mike says
One trillion times better than the Panamera. BTW, who cares if all Astons look similar, why would anyone change the most beautifully styled cars so far produced this century?
Thu Nov 27 2008 6:44 AM
Edward says
Agreed!!!! fabulous car!
Thu Nov 27 2008 10:25 AM
james says
honestly, we could be looking at a V8 vantage right now and i wouldn't know the difference. or a db9 (minus the air vents), or a dbs (minus the very slightly different air vents). yes, there is some merit to saying 'if it's not broken then don't fix it' but there's a limit. their entire production line is the same car + or - 2 doors and everyone goes crazy because of their 'elegant' looks. i'm getting sick of the same look. on that note - the one one 7's a big joke
Thu Nov 27 2008 10:28 AM
james says
my mistake: it's the 'one-77' not 'one one 7'
Thu Nov 27 2008 10:34 AM
Suggs says
Well with the ongoing regulation blitz for pedestrian safety means ALL cars are slowly morphing into identikit copies of each other. ( This sint helped when in time i see only 3 or 4 mainstream companies existing. VAG group in europe , an Americain consortium led by GM / Ford , a japanse super company and possibly a Korean one making affordable cars.
Also Aston are producing these cars with whatever development funds they can find down the vack of theie managing Directors sofa so who cares if its the same as the others. Just be happy that cars as emotionally provoking as these exist.
Sat Dec 13 2008 5:44 AM
azlan says
i have a v8 vantage and i was planning on getting a big saloon that i can travel a long way in on business trips and so on, forget bentley and rolls i want this! this is still a drivers car where recent bentleys and rolls arnt for the driver but for the passenger which is great! if you are to be the passenger. thank you aston. again.
Mon Dec 15 2008 3:26 AM
HECTOR says
Looking at this car you realize just by how much Porsche missed the mark with the Panamera (that's not even a word!!!!).
And, yes, the Astons all look so alike only a fan can tell them apart. Then again that can also be said of the 911 and they're both fantastic cars. Except that, apparently, the DB9 shape lends itself to stretching and the 911... not so much.
After seeing the Estoque, however, that's the one I'd take.
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