First shown in concept form at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the four-door Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin’s new shareholders following the sale of the marque by Ford. In just over two years, Aston Martin’s design and engineering team delivered a new car from the ground up. Rapide S was created using the supremely flexible VH architecture engineering strategy that also underpinned DBS, DB9 and Vantage. As the marque’s first production four-door sports car – Lagonda models obviously bore a different badge – Rapide and, subsequently, Rapide S represent luxury travel and high performance in perfect harmony.
The boot features a movable bulkhead giving access from the rear compartment while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space.
The Rapide’s engine is a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 producing 550 bhp, driving through a specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission that allows the driver to change gear automatically or manually using the magnesium paddles mounted on the steering column.
