[Horse]

It looks damn good to me.   

+1

[mhh]

Better looking than a Panamera I reckon...

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/237412/

[flamestone]

Better looking than a Panamera I reckon...

Hardly challenging.   

[AshSimmonds]

Annual thread

In 2006, Aston Martin presented the Rapide Concept, a fully functional design study for the first true four-door Aston Martin. Overseen by Aston Martin's Director of Design, Marek Reichman, the Rapide Concept was a stunning exploration of Aston Martin's form language, an experiment in how to encapsulate the company's core values in an elegant four-door sports car. With four full-sized seats and an exceptionally practical amount of luggage space, (accessed via a full sized tailgate) there is more than enough capacity for family holidays, golf trips or as a business express for four adults.

The Rapide was shaped by the desire to create a genuine four-door sports car with few aesthetic compromises, bringing Aston Martin's acclaimed design language to a new market sector. “We wanted to make the most beautiful four-door sports car in the world,” Marek Reichmann stated when the concept debuted.

Underpinning the Rapide is Aston Martin's highly regarded VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, a bonded and extruded aluminium platform that is sufficiently flexible to create a V12-powered four-seater with the strong, flowing proportions that are integral to every Aston Martin.

The production Rapide, has remained remarkably true to the original design concept and has undergone extensive development to ensure it meets the necessary requirements for production. This has included extreme weather testing around the world as well as dynamic performance trials at Aston Martin's new Nürburgring Test Centre. Rapide will be a pure Aston Martin, with the same high levels of performance, handling and dynamics as a V8 Vantage, DB9 or DBS.

Aston Martin's design language has adapted to the four-door format with ease, with signature features like the 'swan wing' doors – rising up as they swing open – facilitating access to the four beautifully trimmed individual seats. The low roofline falls away at the rear to the kicked up tail, with the strong rear haunches flowing over the wheel arches to create a classic Aston Martin silhouette. The iconic side strake has been extended to run through the front doors before blending into the rear door, lending a sense of dynamic thrust to the car's stance.

The Rapide will be powered by Aston Martin's hand built 6.0-litre V12, driving through the rear wheels via the highly responsive Touchtronic 2 transmission. The Rapide’s on-road dynamics and responsiveness will be every bit as impressive as its performance and presence.

http://www.astonmartin.com/eng/thecars/rapide

[mhh]

Showing at Frankfurt next month? (well, it's been 3 years...)


No?  Thought not.   

[AshSimmonds]

Showing at Frankfurt next month? (well, it's been 3 years...)


No?  Thought not.   

Well caradvice say yeah:

Aston Martin’s four-door Rapide, due in showrooms early next year, will be officially unveiled at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/37765/aston-martin-release-images-of-2010-rapide/

[mhh]

Well, I'll eat my words then. 

[CortinaD]

Man I love the Astons, they sure know how to make stunners.

[AshSimmonds]

http://www.diablomotor.com/2009/08/11/aston-martin-rapide-en-directo/

[YSS]

my info is that it will be here next year
i think the rear end is "wrong".  maybe just needs to be lowered but there is something not right about it.

they must be taking some lessons from porsche in the lazy design department.  DB9 is a success so why not make the whole range look like a DB9?




(ash edit: fixed quoting)