Aston Martin Rapide officially launched at Frankfurt Motor Show

The Rapide was first seen in concept car form at the Detroit Motor Show back in 2006, and the production version unveiled at Frankfurt looks virtually identical to the concept, with only a few design changes. The tiny side intakes in the front bumpers are deleted, while there is now a new swage line across the side of the car.

Design highlights include the 'swan wing' doors, which rise upwards and outwards as they swing open, along with hidden door handles, LED tail lights, dual exhaust tips a boat-tail style rear decklid spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels outfitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires.

Inside, the Rapide is typically Aston Martin luxurious, with leather upholstery, walnut trim, and iridium silver accents. Other features include a rear centre console, automatic climate control, individual seating for four with heating, organic electroluminescent (OEL) instrument displays, and LED interior lighting. In terms of technology, the Rapide has a GPS navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with iPod and USB connections.

The Rapide is actually a hatchback, with a huge tailgate lifting up for access to the cargo area. While the boot space is only 301 litres, it can be expanded to 750 litres by folding down the electrically-powered rear seats.

Under the hood, the Rapide is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces 470bhp and 600Nm of torque. Combined with a six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission that has steering mounted magnesium shift paddles, this enables the Rapide to go from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 303km/h.

The Rapide uses a modified version of Aston Martin's aluminium V/H platform, with an independent double wishbone suspension using coil springs, anti-roll bars and monotube adaptive dampers. The car measures 5019mm in length and 1360mm in height.

According to Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, the "Rapide is the culmination of the Aston Martin range of sports cars, a car that seals the revival of a truly admired marque. There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use." He continued, "With (the) Rapide, the entire family can enjoy their Aston Martin together in unison, in an invigorating yet comfortable environment, sitting low, with plenty of visibility from every seat and with new levels of comfort, refinement and entertainment."