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Aston Martin will enter this year's ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race again, and this time the Rapide four-door coupe will form part of the charge alongside a slightly modified V12 Vantage. Speaking about the Rapide's race debut, Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez was optimistic about his car's untested abilities on one of the most gruelling races in the world.

"This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car - it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny," said Bez. "The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009."

As Dr Bez hinted, the car will be in near-standard specification with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed for weight reduction, a re-tuned suspension and slick race track tyres.

Aston Martin will commence Rapide deliveries later this month through its 125 global dealerships.