Aston Martin Rapide (2009): first official image
 

• There have been a few minor tweaks here and there, but nothing major. At the front, the production car has lost the concept’s quad air intakes, instead making do with a double-decker grille.
• Down the sides, there’s now a strong crease that runs from the front wing vent through both doors, while the fuel filler cap is now body-coloured rather than chrome.
• The rear features a redesigned bumper and bootlid, with a chrome strip running between the rear lights to split up the mass of bodywork on the rump.
• We’ve yet to see inside the Rapide, but from our image you can see the cabin is lifted from the DB9, will be bathed in light from the full-length glass sunroof, while the rear passengers will be kept entertained by televisions in the front headrests.
• It will do, and we expect around 500bhp and 420lb ft to move this two-tonne aluminium Aston saloon along. Expect the six-speed ZF auto to be standard and a high-power Rapide to follow later.
• The Rapide will be the first Aston Martin to be built outside of Britain, with production being carried out by Magna Steyr at its plant in Graz, Austria. We’ll see the Rapide early in 2009, drive it next autumn and the first customer cars should be delivered in 12 months' time. Expect the Rapide to be priced between £130,000-£150,000.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/...idefront34.jpg

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/...eofficiali.jpg

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/...eofficiali.jpg

such a sweet car...

love it

I think the rendering looks even better than the concept, hats off.

In the usual fashion, Aston blows the competition away in the looks dept.

Panamera<<<<<<<<Rapide

Without a doubt! Aston Martin produces some real lookers. The engine note doesn't hurt either.

I just cant get over the fact that it is practically a stretched DB9

Love that the roof is all glass and it just looks awesome. This kills the Panamera but I still wanna see the Estoque(SP?) in final detail...