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Aston Martin shows Rapide S
January 23, 2013
The Aston Martin Rapide S is set to make its debut with, what the automaker describes as, ‘yet more luxury and yet more power on offer’.
The redesigned Rapide S replaces the Rapide but also adds a number of additions and refinements to the elegant four-seater.
While still recognisable as an Aston, the Rapide S’s most radical change is its new face with its massive new grille. This look was adopted, the carmaker said, to give the new car a more athletic appearance.
At the rear, a new deck profile includes a more pronounced boot lid ‘flip’ as one of the aerodynamic upgrades effected to the Rapide s to counteract lift at higher speeds.
Changes have been made beneath the metal, too – most notably the power upgrade to Aston Martin’s naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12. Power is now up to a useful 410kW at 6750rpm while the peak torque figure has also increased to 620Nm at 5000rpm.
Top speed is a terrifying 306kph and this Rapide should cover the 0 – 100kph sprint in 4.9 seconds.
Faster, more efficient
Despite its performance improvements, the engine is said to be more efficient, too, with Aston Martin claiming a drop in CO2 emissions from 355 to 332g/km.
Other changes ushered in by the Aston team at Gaydon include an Adaptive Damping System, now with three setting and a number of changes to the car’s front end to bring it in line with the latest European pedestrian protection regulations.
Those who would prefer a sportier look should consider ticking the box next to Carbon Exterior Pack on the options list since it adds a front splitter, rear diffuser and a few other bits fashioned from carbon fibre.
Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: ‘The Rapide S is to me, without doubt, the most beautiful four-door sports car on the market today. This is, very clearly, the power of luxury in action.
‘It is a four-door sports car that uniquely combines luxury, style and sporting excitement in Aston Martin’s most flexible and accommodating silhouette.
‘Purity of proportion and exceptional elegance are mixed with truly sensational dynamic performance – this is the four-door sports car in its most versatile form and I am sure our customers around the world are going to love it!’
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