We were first introduced to the Rapide, in concept form, at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In 2009, production of an exclusive Aston Martin will begin. This sleek four-door, four passenger sedan (the manufacturer calls it a "sportscar") will reach potential buyers around the time the Porsche Panamera will. The Rapide will also rival cars like the
Mercedes-Benz CLS and the
Maserati Quattroporte .Production numbers have been quoted in the 3000-3500 range, making the Rapide a very limited - and likely very expensive - vehicle!This illustration takes the concept design and massages it a bit to make it a bit more "production-ready".
photo: Brenda Priddy & Company