With the growth in its chassis, the Rapide is approximately 300 mm
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| Electrochromic roof keeps things airy, yet cool on the inside. (Photo: Aston Martin) |
(11.8 inches) longer than the DB9 for a total length of just over five metres (16.4 feet), making it similar in size to the regular wheelbase Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series. Most of the additional length was added at the car's tail, not to give it a reasonable sized trunk, but to keep it proportional. Other areas of growth include its height and width, both of which have increased by 40 mm (1.6 inches) to - surprise, surprise - keep the proportions balanced. A new addition to the Rapide is a glass panoramic roof in place of traditional alloy, which features two electrochromic panels that provide variable levels of tint from clear to sun-blocking opaque. Inside, expect a beautiful, hand-crafted cabin made with only the finest leathers, woods and carpets money can buy.
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| A late '80s example of the Lagonda sedan - this is the last four-door that Aston Martin made. (Photo: Aston Martin) |
its name suggests, the Rapide will be rapid. Extremely rapid. Power for this high-end sedan will come from the DB9's six-litre quad-cam V12, which has been said to produce up to 480 horsepower, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in around five seconds, with a top speed somewhere in the 290 km/h (180 mph) range. Like the DB9 and Vanquish, the Rapide will benefit from a variable exhaust system that allows it to be quiet in town and when cruising, yet sing its soulful song when spiritedly driven. But don't expect this car to be all motor for straight-line cruising - it's even more about balance.
To keep the car's weight distribution as close to 50:50 as possible
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| Look forward to paddle-shift and push-button gear selection, like the DB9 pictured here. (Photo: Aston Martin) |
for neutral handling, the lightweight motor, mounted mostly behind the front axle in the front-mid position, is offset by a rear-mounted automatic transmission situated behind the rear axle. This is a technique used in many high-end performance cars, such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Maserati 4200 GT, as well as the DB9 and V8 Vantage. The automatic isn't any ordinary gearbox either; modes (drive, reverse and neutral) are selected via push buttons on the dashboard, while the gears are controlled with steering column-mounted paddles. With a performance-tuned program, the Rapide's transmission should provide the driver involvement of a sequential gearbox with the smoothness that luxury car buyers demand.
