Spy Shot: Aston Martin Rapide (Spy Video Added)
01-22-08, 09:20 PM
#25
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
Aston Martin's Rapide was caught testing on a frozen lake near the Arctic Circle. The heavy snow makes for a nice backdrop. Aston first showed the Rapide concept in 2006 at the Detroit show. (Photo by KGP Photography)
Spy Photos: Aston Martin Rapide
Date posted: 01-22-2008
ARCTIC CIRCLE — Spy photographers got their closest look yet at the Aston Martin Rapide, testing on the ice near the Arctic Circle. Aston designers have stayed remarkably faithful to the Rapide concept that debuted at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, although some changes have apparently been made for the production car.
Thicker side mirrors are now mounted on the A-pillar, replacing the concept's delicate fender-mounted mirrors. The prototype's side fender vent also loses its LED turn indicator to a chrome strip, and the side turn indicator is now placed below the vent as a small marker light. And given the Rapide prototype's early status, the door handles are still temporary up front and non-existent on the rear doors. The side glass is also not fully functional, requiring sliding strips. These features will need to be worked out prior to production.
What this means to you: Nothing like a snow-covered backdrop to show off the Rapide's gorgeous lines. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
Date posted: 01-22-2008
ARCTIC CIRCLE — Spy photographers got their closest look yet at the Aston Martin Rapide, testing on the ice near the Arctic Circle. Aston designers have stayed remarkably faithful to the Rapide concept that debuted at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, although some changes have apparently been made for the production car.
Thicker side mirrors are now mounted on the A-pillar, replacing the concept's delicate fender-mounted mirrors. The prototype's side fender vent also loses its LED turn indicator to a chrome strip, and the side turn indicator is now placed below the vent as a small marker light. And given the Rapide prototype's early status, the door handles are still temporary up front and non-existent on the rear doors. The side glass is also not fully functional, requiring sliding strips. These features will need to be worked out prior to production.
What this means to you: Nothing like a snow-covered backdrop to show off the Rapide's gorgeous lines. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
01-22-08, 09:26 PM
#26
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
Aston Martin Rapide Spied On The Road
Alright, so what's up at Aston Martin? After previous owners Ford unveiled the Rapide Concept two years ago in Detroit, the project was shelved. Now that the new owners have moved in to the Gaydon headquarters, the Rapide was gassed up, then taken out for a winter cruise not even a week later.
We at WCF feel blessed to know that Aston Martin is serious about re-acquainting the public with the Rapide. With a DB9's platform and V12 engine - tuned to 480 horsepower - the Rapide should make a huge dent in the sales of the Audi A7, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS, Mercedes S, and the Porsche Panamera.
Four swan doors, four seats, five meters long, 5.2 seconds to 100 kmh means this car will make your head turn as it blows by you. The Aston Martin Rapide should see production in 2009 for the 2010 model year.
Source: Automedia
Alright, so what's up at Aston Martin? After previous owners Ford unveiled the Rapide Concept two years ago in Detroit, the project was shelved. Now that the new owners have moved in to the Gaydon headquarters, the Rapide was gassed up, then taken out for a winter cruise not even a week later.
We at WCF feel blessed to know that Aston Martin is serious about re-acquainting the public with the Rapide. With a DB9's platform and V12 engine - tuned to 480 horsepower - the Rapide should make a huge dent in the sales of the Audi A7, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS, Mercedes S, and the Porsche Panamera.
Four swan doors, four seats, five meters long, 5.2 seconds to 100 kmh means this car will make your head turn as it blows by you. The Aston Martin Rapide should see production in 2009 for the 2010 model year.
Source: Automedia
01-22-08, 10:33 PM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Stunning. Def. targeted at Panamera. 
01-22-08, 11:00 PM
#29
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
Well, I think based on what we've seen so far, the Rapide is already winning in the looks department vs, the Panamera 
Performance/driving dynamics, we'll see . . .
Performance/driving dynamics, we'll see . . .
01-23-08, 10:33 PM
#30