As a new model for Aston Martin this year, the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-liter V-12 offering 470 hp and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Touchtronic control helping to deliver sub 5-second 0-60 times. The British hatchback coupe retains classic and beautiful Aston Martin lines but adds two rear doors and room for four passengers. Built on the DB9 architecture and assembled in Graz, Austria, the Rapide is the first Aston Martin built outside the United Kingdom. Features include a Bang & Olufsen sound system, twin DVD screens integrated into the front seats for rear passengers, and countless other luxury and technology options. The Rapide is an exclusive and luxurious four door sports car that will go toe-to-toe with other entries in this segment, most notably the Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte.
2010 model year changes
The Rapide is the first production four-door sports car from the British automaker. All four doors use Aston's 'swan wing' configuration, meaning they slightly open up and out to make entry and exit easy for all occupants. The trunk is large enough to accommodate the belongings of all those passengers -- including skis. Aston Martin didn't sacrifice its sporting heritage in building a sedan. The Rapide has the same hand-built V12 engine found in the Vantage and DB9, capable of 447 hp. The Rapide is capable of reaching 60 mph in about 5 seconds -- not bad for a 4-door.
The Rapide if full of firsts for Aston -- it's also the first car to be designed after the manufacturer was released from Ford Motor Company's orbit in 2007, and it's the first car to be built at Aston's new facility in Austria.
Competitive comparison
Four-door passenger luxury comfort; Aston Martin style; powerful engine
Special features for 2010
The Rapide is a versatile car: the powerful engine and performance handling make it a sports car; the four seats and flexible cargo space make it a practical car; and the refined interior and advanced technology make it a luxury car. It's also an exclusive, largely hand-built car from a storied English auto company, which means a starting price tag near $200,000. That price buys one of the best-performing, most stylish touring cars available.
