GAYDON, England — The pricing strategy for the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide became clearer on Friday with word that the four-door sedan will start at the U.S. equivalent of $232,137.
Aston Martin also said in a statement that it expects to build roughly 2,000 Rapides in the first year of production. Production kicks off early next year, with customer deliveries slated to begin in the second quarter. The automaker said it will take approximately 220 hours to build each car.
The U.K. pricing on the Rapide includes these standard features: a Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system specifically tailored for the Rapide, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and an adaptive damping system.
The closest competitor to the Rapide is the Porsche Panamera Turbo, which starts at $132,600.
Inside Line says: If you're pinching pennies in this recession, the Panamera Turbo appears to be the better deal. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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firstclass says:
01:04 PM, 12/04/2009
Does anyone recall the rather angular Aston Martin Lagonda (1976-90) how far we've come? If there is a market for Sport 4 doors this is the swan to Porsches Ugly duckling. But double_duece is right...how could I pass the DB9 for that cost? My friends can sit comfortably in a luxury SUV. I can make my friends jealous one person at a time in the DB9...it would allow me to bask in their praises longer.
double_duece says:
10:43 AM, 12/04/2009
Hmm...
I mean what is there to say? It's an Aston Martin. It's beautiful. However, I've got to say that even if i had the money, I'm not sure I'd have one over a Panarmera Turbo. No, the Porsche isn't nearly as sexy as the Aston here, but the Rapide just looks like a stretch DB9. That's not a thing, but why not just get a DB9? It's cheaper, has the same engine(though the one in the Rapide will produce more power), and is just as stunning to look at. I just feel like this sedan is a bit of a stretch for Aston Martin. Even from the pics I've seen, the rear seats don't look all that roomy. And I know it's hand-built and they used the best of everything supposedly, but $233,000? I could buy a perfectly good DB9 with plenty of change leftover. And the Panamera Turbo is probably a better performer at a lower price. We'll see how things pan out, but, so far, I'm not sold on the Rapide.