GAYDON, England — The production version of the Aston Martin Rapide remains on course for a public debut in September, the company said, and judging from the first official image, it remains remarkably true to the original 2006 concept.
The four-door Panamera fighter goes into production late this year at a new Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria, with the first customer deliveries slated for early 2010.
Aston said the Rapide "has moved into the final stages of its development program," including endurance testing at the Nürburgring.
The Rapide will be powered by Aston's 6.0-liter V12, delivering 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque and mated to a Touchtronic automatic gearbox.
Chief executive Ulrich Bez said the Rapide "completes the Aston Martin range . . . In 2010, there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports-car customer, regardless of the demands of their lifestyle."
Inside Line says: Development has proceeded at a rapid pace, considering the car didn't receive the final sign-off until after the company changed hands in June 2007. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »