What it is: The Rapide is essentially a four-door version of Astons's DB9 two-plus-two coupe.It's a more elegant,less spacious,and more expensive alternative to existing four-door high-performance luxury sedans.
Why it's important:Now that Aston Martin has been sold by Ford to a consortium headed by David Richards od Prodrive,which builds Subaru rally cars among its many ventures,the Rapide gives Aston a fourth model line that should help increase output from 7000 cars annually to 9000.
Platform:The Rapide is built on Aston Martin's VH("vertical horizontal")all-aluminium structure,stretched nearly 10 inches in wheelbase to make room for a piar of adults in back.Overall,the Rapide is 12 inches longer than the DB9.
Powertrain:As it stands,the Rapide will use a version of Aston's 5.9-liter V-12 engine that will put out 473 horsepower,up from the DB9's 444.The show car that was revealead ad Detroit in 2006 also used the DB9's ZF six-speed automatic transmission with pafflde shifters.
Competition:Audi S8,Bentley Flying Spur,Maserati Quattroporte,Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG,Porsche Panamera.
What might go wrong:The likely asking price(more than $200,000)puts the Rapide in highfalutin company,particulary since the Porsche Panamera is reputed to cost as mach as 100large.
Estimated arrival and costs:Keep an eye out for Rapide sometime in 2009,priced at about $220,000.
