Tag: rapide

Spy Shots: Aston Martin Rapide S undergoing testing on the ‘Ring

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide S spy shots

Aston Martin Rapide S spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Word on the street is that Aston Martin is developing a faster, more powerful version of its Rapide four-door, a rumor fueled by new spy shots snapped on Germany’s infamous Nürburgring. The camouflaged prototype pictured above appears to pack a revised front end and tail, with larger intakes up front and a lip spoiler and reshaped bumper around back.

Underneath the revised fascias, sources expect to find the 510-horsepower V12 from the DBS to upgrade from the DB9-spec 470-hp mill already in place in the “standard” Rapide. Couple this with carbon-ceramic brakes and revised suspension, and the Rapide S is starting to shape up as a real barnstormer.

In short, if the existing Rapide is a four-door DB9, expect the Rapide S to come in as a four-door DBS – suitable for carrying 007 and not just one, but three Bond girls to their next mission or exotic locale.

Aston Martin Rapide S undergoing testing on the ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: Aston Martin Rapide S undergoing testing on the ‘Ring”

Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

Aston Martin DBS spy shots

Aston Martin DBS spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time we spied the Aston Martin DBS, it was fitted with headlamps similar to those on the four-door Rapide. Now, though, a new DBS prototype has been spotted running the ‘Ring, and in addition to a change of headlamps, other visual modifications are on hand, as well.

As opposed to the older prototypes, this latest DBS has a more sculpted lower front fascia which will likely be what we see on the final production model. We fully expect power to be sourced from the same 510-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 as the current car (not that we’re complaining). But will those Rapide-like headlamps find their way back onto the new car? We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence”

Lagonda crossover reportedly scrapped in favor of Rapide-based sedan

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide – Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin Lagonda hasn’t lacked for four-door models in its history, but its latest efforts have had us all scratching our heads in bewilderment. Instead of badging the Rapide as a Lagonda model, the four-door DB9 derivative has come to market instead. Meanwhile, the Lagonda badge was resurrected for an odd crossover concept that, let’s just say, wasn’t warmly received after its unveiling at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Subsequent reports indicated that the Lagonda concept – reportedly based on a Mercedes platform – was heading back to the drawing boards. Now, the latest reports indicate a different approach. Apparently the crossover has been canned entirely, but that doesn’t mean the dormant half of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd is going back to sleep.

In response to customer complaints that the Rapide was lacking in rear-seat legroom (and it is pretty cramped back there), AML is now reportedly preparing to enlarge the four-door coupe into a more accommodating form that will bear the Lagonda name in the crossover’s stead. Sources place the sedan’s arrival no sooner than four years from now, so you’re long-legged friends will half to wait a while longer to enjoy the rear accommodations in your Aston.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Lagonda crossover reportedly scrapped in favor of Rapide-based sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Lagonda crossover reportedly scrapped in favor of Rapide-based sedan”