Aston Martin is preparing to launch a significantly revised version of the Rapide next year, and test work with a semi-disguised mule is now under way at the Nürburgring.
It is believed that the revisions will be topped off with a more powerful version of the V12, most likely derived from the 565bhp unit that powers the new Vanquish.
The aim of the current testing is believed to be to ascertain whether the Rapide’s chassis, brakes and cooling system can cope with the extra power and resultant heat of that unit, or whether it will run a slightly detuned alternative.
The positioning of the camouflage on this test car highlights that the main external changes will be focused on the lights and the front and rear bumpers. The revised Rapide is expected to take styling cues from the recently revealed Vanquish, although it is unlikely to adopt that model’s dramatic rear wing arrangement.
When the new-look Rapide is launched, Aston Martin will subtly reposition how it markets the car. Rather than focusing on the four-door’s credentials as a family car, emphasis is expected to be put on its abilities as a sports car that offers extra space.
Sales of the Rapide have so far fallen well below expectations. They were initially projected at 2000 cars a year but have struggled to meet half that number.
In 2011 Aston announced it was ending six years early an eight-year deal for Magna Steyr to build the car in Austria, bringing production back to its Gaydon headquarters.
The Rapide’s strongest market is currently China, where it accounts for about 60 per cent of the firm’s sales.
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is 100hp per litre too much to ask
At least for marketing reasons I would of thought Cosworth could have squeezed a 100bhp per litre from this V12 to take it past the 600 bhp. This seems to be where the market starts with the crazy numbers Ferrari is generating.
Anyhoo
Are you nuts?
No doubt the six series are beautiful cars but they do not come close to the fit and finish of the Rapide. It would seem that you don't own either.
My understanding is that the
My understanding is that the front end is being modified to meet new pedestrian impact requirements (& that power will go up as noted). I believe that these changes will go to all V12 cars.
We're currently in the market for a Rapide, debating to wait for a new one or to pick up dealer stock as the revised one gets closer. I think the positioning change is right - our comparison was between the Aston, a Ferrari 612 (FF too much of a stretch) and the Maserati Granturismo. The Aston is about the same size as the Ferrari inside but the small rear doors make getting the two small children into their seats much easier.
For me, for the type of GT driving that I'm likely to do with a family aboard, the Aston was the nicest drive.
Why not a BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe?
Its significantly cheaper, its interior its leaques better, is better to drive, and just as good ( if not better) looking. And the M6 GC is set to arrive soon.
Family drive
You are absolutely correct. The Rapide is an exceptional car in every way. The body, the interior are perfect. The nav system is not the best but most phones are better then the cars anyway.
Your kids will love the back seats with the video.
The other cars you mention are certainly cheaper but there is a reason for that. THEY ARE CHEAPER!