We test the new Aston Martin Rapide S, putting the revised car through its paces and revealing what's changed from the previous generation.
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gaco1
GREAT CAR
I have to say, when I saw photographs of the changes made to the front grill, I was horrified, but the video footage of the car on the move give a different, more attractive front end and I now think it was a success.
As for that engine, well, it is magnificent! A NA 6.0 L V12 with 550bhp is very impressive, sounds glorious and allows this car to have that dual purpose.
Its by far the best in its class.
ACCobra427
I've covered a lot of miles
I've covered a lot of miles in the DBS, which is a lovely motor with a good solid 'agricultural' manual gearbox which, is my preference in GT cars. Shame the interior, across the range, still looks awful IMO. The dials and buttons have always been a bit of a let down: too many small buttons, poorly laid out and there's something about the dials that has never appealed to me.
The overall architecture of the interior is fantastic, but everythng else could do with a radical overhaul; vents, buttons, dials, steering wheel, stalks etc... everything!
In spite of my criticisms, and having driven every other car in this sector, the DBS still remains my fantasy 'lottery win' daily driver and and maybe the Rapide S should I need to go shopping...in the South of France. There's just something about the big British GT that no other car can replicate.
harf
That is some driving!
And that is some car!
(couldn't they just pop an extra 2-3 inches into the wheelbase though to make it a more realistic saloon?)
You're not stuck in traffic - you are traffic!!
TBC
Read
Never having driven, sat in, or even seen a Rapide, it is difficult to clearly praise or critcise it. However, having read several reports, the common critisism seems to be the lack of space in the rear. This would lead one to believe that the car is marketed at those with a young family, but, at that price point, this market segment, one would assume, is relatively small. As others have pointed out, a longer wheelbase, or better use of interior space could push the Rapide into the 'sporting limo' market, and thus improve sales.
Cyborg
That grill!
Always thought the Rapide was one of the better looking Astons, but not anymore - because of that big gob!
Cyborg
Peter Cavellini
Silver?
Doesn't do it any favours, make the front look ordinary,like a French car?,a dark Blue,Green even would be better.
Peter Cavellini.
jason_recliner
Any brand can cheaply produce a car which can drift
But what's the point? Are buyers in this market looking for oversteer (cheap) or technology and refinement (expensive)?
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