The first production models have begun to leave the Aston Martin Rapide Plant for delivery.
ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE DELIVERED TO CUSTOMERS
Following the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin is now ready to join the four-door sports car market with its new Rapide.
The first production models have begun to leave the Aston Martin Rapide Plant for delivery to eager customers at 125 showrooms in 34 countries.
The Rapide was first unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show and quickly received the green light in 2007 from shareholders.
In addition to designing an entirely new model, Aston Martin also opened its Aston Martin Rapide Plant (AMRP); a new state-of-the-art facility that combines the latest technology with time-honored craftsmanship.
The AMRP is a center of automotive excellence with its preparation of Rapide's bonded aluminum body frame, the painstaking six-stage painting process where nine coats of paint are applied, making Aston Martin's paint finish the best in class, to the trim shop where highly-skilled craftspeople shape and stitch ten of the finest leather hides to create the Rapide's upholstered interior. The production model, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009 combines high levels of craftsmanship, excellence design, and the performance Aston Martin is known for.
The Rapide provides room for four adults as well as spacious luggage department. It is powered by a hand built 6.0-liter V12 producing 470hp at 6000rpm and 443 lb-ft. torque at 5000rpm.
The power is sent through a six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission, allowing for automatic or manual shifting through column-mounted magnesium paddles. The Rapide is now on sale via Aston Martin's global dealership network.
Technical details
source: eurotuner
