In the recent past, experts almost unanimously predicted the imminent demise of the aristocratic brand Aston Martin. Pessimists assured that the company was too small and would not survive the separation from Ford. But after the brand emerged from under Detroit's wing in 2007, it seemed to gain new strength. The conservative firm unexpectedly turned into one of the most energetic global brands and formed a fairly extensive model range for its level, comprising four positions: V8, DBS, DB9, and Vantage.
Each of these models can be ordered in both coupe and convertible body styles (called Volante in Aston's language). Detractors claim that essentially it is the same car, and all differences are just variations on a theme. Nevertheless, the cars look magnificent and are in demand, if we believe the words of Ulrich Bez, the German engineer who heads Aston Martin.
A couple of years ago, Bez convinced the company's new owners that without a four-door grand tourer, the lineup would be incomplete. After all, it is necessary to give a worthy response to the Porsche Panamera, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, and the same Maserati Quattroporte.
FOUR-SEATER?
Words did not diverge from deeds. At the recent Detroit auto show, the Rapide concept was shown to the public. The warm reception from visitors convinced Aston's management of the correctness of the chosen path. The first production Rapides will reach customers in spring 2010. In anticipation of the official premiere, the British organized a closed presentation of a pre-production example, asking us not to nitpick the build quality. In person, the car turned out to be exactly the same as a few months ago in Detroit: the Rapide is extremely beautiful and consistent with the overall styling of its more aggressive relatives.
In official documents, the Rapide is listed as a four-door car with a tailgate, but the latter looks more like a striking design detail than a practical device for everyday life. The cargo compartment is inferior in capacity even to the glove box of some Mercedes, and the rear seats will comfortably accommodate only kindergarteners.
Simon Barnes, who led the development of the model, does not argue that the interior of the Rapide does not shine with spaciousness, but adds: "But in terms of dynamics, our sedan is not inferior to competitors."
In character, the new Aston Martin is absolutely no worse than the charming DB9, with which the Rapide shares many components and assemblies.
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From the exterior elements, it is clear what a massive job designer Marek Reichman did, fulfilling the assignment of the brand's head Ulrich Bez.
FAMILIAR TECHNOLOGY
Essentially, under this magnificent exterior lies the technical base of the DB9 model, albeit slightly refined. The wheelbase became longer, and the brakes and suspension underwent serious tuning. The chassis retained the classic double-wishbone layout but went through a fine adjustment procedure. The six-liter V12 engine remained unchanged. Even if it is not new, hardly anyone will complain about its power – 470 hp. In our opinion, it should still be paired with a more modern gearbox. The six-speed automatic responds with a delay in dynamic modes. Although, probably, potential buyers, primarily American ones, will not be bothered by this. Of course, if the same Americans today have the funds for a sedan costing 175,000 euros...
WITHOUT EXCESSIVE GLOSS
There are no wooden inserts in the interior: modern British style gravitates toward technological sophistication. Only children will be able to sit comfortably in the back to watch movies on the monitors in the headrests.
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THRUST TO THE CONTINENT
Assembly of the Rapide will be established in Austria, at Magna Steyr facilities, which produces cars for many different brands.
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 | MANUFACTURER'S DATA
ENGINE 5935 cm3, petrol, V12, 477 hp at 6000 rpm, 600 Nm at 5000 rpm TRANSMISSION Automatic, 6 speeds, rear-wheel drive DYNAMICS max speed – 303 km/h, acceleration 0-100 km/h – 5.3 s DIMENSIONS (mm) length – 5019 width – 1930 height – 1360 |