Aston Rapide spy shots

22.01.2008 13:00 Auto - Source: Auto Express

British firm is out in the cold with its new four-door supercar.

They're fast workers at Aston Martin! As this picture proves, the firm’s four-door Rapide is speeding through development.

Our spies caught the saloon as it underwent some winter testing. The virtually undisguised prototype shows how similar the production model, due on sale next year, will look to the original concept version, which made its debut at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show.

The sleek Rapide will face stiff competition from Porsche’s forthcoming Panamera when it hits the road. Based on these pictures, however, the Brit has the edge in terms of design.

It shares the look of the firm’s beautiful DB9 coupé, but its longer wheelbase and swooping roofline make room for a second pair of doors. Still, despite the increase in practicality, the short rear overhang and long nose provide the four-door with an elegant profile.

Sporty styling cues include an upswept C-pillar, integrated rear spoiler and diffuser-style bumper, with neat details such as traditional Aston air vents in the front wings. Power will come from the brand’s 6.0-litre V12, which promises incredible performance. The saloon is likely to sprint from 0-60mph in less than six seconds.

The suspension will be tuned to optimise comfort, but the Rapide’s lightweight construction will also help to give excellent handling.

It will be the firm’s first four-door saloon since 1989, when the Lagonda was axed. That model arrived in 1975, but failed to win over buyers.

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