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LONDON, England - The new Aston Martin Rapide S makes its global debut in 2013.
Aside from the extensive design and engineering improvements, the new Rapide S, which replaces the outgoing Rapide, is now even more refined due to its upgraded interior.
ASSERTIVE ‘FACE’
Still recognisable as an Aston Martin, the new Rapide S now boasts an imposing and assertive new “face”, created by the striking new grille.
Image gallery
Imbuing the new car with an even more sporting demeanour, the revised front end design is matched at the back by a new rear deck profile which includes a more pronounced boot lid “flip”. The aerodynamic and aesthetic upgrades both reinforce the sporting nature of the car and work to counteract lift at higher speeds.
Aston Martin chief executive officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The Rapide S is to me, without doubt, the most beautiful four-door sports car on the market today. This is, very clearly, the power of luxury in action.
“The car’s stunning visual appeal is now matched by a much more powerful and yet more efficient engine – our exceptional new AM11 V12 – which increases massively both the excitement and performance potential of the Rapide S."
ENGINE
Changes under the skin are comprehensive, with a version of the new AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0 V12 powerplant delivering unprecedented power and improved in-gear acceleration.
Power from the new engine jumps significantly compared to its predecessor - up by 17%/60kW from 355kW at 6000 rpm to a now very substantial 416kW at 6750rpm.
The power increase shaved 0.3 seconds off its 0-100km/h time, which drops from the 5.2 seconds of the current car to just 4.9 seconds for the new model. Top speed has been increased to 305km/h.
The engine is now more efficient as CO2 emissions drop by 7% from 355g/km to 332g/km, while fuel consumption now stands at 14.4litres/100km (EU combined cycle).
The car benefits from the latest Gen4 iteration of Aston Martin’s hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The system now offers three settings - Normal, Sport and Track, with the character of each being tailored to the nature of Rapide S.
Head of product development at Aston Martin, Ian Minards, explains: “Growing the power in a luxury sports car is all very well, but maximising control and ‘usability’ of that increased power is, just as much, the engineers’ challenge.
“Transmission calibration, ADS refinement, braking capability and engine output optimisation are among the many ‘ingredients’ which the team here at Gaydon have used to create a sports car of unerring quality and excitement.”
It also achieves compliance with the latest European pedestrian protection regulations courtesy of its front grille design. The lowered engine, new bonnet, new front bumper construction and new grille combine to deliver a unique approach to pedestrian impact protection.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
The car boasts a host of luxury- or sports-orientated options, allowing buyers to more precisely tailor the car to their specific style.
Handcrafting is the order of the day in the car with the standard-fit pure glass transmission selector switches in the centre console. However those with a desire for a more sporting ambience in their car can opt for a duotone perforated red and black leather which makes its Aston Martin debut in this car.
The Rapide S will be available to order through the brand’s 146 dealers worldwide next month with prices confirmed closer to the on-sale date.
Aside from the extensive design and engineering improvements, the new Rapide S, which replaces the outgoing Rapide, is now even more refined due to its upgraded interior.
ASSERTIVE ‘FACE’
Still recognisable as an Aston Martin, the new Rapide S now boasts an imposing and assertive new “face”, created by the striking new grille.
Image gallery
Imbuing the new car with an even more sporting demeanour, the revised front end design is matched at the back by a new rear deck profile which includes a more pronounced boot lid “flip”. The aerodynamic and aesthetic upgrades both reinforce the sporting nature of the car and work to counteract lift at higher speeds.
Aston Martin chief executive officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The Rapide S is to me, without doubt, the most beautiful four-door sports car on the market today. This is, very clearly, the power of luxury in action.
“The car’s stunning visual appeal is now matched by a much more powerful and yet more efficient engine – our exceptional new AM11 V12 – which increases massively both the excitement and performance potential of the Rapide S."
ENGINE
Changes under the skin are comprehensive, with a version of the new AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0 V12 powerplant delivering unprecedented power and improved in-gear acceleration.
Power from the new engine jumps significantly compared to its predecessor - up by 17%/60kW from 355kW at 6000 rpm to a now very substantial 416kW at 6750rpm.
The power increase shaved 0.3 seconds off its 0-100km/h time, which drops from the 5.2 seconds of the current car to just 4.9 seconds for the new model. Top speed has been increased to 305km/h.
The engine is now more efficient as CO2 emissions drop by 7% from 355g/km to 332g/km, while fuel consumption now stands at 14.4litres/100km (EU combined cycle).
The car benefits from the latest Gen4 iteration of Aston Martin’s hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The system now offers three settings - Normal, Sport and Track, with the character of each being tailored to the nature of Rapide S.
Head of product development at Aston Martin, Ian Minards, explains: “Growing the power in a luxury sports car is all very well, but maximising control and ‘usability’ of that increased power is, just as much, the engineers’ challenge.
“Transmission calibration, ADS refinement, braking capability and engine output optimisation are among the many ‘ingredients’ which the team here at Gaydon have used to create a sports car of unerring quality and excitement.”
It also achieves compliance with the latest European pedestrian protection regulations courtesy of its front grille design. The lowered engine, new bonnet, new front bumper construction and new grille combine to deliver a unique approach to pedestrian impact protection.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
The car boasts a host of luxury- or sports-orientated options, allowing buyers to more precisely tailor the car to their specific style.
Handcrafting is the order of the day in the car with the standard-fit pure glass transmission selector switches in the centre console. However those with a desire for a more sporting ambience in their car can opt for a duotone perforated red and black leather which makes its Aston Martin debut in this car.
The Rapide S will be available to order through the brand’s 146 dealers worldwide next month with prices confirmed closer to the on-sale date.
