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Aston Martin's super sedan spied

2009-04-02 15:14

     

    Following the Rapide Concept shown at the Detroit Motor Show in 2006, Aston Martin is now coming up with the real machine and is testing the new model at the challenging German Nürburgring.

    Former owner Ford had put the project on hold when they decided to sell the biggest pack of shares.

    After selling this to the group lead by David Richards, one of the first decisions was to revive the project and start developing the production version Rapide. Together with the body, the DB9 will provide its platform and its V12-engine.

    The car is believed to be released in 2010 and will hit a highly competitive market: The Aston Martin Rapide will have to fight against Porsche Panamera, Audi A7 and Mercedes CLS.






     
    Ryan
    4/3/2009 1:35 PM
    There is NO sexier car on this planet than The DB9's in my humble opinion. Even after seeing quite a few Maseratis's and even Lambos(which are also quite inspiring), there is nothing else as pleasing on the senses as the DB9 or even the V8 Vantage thundering past you with that Aston howl..sure there are faster and more powerful cars around, but wow, the sense of fun with these is off the hook..
    Miguel
    4/3/2009 1:06 PM
    The Maserati Quattroporte is this Astons' and Porsche Panameras' natural market rival. Maserati has had a Quattroporte on the market on and off since the early 70's. It's market competitors back in the 70's were the De Tomaso Deuville and if memory serves, an Iso 4 door model as well. Not 100% sure about the Iso though.
    jackey
    4/3/2009 12:35 PM
    I am happy my fellow bloggers can spell !!! I have no problem in writting my comments for you guys to correct..Thanks >
    Anonymous User
    4/3/2009 11:09 AM
    Some people in this thread are proof that you don't need a brain to use a computer!!
    cy
    4/3/2009 10:42 AM
    of all the sports coupe/GT come sedans renditions, this is the best looking
    ExBoyRacer
    4/3/2009 9:25 AM
    Can someone pls steal Jackey's computer? Her "grammer-less" comments are just irritating. Jackey, please, the word "an" only comes before a VOWL, not a consinent. Please get it right now that's school's over.
    UberSushi
    4/3/2009 8:41 AM
    @ Jackey: "AN Complete" ? LOL...shouldn't it be "A complete"? Who are you calling an idiot?
    Shark
    4/3/2009 8:40 AM
    Kobus- No Kobus I havnt but that does not change my mind about how these type of cars remove that special something from the brand. For example take Porsche, everyone knows that all porsches old and new are special, its just something special about the sports brand that is desirable but if you take the cayenne it just doesnt jave it like other porsches. I just dont hold it as a dare I say True Porsche. The same goes for this vehicle, All Astons are special but this one just doesnt tick that right box for me.
    Shark
    4/3/2009 8:35 AM
    Just for the record we are discussing saloons and not Sports/GT's
    KOBUS
    4/3/2009 8:05 AM
    Shark, have you ever even had a tiny look at the history of Aston Martin. This is not their first.
    Nikki
    4/3/2009 7:51 AM
    @ Xavier... Although this article is about "super saloons" Xavier...I am not talking about the Quattroporte (which is incedently the FIRST true super-saloon made. These others are just following suit - Porsche, Aston, Lambo -CLS is NOT, I repeat - NOT a super-saloon). What I am talking about is that beaut of a 3 door Gran Turismo with the gaping mouth...Tell your colleague he needs to go back to Bryanston Viglietti & trade the Q in for one of those...then we'll see how you stare at it the whole day!
    jackey
    4/3/2009 7:33 AM
    @ Anon 3.38 You are an complete IDIOT...Fullcircle !!!
    J van Rensburg
    4/3/2009 6:58 AM
    Is that the Stig driving??
    Anonymous User
    4/3/2009 6:27 AM
    This is nice!!!
    Xavier Miller
    4/3/2009 4:41 AM
    @ Nicky and Jodi. The Maserati Quattroporte GT is awe inspiring? A colleague of mine has one. Look at it for more than 5 minutes and you realize that Pinafarini was having a bad day when they designed it. Performance? Slow, crap handling and awful gearbox. Trust me, it's not a super saloon by a long shot. I agree with you that Aston, Porsche and crew are not doing much to break the mold but what ever they do, it will be a better effort than the Maserati which is the worst car I have ever driven or had to look at every morning.
    Marvin
    4/2/2009 9:56 PM
    This must be what a big Fiat Punto with a boot looks like. No four door or SUV supercars/sportscars for me thank you. This sort of thing will never be a collectable or classic.
    Shark
    4/2/2009 9:56 PM
    Nooooo not Aston too. As hot as this car looks i just cant accept Sports car specialist to start making saloons. First it was Porsche with the Cayenne (Ok Lambo was actually first to do the SUV thing a few decades ago) and now Aston is follwoing suit. Please stop the Panamera and the Rapide. These type of Cars remove that special something when it comes to owning a badge.
    Mohammed
    4/2/2009 4:57 PM
    @ Jody... you need to keep up...there is no longer a Lambo in this sector...
    Daffy
    4/2/2009 4:41 PM
    How can you justify buying a Panamera over this...simply beautiful car, hope the engines will not dissapoint.
    Anonymous User
    4/2/2009 4:29 PM
    where are the out-of-place Lexus parts comparisons?
    Nikki
    4/2/2009 3:46 PM
    @ Jody... I agree wholeheartedly my friend. Saw the Maserati GT this morning in the parking lot in Illovo...That car is simply AWE-INSPIRING! Design, finishes, cabin, prowess...It's in a class of it's own!
    Clinton
    4/2/2009 3:39 PM
    One word... wow!
    Anonymous User
    4/2/2009 3:38 PM
    This can't be true!! There is no BMW model they could have copied. Phone Jackey the BMW policeman ASAP!! (or is that Jack@ss?)
    jody
    4/2/2009 3:32 PM
    i'm getting irritated with designers these days.no one seems to have balls anymore.every car at Porsche looks exactly the same,as well as AUDI,BMW,MERC (no always) and now even ASTON.couldn't they be more daring?yes,it does look good,no doubt.but why must it look the exact same with two extra doors.also this car,in my opinion does not compete with CLS and A7.it competes with PANAMARA,up coming LAMBO,BENTLEY and MASERATTI......now the MASA is king of super saloons.nothing comes close on looks,sound and class...nothing.
    sender
    4/2/2009 3:23 PM
    Splendid. Hasn't seemed to have lost any of its Aston Martin coupe sexyness. If only the Panamera looked half this good, there could be a revolution.

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