How has the Aston Martin Rapide changed from prototype concept to production car reality?
There have been a few minor tweaks here and there, but nothing major. At the front, the production car has lost the concept’s quad air intakes, instead making do with a double-decker grille. Down the sides, there’s now a strong crease that runs from the front wing vent through both doors, while the fuel filler cap is now body-coloured rather than chrome. The rear features a redesigned bumper and bootlid, with a chrome strip running between the rear lights to split up the mass of bodywork on the rump. We’ve yet to see inside the Rapide, but from our image you can see the cabin is lifted from the DB9, will be bathed in light from the full-length glass sunroof, while the rear passengers will be kept entertained by televisions in the front headrests. Won’t a big 6.0-litre V12 keep occupants happy? It will do, and we expect around 500bhp and 420lb ft to move this two-tonne aluminium Aston saloon along. Expect the six-speed ZF auto to be standard and a high-power Rapide to follow later. The
