First Aston Martin Rapide rolls out from Austrian factory

First Aston Martin Rapide rolls out from Austrian factory

The first of the Rapides have rolled out from Magna Steyr’s factory in Austria for delivery to customers. The four-door sports car is set to reach buyers and Aston Martin’s 125 showrooms in 34 countries over the coming weeks.

The Rapide is the first Aston Martin not to be made in England, although Aston promises that the Rapide achieves the “same exacting standards” as its other models from Gaydon. From the preparation of Rapide’s bonded aluminum body frame to the six-stage painting process where nine coats of paint are applied (Aston claims best in class paint finish), it’s all done at Aston’s dedicated area within Magna Steyr’s facilities. The contract manufacturer also takes on other tough projects, like making the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG’s body (Gullwing doors) and the Peugeot RCZ (complicated double bubble roof/rear glass).

The four-seat Rapide is powered by a hand-built 5.9-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp and 600 Nm. It’s paired to a six-speed “Touchtronic 2” automatic transmission with steering column-mounted magnesium paddles. There’s also plenty of luxury in the package, but then this costs £139,950 in the UK, a lot higher than what Porsche charges for the Panamera Turbo (£95,298).

The Rapide will race in the upcoming Nürburgring 24-hour race in “near standard” form, driven by a team of Aston engineers lead by CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez. Click here to see how the race car looks like.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • woaaaaa

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  • feisal on May 10, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    I want 1…. no… I need 1. Need to sleep now to make it happen… sweet dream :-)

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  • The Loner on May 10, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    When will it appear on James Bond’s film?

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  • shawal on May 10, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    Autocar gave dis car 4 and a half star and gave the panamera turbo 3 and a half star. (super bias…, im sure they know d rapide is rubbish in comparison….apart from the looks)

    dis car is overpriced, underpowered, shape and interior is exactly like the 6 year old DB9, and the rear seats is very2 cramp and uncomfortable (watch topgear). plus, the panamera is more economical.

    British journos are very2 bias on this 1, is there any other website (maybe german with english subs) dat i can read a fair review..?

    Im sure the panamera is a better drive on track

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  • torres on May 11, 2010 at 9:38 am

    it’s got something the panamera doesn’t have.. SOUL.

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  • Squawk on May 11, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    Not from Gay-don anymore? That’s sad….

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