26 Votes

Aston Martin Rapide gets the green light

omarrana submitted on 3/13/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 10:49:56 AM

54 user comments | Category: New Cars | Source: | SOURCE: www.egmcartech.com

After its sale yesterday, the new buyers of Aston Martin are already getting down to business.

The group plans to expand Aston Martin production by more than a quarter in the next 3 years. But the most exciting news is that the four-door Aston Martin Rapide has the green-light for production. CEO, Ulrich Bez, said that the Rapide is going to add another 1,000 to 2,000 cars to its total of 7,000.

The new Aston Martin DBS will be the first model produced by Aston’s new owners followed by the Rapide, adding a total of 7 cars to the Aston Martin range.

In order to take on all this in the next 3 years, Aston Martin will have to expand its factory at Gaydon in Oxfordshire with a new production line.

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Aston Martin Rapide gets the green light

About the Author

I hooked up my accelerator to my brake lights. I hit the gas, people behind me stop, and I'm gone.
— omarrana (View Profile)

User Comments

I want a black 'n tan Rapide.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 11:38:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Love at first sight, I'd say.
Btw it must be Aston Martin without the "e" at the end. Sorry for correcting the author.

Or maybe they show off their Frenchman inside and I just missed the news. Damn, that would be to bad ...
— alchomai (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 11:50:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Obviously, omarrana did not mean to do that, because the TITLE of the article spells Aston Martin correctly.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 4:47:37 PM | | Votes: 0

Note to German, Japanese and Italian car manufacturers:

This is the way you design a four door sedan. This is the new bar from now on and probably into the distant future.

This car will sell, and sell well long beforre the day it launches. It will be the darling of every valet at every club house, fancy dinning establishment, theater, etc., the world over for years. Women will flock to this thing or to the guy who has one. Finally a car that demonstrates what all of you have been trying to accomplish for years: STYLE!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Bez come from BMW?
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 11:51:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Correction, wasn't he fired by BMW?
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 11:53:05 AM | | Votes: 2

Not so fast. This car is a "darling," but its also a quarter million USD. The Germans, Japanese and Italians are already making sporty, elegant and forward-thing sports-sedans.

Mercedes started all this with the CLS and Maserati has the Quattroporte, while Lexus is making advancements as well. And all these cars cost much less.

The real seller will be Aston's former sister, the Jaguar, if they go ahead with the C-XF. This car will cost less and have every bit the styling of the Raptide, and rival its former sister, just as XK is doing with Vantage.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2070103.004/country/ecf/Jaguar/all-new-jaguar-c-xf-concept-revealed
— Allosaur (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2007 2:17:13 AM | | Votes: 1

(forward-thinking sports-sedans)
— Allosaur (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2007 2:18:15 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

For crying out loud

GO BACK TO THE HOSPITAL

THEY GIVE YOU PILLS THERE

HOPEFULLY CYANIDE
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 2:00:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

I hope your joking.
— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 2:06:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

you have got to be kidding right?
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 2:17:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

More importantly, why does everyone feel the need to respond?
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 3:10:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I'm sorry, what?
Globally recognised - of course, by all those design awards they have won...those imaginary ones, like the Lexus award for design excellence, and the international Toyota award for premium off-shoot design excellence.
Please, look at this and tell me a GS looks better.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 5:36:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

Who in there right mind doesn't see a toned down, less bloated 7 series profile in the ls460.

I can't believe people somehow come to the conclusion that this shit is life changing design. I don't want to take away from how good the ls looks, but it's just not revolutionary. It is not life changing, and it is not near the same league as the Aston.

Josh
— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 3:38:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

"Looks nice, but it's nothing near the styling levels of L-Finesse."

I know, it's way beyond!!
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 7:29:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

This car looks amazing. It looks 10 times better than what I've seen from the photos of the Porsche Panamera. This showcases a lot of class, luxury as well as the typical Aston Martin looks. IMO it's definitely a hit, enough said.

-Agent63
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 12:17:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

I've been in love with this car since the day I saw the concept photos. It is stunning.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 1:37:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

This is gorgeous. A DB9 with four doors!

The Panamera has already lost.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 1:50:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

And yet you still defend "LexusKing" (one of seventeen hundred other useless Lexus posters in your militia) when he makes such an outraegeous comment?

Do you think I would ever say the same thing about the A8? Or even AmazingBimmer about the 7 Series?

I just can't understand you.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 4:49:18 PM | | Votes: 0

Will, wouldn't it be better until you test drive both and see them in person?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 4:59:15 PM | | Votes: 3

I did not defend "LexusKing."

Stop trying to lump me in with the people you are targeting. At the end of the day, you people will hate me simply because I drive a Lexus.

Other than that, what did I say? Am I not allowed to like Aston Martin because I like a few Lexuses?

Tragic.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 6:23:54 PM | | Votes: 0

Why do you lump ME in with THEM? Have I not made it clear over the past few days that I am not a hater?

Have I not made it clear that I like the LS, IS and LX?

Have I not made it clear that I have an open mind?

Well, if I haven't, you'd better open yours! Because as of now, you're a lot more biased than yours truly!

I do not "hate" you. Check your reflection. YOU hate ME, because you never take my comments at face value. You always twist them to make it seem like I'm hating on you.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 10:03:03 PM | | Votes: 1

? Trying to flip the script by claiming I'm flipping the script. Mr. Smartypants.

Show me where I'm "biased."
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 10:33:36 PM | | Votes: 1

Porche needs to just start over before they embarass themselves with the Panamera. The best that Porsche fans can even hope for is that it might look like a 4 door 928. From the CGIs and camo'd photos I've seen, they ain't going to be that lucky.
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 3:15:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

helloooooo...thats the whole point of camo...to completely disguise the car before it comes out...so no one can say anything about the Porsche until after they actually reveal a concept of it with out any camo.
— vitalichaconne (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 6:18:20 PM | | Votes: 1

This Aston Martin Rapide beauty is breath taking; very stunning and sporty. I wish I had the money, I would definitely get this Aston Martin Rapide for sure.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 3:20:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I wish I didn't have any of those useless money-flushers we call "kids," because maybe I'd already have an order for one of these!

Just kidding...

Or am I?

LOL!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 4:50:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I disagree. BMW is about building engines. As the name says. Let others think about the wrap, if that's what they can do better. D'accord?
— alchomai (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 6:54:48 AM | | Votes: 3

So is the Aston Martin Rapide is going to compete with the Bentley, Maybach and the RR? No matter who's competiting with, I get the Aston Martin Rapide anyday.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 5:24:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Sevorbeupstry, you must be confuse me with "Lexusmaniac, for I don't bring the Lexus LS in every topic.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 5:25:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

And when you don't, they will, for the sole purpose to make themselves feel "superior" and "smart" in some way.
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 11:02:49 PM | | Votes: 3

if it doesn't come with those televisions than i'm sure as hell not buying it
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 6:21:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

lol
— GTR35 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 11:46:45 PM | | Votes: 2

Looks great.As said many times.Good to see them producing the car.

BTW why don't the BMW come up with a design like this ?CLS...issssh Coupe looking Sedan/A 4 door sedan.
I am sure they will do it better than everyone.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 2:48:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I hope you have both. Who should drive your zoom-zoom-rapid Panamera when your done here? Pure richess is to be found only beyond the horizon.

Sincerely ...
— alchomai (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 6:58:46 AM | | Votes: 1

Lexus has nothing to do with Aston Martin either. Quit dreaming LexusKing.

AND GUYS PLEASE STOP MENTIONING LEXUS IN EVERY THREAD. This has nothing to do with Lexus. Get it through your thick skull moron!
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 10:51:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

You mentioned "Lexus" a total of 4 times in your comment. Do you think you just helped your dilemma?
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 1:22:21 PM | | Votes: 1

I've always thought the Quattroporte dominated this category, but this car is just too amazingly looking to not knock the Maserati off the throne. As long as its performance is just right and we'll have a winner
— GTR35 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 6:49:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

The Quattroporte is such an interesting car and its beautiful in a general sense. Having said that, I was shocked at how small the back seat actually is, and how the rear seats feel misshapen. It is a funny place to sit. The door panels in the car were thoroughly disappointing and bordered on feeling cheap.

As far as the exterior, from the front, the car is simply gorgeous, but looking directly at the side [an angle at which most cars don't exactly look great: including the Rapide] the Quattroporte looks dated. Not in a classic way either, in a rather unfashionable way. I think that the cause of this feeling is that the windows are rather tall at that angle relative to the body of the car.

Having said all of that, if I do not like the new XJ, I will be looking into Maserati.

Now, I don't know the price point for the Rapide, but if it is similar to the Quattroporte, then I would imagine that Maserati would loose sales to the Rapide.
— cdoke (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 11:50:30 PM | | Votes: 3

I've just read on Autoblog that the anticipated price will be $250,000.00 which really puts the Rapide out of the league of the Quattroporte. There are also pictures of the interior which looks simply exquisite even in the details.
— cdoke (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 12:22:16 AM | | Votes: 2

I believe this car will be positioned above cars like the Quattroporte, S8,and S550,BMW-7 or S-AMG. Judging from the price point of most AM products, I was kind of thinking that this car would come in around $200K or so, more in line with the Bentley Flying Spur. I could be wrong.
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 3:38:48 PM | | Votes: 2

A friend of mine has a Quattroporte, black/light brown. One of the most beautiful sedans I've ever seen. She (yes, she) is a wealthy driving enthusiast, and I have ridden in the rear seat of her car. I didn't find it to be uncomfortably small, but no, it wasn't the most spacious sedan I've ever been in. You have to make some compromises to have a car that drives, and sounds, like that... and the fact that it has four doors at all and goes like it does is an achievement. She loves it, but it has had some reliability problems, and she rarely drives it in the winter.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 7:36:44 PM | | Votes: 2

The Aston Martin Rapide is definitely for me for sure:) I want one and I want now.......:) ha..ha...he..he...
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 12:39:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I agree.

I just need to find a way to tell my wife we're selling all our other cars first...

:-)
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 7:37:37 PM | | Votes: 1

lol !
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2007 8:26:56 AM | | Votes: 1

I think it would be competing with the M5 performance wise. I love AM!
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2007 8:29:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Aston Martin Rapide gets the green light

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