Aston Martin Rapide: Hope and glory
January 31, 2009 | 9:34
am
Aston Martin, the Gaydon, England-based sports car manufacturer -- though they'll always be in Newport Pagnell in my mind -- has released near-production images of its upcoming Rapide super sedan, and it is a stunner.
The car, based on the DB9 coupe, will probably see the light of day in Geneva in March. The four-place, four-door coupe is entering a burgeoning class of high-end four-door spaceships, including the Porsche Panamera, the Audi A7 and the (proposed) Lamborghini Estoque and BMW 8-Series. Can Mercedes be far behind? My sources tell me they are not.
-- Dan Neil
Photos: Aston Martin
wow, looks like a dodge truck mixed with a porsche. i'm not sure if i really want to afford it. i think i would rather be happier affording the porsche.
Posted by: derf | January 31, 2009 at 02:57 PM
A stunner, Dan? That God awful scar that's suddenly appeared, extending from the port on the quarter panel back through the driver's door, has taken what was sculpture and made it the automotive equivalent of duct taping arms on the Venus de Milo. Maserati has nothing to worry about, much less Porsche.
Posted by: GPNaciuk | January 31, 2009 at 03:30 PM
Mercedes already has the CLS.
Posted by: Corntrollio | January 31, 2009 at 05:38 PM
That's more like it! This car is ultra-cool. All it takes to buy it is the reminder that poverty sucks. 'Mona get one as soon as it comes out. There is no tomorrow! Let the good times roll!
Posted by: lorenzo squarf atlanta ga | January 31, 2009 at 07:55 PM
That's more like it! This car is ultra-cool. All it takes to buy it is the reminder that poverty sucks. 'Mona get one as soon as it comes out. There is no tomorrow! Let the good times roll!
Posted by: lorenzo squarf atlanta ga | January 31, 2009 at 07:55 PM
It be big!
Posted by: Jimmy | January 31, 2009 at 07:59 PM
i agree with derf. very nice front, bad backend. reminds me of one of my exwives.
Posted by: ww | January 31, 2009 at 08:35 PM
It be BIG!!!
Posted by: J | January 31, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Hmm I don't quite get what a Dodge and a Porsche have in common with the AM and as far as being able to "affording" either one, you should first learn proper English before you start dreaming big dreams tiny!
Posted by: Or maybe not | January 31, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Why do the automobile writers go along with ridiculous hype? Neither this car nor the others you mention are "coupes." They are sport sedans. And Mercedes already has one. It's called the CLS.
Posted by: Magic Dog | January 31, 2009 at 11:42 PM
jaguar xk coupe looks and rides better...and 80k cheaper.
Posted by: wolfy | February 01, 2009 at 12:00 AM
How many Ford parts are left, I wonder? And Dan, I thought you said the 2009 Mustang went to independent rear. I was in a dealer today, and it's still live axle.
Posted by: Timber | February 01, 2009 at 12:03 AM
It be.....BBBIIIIIIIGGGGGG!
Posted by: Jimmy | February 01, 2009 at 01:17 AM
makes you wonder how much of this hype is aimed to please car advisers in the wake of dwindling print ad revenues. frankly, i think the 4-door 'coupe' is a lousy idea. i'd much prefer a super sedan like S55 AMG, Quattroporte, or the new 2010 XJR with more room for my rear passengers to stretch out. for some reason being stuck in the back of a 'coupe' just doesn't sound appealing to me.
Posted by: Wolfy | February 01, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Wolfy wrote: "for some reason being stuck in the back of a 'coupe' just doesn't sound appealing to me."
Depends upon who I'm couped up with in the back seat. Being "stuck in the back" has no appeal, period.
Posted by: Elrey | February 01, 2009 at 03:23 PM
In one fell swoop, Aston Martin has rendered the revolting Porsche Panamera pointless
Posted by: Very simple | February 01, 2009 at 06:47 PM
How much is it?The coupe of that model is so fast.
Posted by: Jorge O. | February 18, 2009 at 08:06 AM