Aston Martin Rapide

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This article is about the 2010 Rapide. For the car sold under Lagonda of Aston Martin, see Lagonda Rapide.

Aston Martin Rapide
Kerb weight
1,950–1,990 kg (4,299–4,387 lb)[2][3]

The Aston Martin Rapide (/rəˈpid/) is an executive saloon car produced from 2010 until 2020 by the British automaker Aston Martin.

The first series produced, four-door automobile from the company,[note 1] Aston Martin began the development of the Rapide in 2005. Marek Reichman was the lead designer for the car, with the initial design completed within seven weeks. After four months of development, a prototype was completed and displayed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The production version of the Rapide debuted at the 2009 International Motor Show Germany, and its official series manufacture began in May 2010 at the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria.

The VH platform, which the Rapide uses, employs extensive use of aluminium throughout the body, saving weight. In 2012, Aston Martin ended its partnership with Magna Steyr, shifting production to

DBS, the Vantage and the second-generation Vanquish
—are produced. In 2015, Aston Martin began developing an electric version of the car, named the "Rapide E". The production-ready model debuted in 2019 but was never series produced.

Development

Design work on the Aston Martin Rapide began in 2005, with

Dr. Ulrich Bez gave the brief to Reichman in the same month of his appointment, and work commenced. Reichman, alongside a team of clay modellers, developed the initial project within seven weeks. Between August and December, a team composed of twenty-six engineers led by Reichman and the General Manager of Prototype Operations Ian Calnan, built a full-scale prototype.[5][6][7]

After its completion on 22 December, the prototype debuted at the

series manufacture of the Rapide began on 7 May 2010 at the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria.[13][14]

The Rapide was the first four-door, four-seater car series produced by Aston Martin.[15][16] Aston Martin opted to end its production by Magna Steyr in the middle of 2012, six years earlier than expected. Production temporarily halted in May 2011. Aston Martin, responding to declining demand for luxury saloons and aligning production with reduced sales, reduced annual output from 2,000 to 1,250 in June 2011.[17] Following a £1.6 million funding from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF), in 2012 Aston Martin shifted production of the Rapide to Gaydon, a village in Warwickshire.[18]

Design and technology

The Rapide's "

tyres, sized 245/40ZR20 at the front and 295/35ZR20 at the rear.[27]

"The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world [...] It completes the Aston Martin range while conveying our established attributes of power, beauty and soul.

— CEO

Dr. Ulrich Bez in a press release[28]

The Rapide has been described as both a

saloon car[29][30] and a "four-door coupe".[31][2] Its rear greenhouse slopes and narrows towards the back and over the rear haunches to improve its sporty aesthetic. But this design compromises rear head and shoulder room, and the rear doors are bulky at waist level.[7] Its rear flanks are wider than those of the DB9, thus smoothening the extended roof design. The rear wings and a curvaceous design language prevent the car from being perceived as a stretched version of the DB9.[32][note 2]

The Rapide features a tilt-telescoping

tail-lights, leather and walnut wood trim with metallic accents, power front seats with memory and cooling and heating systems. Connectivity features include Bluetooth, satellite radio and USB and iPod compatibility.[33] Other standard features include a sixteen-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with two tweeters that rise from the dashboard on activation of the system. The Rapide became the first Aston Martin model to replace the Volvo-sourced satellite navigation system with a bespoke Garmin unit.[34]

Powertrains

Rear three-quarters view of a silver 2010 Rapide.
2010 model
Rear three-quarters view of a silver 2014 Rapide S.
2014 Rapide S

The 5,935 cm3 (362.2 cu in)

fuel consumption was about 19 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg‑imp).[40]

The "Rapide S" succeeded the Rapide in 2013.[41][42] The upgraded "AM11" V12 engine, as fitted to the Rapide S, produced 410 kW (550 hp) and 620 N⋅m (457 lb⋅ft),[43][41] sufficient to give the car a 0–62 mph (100 km/h) of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 306 km/h (190 mph).[44][45][46] The car's fuel economy rating is 332 grams per kilometre (18.8 oz/mi).[47] The Rapide S received further revisions in August 2014 for the 2015 model year.[46] It featured the "AM29" V12 engine, producing 412 kW (553 hp) and 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft), sufficient to give the car a 0–62 mph (100 km/h) of 4.2 seconds and an increased top speed of 327 km/h (203 mph).[48][49]

In June 2018, Aston Martin unveiled the high-performance version of the Rapide named the "Rapide

carbon ceramic braking system with six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear, featuring 400 mm (16 in) and 360 mm (14 in) brake rotors at the front and rear, respectively.[55] The Rapide AMR can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and possesses a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).[54]

Electric conversion

Cutaway of an Aston Martin Rapide E. Half of the car shows what the exterior skin of the car looks like while the other half is a cutaway. The cutaway shows the mechanical components, including the motor and battery.
Cutaway of the Aston Martin Rapide E

In October 2015, Aston Martin revealed the

Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) assisted in research and development and supplied its electric system.[60] In January 2020, the Rapide E programme had reportedly been cancelled.[63]

The Rapide E was to be powered by a 65 kilowatt-hours (230 MJ)

kerb weight.[66][69] The combined power output of the two electric motors was to be 449 kW (602 hp) with 949 N⋅m (700 lbf⋅ft) of torque. The Rapide E was projected to accelerate from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in less than four seconds with a top speed of 249 kilometres per hour (155 mph). Prototypes underwent testing at the Nürburgring to ensure linear power delivery even under strenuous conditions.[66]

The projected all-electric range for the Rapide E was about 322 kilometres (200 mi) according to the standards of the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), with the ability to charge up to 297 kilometres (185 mi) of range per hour on a 400-volt, 50-kilowatt charger.[57][67][64] The Rapide E featured low-drag wheels and low-resistance Pirelli P Zero tyres for maximum efficiency.[66]

Reception

The orange coloured rear seating of the Aston Martin Rapide S
The Rapide was criticised for its tight rear seating.

Reviewers and automotive publishers mostly praise the Aston Martin Rapide's exterior and interior, with many describing it as "one of the most beautiful cars" or even the "most beautiful car in the world".[2][14][70][71] A journalist from the newspaper Australian Financial Review described the Rapide as "the prettiest sedan money can buy",[72] while a review from the automotive insurance company RAC Limited noted that the car's design may alone be enough to influence a buyer's decision. They also stated that while its rear cabin was not spacious, as long as occupants were not tall, the Rapide would transport four "with elegance".[73]

The magazine What Car? praised the Rapide's V12 engine, noting that it was one of the largest engines on sale, but described the eight-speed transmission as "less impressive". They also highlighted concerns about the car's handling, noting that "the Rapide [was] unsettled by ruts and bumps at all speeds, while [the] firmer Sport mode simply makes things even more uncomfortable". They also pointed out that the car's large dimensions affected its handling, stating that "despite having nicely precise steering, the Rapide does not feel particularly agile". They complained that its large wheels generated road noise, although wind noise was effectively suppressed.[74]

Motorsport

A Rapide was entered in the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring.[75] Drivers included Bez, the journalist Matthew Marsh, Wolfgang Schuhbauer, the company's Nürburgring Test Centre Director, and the engineering manager Chris Porritt. It finished second in the SP 8 class and thirty-fourth overall.[76][77] A Rapide S was entered in the 2013 24 Hours of Nürburgring.[78] Powered by a new technology introduced by Alset GmbH, its hybrid–hydrogen system enables the car to use hydrogen and petrol individually or simultaneously in its internal combustion engine.[79] This Rapide S was the first car to race the 24 Hours of Nürburgring with hydrogen fuel.[80]

  • The car that ran at the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring
    The car that ran at the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring
  • The car with the hybrid hydrogen system that ran at the 2013 24 Hours of Nürburgring
    The car with the hybrid hydrogen system that ran at the 2013 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Media

2010 Aston Martin Rapide road car
2010 Aston Martin Rapide racing car
Problems playing these files? See media help.

References

Notes

  1. ^ It is the first series produced four-door car from Aston Martin;[4] Aston Martin has produced numerous four-door vehicles over its lifespan, but those were not series produced.
  2. ^ They were later used on the second generation Virage, the second generation Vanquish, and the 2013 model year DB9.

Citations

  1. ^ Alaniz 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Aston Martin preens in race track in Elkhart". Northwest Herald.
  3. ^ "Despite faults, Rapide is worth hefty price tags". Arizona Republic.
  4. ^ "Investing in their customers". The Palm Beach Post.
  5. ^ a b Dowsey 2010, pp. 317–321.
  6. ^ Vale 2022, p. 470.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Shaken and stirred by the new Rapide". The Independent.
  8. ^ "Autoshow's standouts and also-rams". The Journal News.
  9. ^ Migliore 2009.
  10. ^ Pulman 2008.
  11. ^ "Frankfurt Motor Show: Hybrids and horsepower". National Post.
  12. ^ "Rapide gets ready to rock the market". The Gazette.
  13. ^ Migliore 2010.
  14. ^ a b Ulrich 2010.
  15. ^ "Four-door elegance". The Gazette.
  16. ^ Love 2010.
  17. ^ Rendell 2011.
  18. ^ "Built in Britain: Aston Martin’s new Rapide". The Daily Telegraph.
  19. ^ "Aston Martin's sports cars: They breathe power, beauty and soul". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  20. ^ Kable 2006.
  21. ^ Parrott 2021, pp. 90–105.
  22. ^ Unique 2010.
  23. ^ Vale 2022, p. 458.
  24. ^ "Beauty & Brawn". Calgary Herald.
  25. ^ "Supercar mystique lives on in Rapide". Times Colonist.
  26. ^ a b Dowsey 2010, p. 321.
  27. ^ Monticello 2010.
  28. ^ Borroz 2009.
  29. ^ "Space Glider". The Daily Telegraph.
  30. ^ "Aston Martin took its time ... but this was worth the wait". The Independent.
  31. ^ Bettencourt 2013.
  32. ^ Patton 2010.
  33. ^ Padgett 2010.
  34. ^ Strong 2011.
  35. ^ "Aston Martin Rapide". The Daily Telegraph.
  36. ^ a b "Rapide sedan is a coupe with style". Los Angeles Times.
  37. ^ "Aston Martin: Character, performance and elegance". Philadelphia Daily News.
  38. ^ "Aston Martin Rapide: We all can dream, right?". Longview Daily News.
  39. ^ "What's new across the pond". Edmonton Journal.
  40. ^ "Aston Martin Rapide". The Sunday Telegraph.
  41. ^ a b "Aston Martin pulling out the stops for 100th birthday". Times Colonist.
  42. ^ "British beauty packs power and pedigree". The Toronto Star.
  43. ^ Migliore 2013, p. 7.
  44. ^ "F.C. Kerbeck now offering fierce power with Aston Martin's new VI 2 Vantage S and Rapide S". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  45. ^ "A motor head's dream". National Post.
  46. ^ a b "2015 Aston Martin Rapide S inhabits your imagination". The Leader-Post.
  47. ^ Kew 2013.
  48. ^ Frankel 2014.
  49. ^ "What you can buy: $200,000 and up". Austin American-Statesman.
  50. ^ "Extra power for extra coin". Los Angeles Times.
  51. ^ Prior 2019.
  52. ^ Holmes 2018.
  53. ^ Groves 2019.
  54. ^ a b "Aston Martin adds power to new racing Rapide AMR trim". The Province.
  55. ^ Bruce 2018.
  56. ^ White 2017.
  57. ^ a b Hawkins 2018.
  58. ^ O'Kane 2019.
  59. ^ "Aston Martin to build an SUV". The Windsor Star.
  60. ^ a b "Aston Martin taking rapid steps toward electrification". The Gazette.
  61. ^ Kew 2017.
  62. ^ Burn 2018.
  63. ^ Allan 2020.
  64. ^ a b "Rapide E - first all-electric Aston Martin". The Shuttle.
  65. ^ Allan 2018.
  66. ^ a b c d e Moldrich 2019.
  67. ^ a b Pattni 2019.
  68. ^ Gallagher 2018.
  69. ^ Goodwin 2019.
  70. ^ Elliott 2010.
  71. ^ Top Gear 2015.
  72. ^ Elliott 2016.
  73. ^ Crouch 2022.
  74. ^ Huntingford 2022.
  75. ^ Holmes 2010.
  76. ^ Rusz 2010, pp. 106–107.
  77. ^ Classic Driver 2010.
  78. ^ Stoklosa 2013.
  79. ^ "Aston says hydrogen hybrid will go the distance". Calgary Herald.
  80. ^ de Paula 2013.

Bibliography

Print newspapers

  • "2015 Aston Martin Rapide S inhabits your imagination".
    Newspapers.com
    .
  • "A motor head's dream".
    Toronto, Ontario
    . 8 March 2013. p. 36. Retrieved 13 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  • "Aston Martin adds power to new racing Rapide AMR trim".
    Vancouver, British Columbia
    . 11 June 2010. p. D7. Retrieved 14 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  • "Aston Martin preens in race track in Elkhart". Northwest Herald. Woodstock, Illinois. 11 June 2010. p. 43. Retrieved 11 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  • "Aston Martin pulling out the stops for 100th birthday". Times Colonist. Victoria, British Columbia. 22 March 2013. p. 60. Retrieved 12 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  • "Aston Martin Rapide". The Daily Telegraph. London, Greater London, England. 6 February 2010. p. 131. Retrieved 11 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  • "Aston Martin Rapide". The Sunday Telegraph. London, Greater London, England. 28 February 2010. p. 109. Retrieved 12 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  • "Aston Martin Rapide: We all can dream, right?".
    Longview Daily News. Longview, Washington
    . 12 June 2010. p. 10. Retrieved 12 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  • "Aston Martin's sports cars: They breathe power, beauty and soul".
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    . 31 January 2010. p. S10. Retrieved 11 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  • "Aston Martin taking rapid steps toward electrification".
    Montreal, Quebec
    . 18 December 2017. p. 14. Retrieved 15 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.

Print magazines

  • Migliore, Greg (February 2013). "Pushing the V12 Power". Autoweek. Vol. 63, no. 3. p. 7.
  • Parrott, Aston (May 2021). "Leadin Glight". Evo. No. 285. pp. 90–105.
  • Rusz, Joe (August 2010). "American Cars rule in European GT Racing".
    Road and Track
    . Vol. 61, no. 12. pp. 106–107.

Books

Online magazines, websites and newspapers

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aston Martin Rapide.
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