Model Strengths:

Four doors; Aston Martin performance and handling; exceedingly luxurious interior

Model Overview

While design and luxury are important parts of every Aston Martin, it really starts with the engine. The Rapide has a front-mounted 6.0-liter V12 capable of 477 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque mated to a Touchtronic 6-speed shift-by-wire automatic with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. It's capable of a top speed of 188 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds. Aston Martin did have to change a few things in its design language to accommodate the addition of two more doors. The swan wing doors open at 12 degrees to avoid scuffing their bottoms on curbs, and the swing of the doors has been increased to 70 degrees to make it easier to get in and out. All the same, the Rapide is, in every way, an Aston Martin. The chassis is bonded aluminum, while the body is aluminum, magnesium and composite. The wheels on which it rides are 20-inch wide, and the suspension is a perfectly tuned double-wishbone setup that incorporates anti-squat, anti-dive and active damping for a smooth ride even during sport driving. The Rapide has all the latest in safety and performance technology, such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and positive torque control. The interior is where the Rapide sets itself apart from its 2-seat family members. The front seats are standard-issue Aston Martin with hand-stitched leather and memory seats, Bluetooth, satellite radio, navigation system and automatic temperature control. The surprise is that the rear seats are standard-issue Aston, too -- no skimping on quality or comfort. Two individual sport seats are situated to give rear passengers views to the side and front. The center console continues from the front compartment through to the rear, with storage for all four passengers. Optional LCD screens can be mounted in the back of the front seats. The two rear seats can fold flat, which more than doubles the cargo space of the trunk. Bang & Olufson tailored the sound system for the car, creating the 1000W BeoSound Rapide with 15 speakers and Acoustic Lens Technology. ALT, as they call it, senses how many people are in the car and adjusts the sound for the number and location of the passengers. Options are mostly aesthetic in nature, providing a choice of wood trim, color-keyed steering wheel, personalized sill plaques, wheel finish and brake caliper colors. Cooled front and rear seats can be added, as can the rear entertainment system with LCD screens, wireless headphones and a 6-disc DVD player.

Model Changes

The Rapide is the first production 4-door sports car from the British automaker. All four doors use Aston's "swan wing" configuration, meaning they slightly open up and out to make entry and exit easy for all occupants. The trunk is large enough to accommodate the belongings of all those passengers -- including skis. Aston Martin didn't sacrifice its sporting heritage in building a sedan. The Rapide has the same hand-built V12 engine found in the Vantage and DB9, and it makes 447 hp. The Rapide is capable of reaching 60 mph in about 5 seconds -- not bad for a 4-door! The Rapide was also the first car to be designed after the manufacturer was released from Ford Motor Company's orbit in 2007. Few changes have been made for 2011, with the most notable being the addition of a new Luxe package that adds a handful of options, normally higher-priced colors, and a unique custom set of luggage.

Model Value

The Rapide is a versatile car: the powerful engine and performance handling make it a sports car; the four seats and flexible cargo space make it a practical car; and the refined interior and advanced technology make it a luxury car. It's also a largely hand-built car from a legendary English auto company, which means a starting price tag near $200,000.