The company concept of low volume and high tech approach to manufacturing is reflected in earnest. Modern materials enhanced with modern methods have created a car that wasn’t left to anything other than the absolute finest in craftsmanship. The design characteristics which define Aston Martin were enhanced with additional length and doors to produce stylistic excellence.
The graceful stance of the DB9 conveys a natural flow as it was reconfigured into the Rapide Concept. The flow of movement is obvious even when the car is at a standstill. The Rapide has added an additional element to the DB9’s original understated design features and natural elegance. She is heralded as a performance car for every occasion.
The VH architecture is designed and developed to extend significant manufacturing flexibility. Architecture which is swamped in the high strength with low mass concept spearheads the current Aston Martin market. The DB9 coupe, the DB9 Volante, and the Vantage each actively reflect this concept from their styling to their construction.
The unique architecture of the Aston Martin Rapide Concept extends itself to a wide variety of option packages, as the actual width and length of the car be mildly altered to accommodate these packages. The constructions materials, which include a variation of aircraft glue, aluminum and composite materials, and carbon fiber body materials provide a springboard for alterations as required.
Despite the company’s innovative designs and high tech production, it still insists on creating cars from the highest standard of traditional hand finished craftsmanship and highly skilled production requirements. This devotion to excellence and detail comprises unquestionable integrity that is evident in the final product. This attention to excellence and hand crafted finishing works in beautiful conjunction with the high tech, state of the art production required to produce these gleaming works of art. The ability to produce such a concept car has paved the way for hopefully the later production of a 4 door coupe that compliments the current fleet.
When setting out to create the Aston Martin Rapide Concept, the designers were looking to maintain the functional yet beautiful expectations that have been attributed to their designs. Power, beauty, and soul are the congruent company standards. They offered the Rapide as a 4 door model to enhance the additional interior space believing that if you provide space without accessibility, the space has become wasted.
The company affectionately calls the Rapide their long distance runner. Unlike most highly powered performance cars that are marginally comfortable for short excursions, the Rapide was designed to be comfortable for cross country treks for four if the mood strikes. In the design process, the designers still work with clay models as well as computer imagery. Before any car is approved for styling, a full scale, painted model is viewed during all stages of natural light including dawn and dusk views to ensure that she retains her styling effects in all natural settings.
The low roofline and the muscular haunches accentuate the delicately soft curves and the gentle flair of the flank announces her as recognizable as the Aston Martin. Her signature silhouette doesn’t actually need the pewter and enamel emblem that has remained with the production cars since the inception. Unlike the variety of concept cars that aren’t based on any of the company’s original production designs, Aston Martin set out to create a concept car that was plain and simply the leader of their fleet.
The signature metal side strakes were included and the four door design maintained the unique “swan wing” design, opening at a12 degree upwards angle to allow for greater curb access. The rear doors were intentionally cut deep into the flank to provide excellent access rather than presented as an afterthought. Keeping up with the company’s standards of proportionate excellence, the Rapide is only 30 cm longer than the legendary DB9, and adds only a hair over 308 pounds.
The interior design was nearly flawless as always, including the trademark glass starter button and the glass and leather interior with only enhancements derived from aluminum where appropriate. The carbon fiber rendered a strong finish, which was the intent, however one can only appreciate how it set off the rest of the interior. The transparent polycarbonate roof creates an amazing sensory experience and provides a spaciousness that can’t be compromised. Passengers in particular can truly appreciate having a broader vista than that of the driver’s view of the road ahead. With dual climate zones and rear seat individual DVD screens, the Rapide was designed for 4 instead of 1.
While the dashboard is very driver focused, the remainder of the car is intentionally designed to provide an entire experience for passengers as well, including the clever navigation system that comes with Bluetooth technology. A handheld unit allows passengers to assist in navigation. Each rear seat folds down flat individually, but there is room for four passengers and 4 pairs of skis. And who could overlook the chilling cabinet that handles a large bottle of champagne for the journey? Details such as this set a new standard for concept cars, reaching out to involve each possible passenger and involve them in the ride, the journey, and the experience.
The Rapide is powered by a V-12 and handles like a dream. To compensate for all the power, it has been equipped with a 480 horsepower braking system. The XF Touchtronic gearbox comes standard and has been modified to accept a larger wheelbase. The introduction of carbon brakes and calipers provide tremendous stopping power and increased stability.
Aston Martin believed that a sports car did not have to be defined by the number of doors, but in performance, speed, and handling. Shying away from creating an expected follow up to their very successful fleet, they managed to produce a car that provides just about everything, from accelerated speed to passenger commitment to long range comfort. The Rapide isn’t slated to get stuck in the concept phase, but is currently slated for production in 2008. Aston Martin as a company has the facilities, the production capabilities, the quality, and the global leadership to become the most sought after performance car producer in the industry.