PERFORMANCE-CAR NEWS 01.10.2006
Aston Martin May Join Four-Door Ranks With Rapide Concept

Aston Martin this week revealed its Rapide sedan concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car is built on the DB9's VH platform. Compared to the DB9, the Rapide is some 300-lbs heavier and about a foot longer overall.

Power for the Rapide comes from a 480-hp 6.0-liter V12 teamed with a ZF Touchtronic transmission. Among the Rapide's unique styling details is its upward-swinging "swan wing" doors.

Although not yet approved for production, the Rapide is likely to launch into Aston Martin dealers eventually, for a sticker price rumored to start at around $250k.