Aston Martin Rapide S revealed with 550bhp Four-door Aston Martin Rapide is given a significant mid-life makeover that includes an 80bhp power boost
by Mark Tisshaw
22 January 2013
The Aston Martin Rapide has received a considerable power hike as part of a comprehensive mid-life refresh for the four-door saloon.
The extra power is reflected in the Rapide’s new name - it’s now known as the Rapide S - and means that the emphasis is now fully on making it a four-door sports car rather than a more luxurious, everyday GT.
The biggest changes for the Rapide S are to its naturally aspirated 5.9-litre V12 engine. Power is up by 80bhp to 550bhp and peak torque jumps by 20lb ft to 620lb ft. Low and mid-range torque is said to have been improved considerably more than the headline peak figure suggests.
Really like the updated look. The taller grille makes it look meaner and sportier to me.
However, I wonder how much of the change is a hint at an evolving design direction and how much is due to updated European pedestrian crash standards?
I also wonder if there is any kind of motivation to distinguish Aston Martin further from Ford's new "Aston-esque" design theme? Granted, no one would confuse an AM for a Ford, but still some obvious similarities here that no doubt they'd want to downplay to their hyper-rich customers.
Lastly, if this is a true shift in design language, I also wonder if this is in anticipation of re-introducing the Lagonda brand? The recent design concept from a few years ago was a bit of a flop. If they do want to make better use of their resources by bringing Lagonda back to the market, they'll need a distinct look in order to make the brand stand on it's own and attract would-be patrons.
I like all of AM's cars and would probably buy one if I could but while they have the design aspect down, they really need to update all of their infotainment systems as I think they currently lag behind almost every major player.
I think it's alright for a(n I think old-ish) non-aspirated 12. Think like this... if the brandy new excellent LT1 V8 makes 450, add four more cylinders. 100hp from a non-aspirated 4 with the non-insignificantly power-dense LT1, and it's pretty good, I think. It also has a lower displacement, blah blah blah...
Personally considering the relatively lax spec, and plebeian origin of the Aston V12 in consideration of its past outputs 550 hp is nigh on extraordinary.
In prestige? You'll never get a Corvette to that level. Too many snobs, plus it's still a Chevy. Aston is even above Cadillac, even if it has **** for technology. The name carries it.
With the assertions that anyone who purchased the moribund money sucking brands from Ford's PAG has manure for brains I am surprised that Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Volvo are still in business today.
That front bumper could really use some character, even just fogs or something. The grill I don't mind, but whoever complained about the Fusion surely will be shocked to see another 25% larger "Bass mouth."
Fog lights are not cool anymore but strips of LED'd are soooooooo cool and Euro everything must have them even a clapped out Hyundai Excel
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