As the marquee’s first production four-door sports car, Rapide encapsulates core values of power, beauty and soul while bestowing four occupants with ample accommodation. A luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere.

Rapide’s rear has been intelligently packaged to create a space where passengers feel a part of the driving experience with clear views to the front and sides. Comfort and support is supplied in the form of two hand-trimmed individual seats and a personal face-level heating and air conditioning system. Rear passengers can benefit from the optional Aston Martin rear entertainment system; two LCD screens are seamlessly integrated into the back of the front seat headrests optimally positioned at eye level. Aiding the practicalities of everyday use, the luggage compartment features a movable bulkhead to permit access from the rear cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 10.6 cubic-feet to 26.4 cubic-feet.

At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V-12 engine producing 470 hp with peak power being delivered at 6,000 rpm and 443 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission is standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering-column-mounted magnesium paddles. The system also includes a “Sport” mode—activated by a button on the center console—which engages a more aggressive gear shift strategy as gear changes feel sharper along with more forceful engine speed matching on downshifts.

The use of lightweight materials has resulted in the Rapide’s projected weight gaining only 419 lbs. over its DB9 sibling delivering a target curb weight of 4,299 lbs.; a small weight gain considering the Rapide is 11 inches longer than the DB9. Aside from the front doors and bonnet, all of Rapide’s body panels are new. The front wings are formed from composite while all four doors and roof are pressed aluminum and the rear quarter panels are steel.

For the first time on an Aston Martin, Rapide features a dual cast brake system. The discs are made from two materials, cast iron and aluminum. The new technology provides dynamic advantages in the form of reduced unsprung mass with a brake that is 15–20% lighter than a standard cast iron brake. Using both cast iron and aluminum takes advantage of the heat resistance provided by cast iron and the weight saving properties of aluminum.

To take full advantage of its extremely rigid platform, the Rapide features Adaptive Damping System (ADS) first seen on the DBS which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different road conditions and driver inputs.

First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125-strong dealership network. Pricing will be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.