To upset the Maserati Quattroporte, the upcoming Porsche Panamerica and other ultra-luxury four dour sedans, Aston Martin have prepared a four dour version of their DB9 supercar for the 2006 North American International Auto Show.
Like the old DB4-based Rapide the new contemporary version is a practical solution with its four-seat layout and sizeable trunk.
Powering the Rapide is an upgraded DB9 V12 that produces 36 more bhp for a total of 480 hp. This means it easily outperforms the heavier 400 bhp Quattroporte.
The Rapide shares the same underpinnings as the DB9 and proves the the VH Platform is vesitile enough to support two very different Astons. At 4277 pounds, the Rapide is 11.8 inches longer than the DB9, having an overall length of 196.8 inches.
While their are no production plans for the DB9, the rejuvenated Aston Martin brand has had more than enough recent success to add it to their strong lineup of three coupes – V8 Vantage, DB9 and Vanquish.
| engine | V12 |
| displacement | 6000 cc / 366.1 in³ |
| power | 357.9 kw / 480 bhp |
| specific output | 80.0 bhp per litre |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| gear ratios | :1 |
| Engine | |
| Configuration | 60º V12 |
| Location | Front, longitudinally mounted |
| Construction | alloy block and head |
| Displacement | 5,935 cc / 362.2 cu in |
| Bore / Stroke | 89.0 mm (3.5 in) / 79.5 mm (3.1 in) |
| Compression | 10.3:1 |
| Valvetrain | 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC |
| Fuel feed | Fuel Injection |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Power | 480 bhp / 358 kW |
| BHP/Liter | 81 bhp / liter |
| Drivetrain | |
| Chassis | aluminium monocoque |
| Gearbox | 6 speed Automatic |
| Drive | Rear wheel drive |
| Dimensions | |
| Weight | 1,850 kilo / 4,079 lbs |
| Length / Width / Height | 5,000 mm (196.9 in) / N/A / N/A |
| Performance figures | |
| Power to weight | 0.26 bhp / kg |
