Aston Martin Rapide revealed in Frankfurt

Aston Martin has released its Porsche Panamera competitor, the Rapide, during this year's Frankfurt Car Show. It is very i9nteresting to note that the exterior design is practgically identical from the concept version, and inside there were also only minor changes.

It features a very powerful 6.0 liter V12 engine, which delivers nothing less than 470 hp. Even though it only has one engine option (the panamera has 3), it still grants its driver (and its family, too) with astonishing power figures, such as 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 303km/h.

This car features the latest technology in what comes to structural assembly, having an aluminium platform and a double wishbone suspension in both the front and the rear ends. The car has built-in rollbars, and its suspension manages to be comfortable as a family car, and sporty as a sports car, at the same time.

Inside, the technonogical equipment will definately catch your attention.all versions come with leather upholstery, walnut trim and iridium silver acents as standard. Other features include a rear center console, automatic climate control, individual seating for four (with heat), organic electroluminescent (OEL) instrument displays, and LED interior lighting.

In the technological department, the Rapide has a GPS navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 1000 W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with iPod and USB connections.

The boot isn't very large, with only 301 liters of space, but it can increase to 750 by the simple touch of a button, which lowers the rear seats (electrically, of course)

André's Opinion

To me, an Aston Martin fan, this car has everything it should have to be a success. Price figures haven't been announced yet, but as long as Aston Martin does not charge more than the Panamera, this car has a lot of potential to be considered the Family Car of 2009, and your garage, too.