2011 Aston Martin Rapide review

2011 Aston Martin Rapide. Under the derma is Aston Martin’s accepted bonded-aluminum assemblage physique and rear-mounted transaxle, while the 6.0-liter V12 is aggregate with the DB9. The Rapide is abundant larger, however. Beyond the 9.8 inches of added wheelbase, the Rapide is 12 inches best all-embracing and 10 inches wider.

The Aston Martin Rapide is rear-wheel drive and is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 acceptable for 470 application and 443 pound-feet of torque.

The 2011 Aston Martin Rapide that’s not covered in bendable leather, while wood, admixture trim and even azure clear ample in the blanks.
The 2011 Aston Martin Rapide sees no significant changes, but there is a new Luxe edition that includes major options, normally extra-charge colors and a custom luggage set.

Times have changed, thanks to the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide. Under the skin is Aston Martin's customary bonded-aluminum unit body and rear-mounted transaxle, while the 6.0-liter V12 is shared with the DB9. The Aston Martin Rapide is much larger, however. Beyond the 9.8 inches of additional wheelbase, the Rapide is 12 inches longer overall and 10 inches wider. So it's based on the DB9 and looks like the DB9, but does the Aston Martin Rapide drive like one as well?

The "2011 Aston Martin Rapide" is a four-passenger, four-door sedan with a hatchback-style trunk. Standard equipment includes 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels, adaptive dampers, a limited-slip differential, bi-xenon headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, power outside mirrors, front and rear automatic climate control, power front seats with memory functions, heated front and rear seats, a full leather interior, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, a hard-drive navigation system and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with a CD player, an iPod/USB audio interface, an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

The Rapide Luxe gets special wheels, standard ventilated front and rear seats, a secondary glass-trimmed key fob, glass switchgear, a rear-seat entertainment system, a six-piece bespoke luggage set that matches the interior leather, and custom paint and leather colors. The Aston Martin Rapide is rear-wheel drive and is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 good for 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. According to Aston Martin, the Rapide will go from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds, which is certainly quick, but notably slower than luxury sport sedans like the supercharged Jaguar XJ and Porsche Panamera Turbo. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined.

The Rapide comes standard with antilock disc brakes, brake assist, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Front and rear parking sensors are also included.
The driver seat is marvelously comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for taller drivers.
Climb into the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide's snug driver seat and you might think you're actually in a DB9. Owners simply must be mindful of their pretty Aston Martin's underbody and chin spoiler.

It is neither, but a handsome and elegant transformation of the DB9 and Aston design heritage into a 4-door sports car.

No, Rapide is not Aston’s answer to Porsche’s Panamera. The English machine is more a generous 2+2 with extra doors. Aston did the reverse.
Aston says the Rapide is the DB9 back to the A-pillar...traditional grille, swept-back headlamps, and the side strake. The rear gets us back to DB9 thinking.

The front suspension comes from DB9. Aluminum is used for all you see outside save the rear fender structure (steel) and the front fenders and rear tailgate (SMC composite). Entry and exit to the front seats is easy with plenty of room available. Setting the driver’s seat for my 6-foot frame, I slipped in the seat behind it. Equipped with a rear-mounted 6-speed automatic, 0-60 mph comes up in 5.1 seconds, the acceleration curve climbing to 184 mph.