A Rapid Rapide From Aston Martin
Jason may be correct when he suggests that Volkswagen will never produce its tantalising GX3 concept but here's one he'll be reluctant to bet against. Aston Martin is prepping to reveal this delicious 4-door Rapide at the 2006 Detroit show and although it's been dubbed a concept you can be sure the folks at Newport Pagnall aren't doing it as a design exercise.
Aston Martin has a history of making high-performance sedans under the Lagonda badge which, in fact, is where the name "Rapide" came from. Indeed the last Lagonda produced by Aston Martin was an angular, technologically-advanced sedan that was sensational at the time though too "far out" for most customers. According to theCarConnection the Rapide concept is aimed at the upcoming Porsche Panamera, as well as the Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Flying Spur. It's actually a stretched-wheelbase coupe with two more doors. The handles on the rear doors are hidden, making for a very sleek exterior. No details on the engine but that Aston Martin V-12 would be nice.
So is this the beginning of a new category based on fast, luxurious, coupe-like 4-door sedans built for the lucky few who can afford to take their friends on high-speed sprints from Paris to Nice or across Nevada to Reno? If so, count me in. But first I'll need to upgrade the limit on my Visa card.
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