Aston Martin Rapide S

Aston Martin has just debut a new stunning, faster and more luxurious version of the Rapide. The new four door luxury GT car has been significantly been redesigned and re-engineered to make it even more stunning. The new Rapide S is set to replace the current generation Rapide.

Aston Martin Rapide S

The revised design begins at the front where it gets a sporty and revised look. There is a new larger grille finished in chrome. The grille is not only imposing but also gives the new Rapide S a unique and recognizable face. The single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights remain unchanged. Under the large grill is a new air-splitter finished in carbon fibre.

Side profile remains unchanged

It helps channel air underneath the car and prevents the front end from experiencing a lift. At the rear it gets a more pronounced boot lip. The rear lights casing is finished in carbon fibre. A rear diffuser sits in-between its large rear exhaust pipes. It just, like the side mirrors, is finished in carbon fibre. The side profile remains untouched. Unique 20 spoke satin black rims help enforce its classy looks. 

Aston Martin Rapid

Under its long bonnet is a new AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 powerplant. The new engine has 17% (80hp) more power compared to the outgoing model. Power output is now ratted at a generous 550hp and 620Nm of torque. Married to the engine is a rear mid-mounted Touchtronic2 six-speed shift by wire transmission. The new Rapide S can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is pegged at an impressive 306km/h. The substantial power gain makes this the fastest four-door Aston Martin ever made.

Dynamic front with new grille

The naturally aspirated engine needs 12 litres of fuel per 100km. Power to the four wheels is managed by a sharper and agile suspension. It has been lowered by 19mm to reduce the center of gravity further giving the Rapide S a sportier fell. The previous generation DSC (dynamic stability control) system has completely been reconfigured for the Rapide S. A new Gen4 iteration of Aston Martin's hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS) has also been fitted. The system comes with three distinct settings; 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Track', with the character of each being tailored to the nature of the four door Aston. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times. 

Luxurious front cockpit

A luxurious, thrilling sports oriented interior is visible once its stylish doors are opened. A new piano black interior pack adds a deep, rich, mirror-like shine to the facia, transmission tunnel centre plate and door handles. A darker surround in the instrument binnacle and steering wheel with black horn-push surround round off the pack's sumptuous additions. Luxurious blend headlinings in either tan or grey emphasise the luxury still further inside.

Unique duo tone perforated red and black leather

As would be expected of a modern Aston Martin, handcrafting is the order of the day in the Rapide S. The standard-fit pure glass transmission selector switches in the centre console echo the authentic, bespoke, nature of the car's cabin. An optional duotone perforated red and black leather is available. It delivers a captivating visual combination that's unique to the new Aston Martin Rapide S.

Twin seats for the rear

The removal of extraneous 'noise' and the enhancement of desirable ‘sound’ ensure that the interior delivers an unmatched aural experience. Four seats can accommodate four adults in a unique sport setting. At the touch of a button, the rear seats are laid flat to increase the rear storage space. Options to further enhance the luxurious look and feel of the Aston Martin Rapide S include a reversing camera and twin screen rear seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, remote control and six-disc DVD changer.

Sporty rear

The new Aston Martin goes on sale from February at a quoted price of $250,000 (Kshs 30 million). Happy 100^thbirthday to Aston Martin.