The Rapide concept was first seen in the Detroit Auto Show in 2006. The production version has almost the same length as the concept car and uses the aluminum structure platform of the DB9.

The swage line that runs along the door and front ring distinguishes the styling of the Rapide. It is a feature similar to Henrik Fisker’s proposal for the V8 Vantage.

The Rapide has a crisper shoulder than the concept car and it also has more noticeable hood creases. The primary features of the new car from Aston Martin is said to represent the design future of the brand under the lead of Marek Reichman.

The Rapide’s overall wheelbase was stretched by the Aston Martin team to 197 inches which fits the definition of luxury sedans and can definitely compete with brands like the S Class of the Mercedes-Benz.

The nose of the car has cleaner cuts with the very noticeable air intake. The Rapide is also taller by 2.5 inches than the DB9 which guarantees enough headroom without sacrificing the swooping styling of the roofline.

The rear cabin was also designed to be usable and fit a small person. The engines for the front seats were also reconfigured to give rear passengers more space for their feet.

The power plant of the Rapide is more powerful than the DB9 engine’s 480 horsepower and is coupled with a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with Touchtronic system from Aston.