Rapide leads the way for Aston under new ownership
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With the deal finalized (pending regulatory approval), Aston Martin has announced that it will be going ahead with the production of the Rapide four-door coupe, previewed by the concept unveiled at the 2006 Detroit show. The company expects the new model to account for 1,000-2,000 units annually, bringing total yearly production for the now-independent automaker up to 7,000.
What else is in store for the future of Aston Martin? The DBS is already nearing production as the successor to the Vanquish at the top of the AM line-up. Ulrich Bez is staying on as chief executive under the new ownership, and Ford is retaining 8% ownership, so we can anticipate some continuity.
[Sources: Autosport and TimesOnline via Winding Road]
Although Aston has withdrawn its factory works team from the American Le Mans Series for the time being, David Richards has pledged that Aston Martin will continue its racing activities. Richards, who spearheaded the acquisition, is no stranger to Aston Martin, having previously steered its motor racing initiatives and providing the enhancement package for the V8 Vantage under his Prodrive firm. Richards joins the management as non-executive chairman, as he will undoubtedly have his hands tied up with business at Prodrive, which include the launch of a new Formula One team in the 2008 season that will put him back at the helm of an F1 team, having previously directed the BAR-Honda team.
The two Kuwaiti investment firms that backed the deal have assets in excess of $5 billion, which should place them in a position far more capable than the struggling Ford Motor Company to provide capital to Aston Martin to expand its activities. With the new money, Aston is expected to add at least 200 more workers to its current workforce of 1800.
The long-dormant Lagonda marque was included in the sale, but with the four-door Aston Martin going into production, it may stay dormant a while longer.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Adam 9:58AM (3/14/2007)
Of all the performance/Luxury marquee's Aston Martin has the most potential at this point. It is now time to sit back and watch a great company flourish in their prime!
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DJ 10:22AM (3/14/2007)
I thought I read a few months ago that AM had not completely settled on the Rapide name. It would be easy enough to place the Lagonda moniker on this.
By the way, is the Rapide the sexiest four door car built in that last 50 years or what? The Maser Quattroporte is awesome, but this just reeks of sex.
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sam 10:25AM (3/14/2007)
I like how it has buttons instead of a shifter, lol, what the funk?
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Mike 10:28AM (3/14/2007)
BOTTOM LINE: Maserati Quattroporte killer...hands down.
I can't wait to see this on the road. I could see tons of people getting this car instead of a 750 or S550 or Quattroporte or maybe even instead of a Porsche (the wife likes four doors + you like speed = compromise).
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DJ 11:00AM (3/14/2007)
#4- I can't wait to see this on the road. I could see tons of people getting this car instead of a 750 or S550 or Quattroporte or maybe even instead of a Porsche (the wife likes four doors + you like speed = compromise).
The only one problem.....this is going to be priced the same as three 750's or S550's or two Quattroportes. It's expected to be in the low to mid $200's.
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Bill 10:54AM (3/14/2007)
#4
I think theyll be pricing this way out of those cars target markets. the 750 and S550 are in the 80-100k range. The quattroporte is in the 110-130k range.
My guess would be that this car will run around 200k
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testa di cazzo 11:16AM (3/14/2007)
does anyone think this thing looks a bit too long? maybe it's because i'm just used to seeing the profile of the DB9, which isnt long. But i feel like this is just too stretched out...
anyone else agree?
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Hondacura 11:22AM (3/14/2007)
This is the best sport sedan ever!!!
I hope the 2009 Acura TL looks similar to this.
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testa di cazzo 11:29AM (3/14/2007)
8. Hondacura: "I hope the 2009 Acura TL looks similar to this."
hahahahahahhahaahhahahahha....
hahahahahahhaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha
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aman 2:26PM (3/14/2007)
I always though that Aston Martins looked more like sedans than coupes due to their sheer size.
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Lee Gibson 1:09AM (3/15/2007)
"I hope the 2009 Acura TL looks similar to this."
Uh, dream on, sucker. Never gonna happen.
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Buster01 9:40AM (3/16/2007)
Aston Martins are the best looking cars on the road today. period!
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