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Spy Shots: Aston Martin Rapide on ice
by John Neff on Jan 22nd 2008 at 11:54AM 
click above for more high-res spy shots of the Aston Martin Rapide on ice
Spy photographers have officially found Aston Martin's preferred location for sub-zero testing. Following two spy shots of the new four-door Rapide filling up, we have this new batch of snaps showing the Rapide auditioning for a spot in the Ice Capades. Actually, Aston's newest model is likely undergoing testing for both its traction control system and how well the car handles cold weather.
The photographers from KGP also pointed out for us what has changed on the Rapide so far, which, as we remarked last time, is surprisingly little. The sideview mirrors are now larger and located on the A-pillar, whereas the concept's delicate mirrors were placed on the fenders. The concept also featured side turn markers located in the Rapide's front fender vents, though it appears the production vehicle will relocate the turn signal to below the vents on the fenders themselves.
This niche segment of four-door luxury coupes will soon be populated by the original founder, the Mercedes-Benz CLS, as well as the Rapide and the Porsche Panamera. While the CLS has long been considered a pioneering and breathtaking design, the Rapide will certainly hold its own in the drop-dead-gorgeous category. Then there's the ugly duckling Panamera, which we hope has the technological prowess to make up for its aesthetic pitfalls.
[Photos: KGP Photography]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike 12:13PM (1/22/2008)
when this damn global warming kicks in, where will Aston go to test its traction control?
/drool.......
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James 12:38PM (1/22/2008)
The German magazine Auto Bild got to test drive it over a year ago:
http://www.sybarites.org/2006/06/09/aston-martin-rapide-test-drived/
I dont get the chess board in the back though.
kevjohn 12:16PM (1/22/2008)
Are you sure these aren't just screencaps from a James Bond movie?
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LMBVette 1:26PM (1/22/2008)
I was thinking the same thing! Where are the Halle Berry pics? ;-)
jay 3:17PM (1/22/2008)
looks like a dodge stratus coupe
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/01-03_Dodge_Stratus_coupe.jpg/250px-01-03_Dodge_Stratus_coupe.jpg
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John 1:08PM (1/22/2008)
Another breathtakingly-beautiful Aston...
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Taylor 1:56PM (1/22/2008)
Die Another Day 2 "Bond's Family"
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Gooch 3:10PM (1/22/2008)
Wow. This thing will put almost every other four-door in the world in the shade, looks-wise. I can't wait to see it in person. I can only imagine its on-road presence.
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Mark 6:01PM (1/22/2008)
Wow.. That is by far the most beautiful 4-door I have ever seen. The front end actually doesn't seem that long, as seen in the previous shots at the gas station.
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DIRETTORE 6:44PM (1/22/2008)
* This vehicle is freaking orgasmic!!!
I was very fortunate to actually sit inside it at an auto show.
It really is a work of art. It was like being in a dream almost. You know how you see the glossy magazine ads about the perfect life? It was like being inside the the perfect car inside the ad! {although I can see rear seat legroom being kind of an issue?}
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Mobius_1 9:11PM (1/22/2008)
This is how to take 3 hot girls out all at once!!!
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