Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #156

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Aston Martin, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

A couple of days after announcing U.K. pricing for the the new Rapide, Aston Martin has now also priced the North American version of its slinky four-door. When Aston starts deliveries of its newest model next spring, U.S. customers will have to pony up a minimum of $199,950. Aston Martin dealers will doubtless provide clients with the opportunity to substantially elevate that price tag via costly personalization options. After all, when you're dropping that kind of coin, you don't want to see yourself coming and going all the time.

The Rapide will be the first Aston Martin produced outside of Great Britain once cars start rolling off the line in Graz, Austria. The special factory was set up in cooperation with Magna Steyr prior to the global financial collapse, back when the Gaydon factory that makes the other Astons was running at full capacity. In these post-meltdown days, the decision about where to produce the car may have been very different. If you have the means, your local dealer is taking orders now. Official press release available after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin Rapide

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S.

Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin has finally hung a price tag on its long-awaited four door, the Rapide, in its U.K. home market. As you might reasonably expect, it won't come cheap, starting at £139,950 or about $233,000 USD. Given pricing disparities between international markets, that's not necessarily an indication of what the Rapide will command Stateside, but we note that the Rapide costs nearly twice what Porsche asks for its base Panamera - and over £40K ($66k USD) more than even the impossibly quick Panamera Turbo. Though the cars weren't exactly designed as competitors, there's little doubt that the two four-passenger sloping-roof models will be cross-shopped by interested parties, along with other quick luxocrats like the Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

For that £139,950 price tag, though, buyers will be getting a largely handmade and finely-crafted automobile powered by a 470-horsepower V12 engine. For what it's worth, that's 30 horses less than the Panamera Turbo, but it's wrapped in less divisive sheetmetal and it'll undoubtedly be far more exclusive.

Initial Rapide deliveries in Great Britain are expected to begin in the spring of 2010, but if you're interested in having an example of your very own, you'd best queue up now. Check out the updated gallery with new high-res images of the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide below, and the official press release is after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK

Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin Rapide is ready for its close-up

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

It isn't every day that Aston Martin comes out with a new car. And this isn't one of them, because the production version of the Rapide four-door saloon came out over a month ago already. But considering that the British sportscar-maker got by - just fine, thank you very much - on what essentially boiled down to a two-car line-up for several years, we'll gladly run with it a little longer. Because there are few cars on the road that are as sumptuously crafted or lustily styled as an Aston. And this is their first sedan in decades. So take a deep breath, poor yourself a dry martini, click on the thumbnails below, and take a stroll through the mega gallery of high-resolution images that Aston has released purely for your viewing enjoyment. We particularly like this one, which shows the high-dollar super saloon being used as an actual family car.

Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide

[Source: Aston Martin]

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin Rapide is ready for its close-up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development

Chris Shunk — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above to watch the video after the jump

After seeing the production Aston Martin Rapide at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, we're pretty sure it's one of the most attractive sedans ever produced. And now that we've seen the sleek looking sedan in motion, we're 100 percent sure the Rapide is a winner.

Aston Martin has released a simply stunning video of the Rapide in various stages of development, from the skid pad to the Nurburgring, kicking off with a 50 second montage with just enough Rapide to keep us interested, then another 30 seconds in the garage. From there, the Rapide heads over to Germany for some hot-lapping, then the video crescendos at the Stelvio Pass in northern Italy for some powertrain development. Hit the jump to view the video for yourself, you'll be happy you took the three minutes out of your day.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide

Continue reading VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development

VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Rapide shows off its pretty self on Facebook

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - click above image for hi-res gallery

First of all, does Aston Martin really need a Facebook page? Really? Is the brand actually helped by comments like this, "Aston Martins...the most sexy sports car ever manufactured;)sooo sexy even sexier in red!" We're guessing no. Then again, Aston's relentless pursuit of James Bond marketing hoopla (remember, in Fleming's books, 007 typically drove Bentleys) does show that they like their cars in the public eye. Plus, social networking is the new ~~black~~ PR. And unlike a certain Honda, it seems that most Facebookers like the way that Aston Martins look.

Case in point: Aston has just dropped eleven pics of the long-anticipated four-door Rapide onto its Facebook profile. Granted, these are the same production pics we got with the press materials in Frankfurt, but still. Now they're on Facebook, which we guess is the natural progression of things. Also, any of you find anything about the pictures a little off-putting? Like how the family in them just ain't that British looking? In fact, they appear kinda more like a Scandinavian dream. Something's just... off. Thanks to Christopher for the tip!

[Source: Facebook]

Aston Martin Rapide shows off its pretty self on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide comes good - finally

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Aston Martin, Design/Style, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin doesn't have a great track record with four-doors. After acquiring Lagonda in 1948, the legendary David Brown took the DB4 - which bore his initials - and turned it into the Lagonda Rapide. Only 55 examples were ever made. A decade and a half later, the first name came back as the oddball Aston Martin Lagonda, of which just 645 examples were produced over its fifteen-year production run. The Lagonda SUV concept which debuted at the last Geneva show was lambasted so widely that it was pulled after the first press day and hasn't been seen since.

Aston chairman David Richards, for one, is keen to leave that unfortunate record in the past. The Lagonda initiative has reportedly been shelved indefinitely, but if the Rapide sells as good as it looks, they just might succeed in reversing that particular fortune.

The production version of the concept unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show certainly has the looks department locked down. A few concessions have been made in the three-year run to production readiness, including bigger side-view mirrors and a less tapered roofline to offer more interior space - especially for the rear passengers. But those few details - which promise to make the car more usable and, dare we say, practical - hardly detract from the car's beauty. But don't take our word for it. Check it out for yourself in the gallery of live shots below and the press shots in the gallery below that, along with the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide comes good - finally

Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide comes good - finally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Rapide interior leaked

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for a high-res image gallery

A scanned rendering of the Aston Martin Rapide's interior, claimed to be taken from an official brochure, has slid onto the Internet, and judging by the images, occupants will get the full GT experience no matter where they're seated.

Assuming there's room to get comfy, back-seaters should have a fine time of it. Screens in the headrests will entertain while controls on the center tunnel keep the climate in check. We aren't sure what the features in the seatbacks are, but we look forward to finding out.

And in a first for recent Astons, the packaging appears to have left room for a properly capacious trunk. Stay tuned for shots of the real deal from the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: "Official" Aston Martin Rapide renderings

[Source: Autoblog Espanol]

Aston Martin Rapide interior leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Production Aston Martin Rapide to debut in Frankfurt

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

2010 Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Unlike recent auto expos, the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show is going to have some fantastic jewelry on display -- the Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche's revised 911 Turbo, the MX-5 Superlight, the list goes on and on. Aston Martin has also confirmed that three years after the Rapide concept stole the show in Detroit, the production version will join the beer-and-sausage fest in Germany.

The Rapide's price has been given at £110,000 in the U.K.. It's supposedly 40 horsepower down on the Vantage V12 -- 470 hp versus 510 hp -- but if that price is right, the Rapide costs £25,000 less than the Vantage V12. While we're fans of the brutish Vantage, that's enough change for us to notice. So we'll simply have to put the two side-by-side in Frankfurt to compare...

Gallery: "Official" Aston Martin Rapide renderings

[Source: Channel4]

REPORT: Production Aston Martin Rapide to debut in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: This is your Aston Martin Rapide

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin

A Car magazine reader has photographed the Aston Martin Rapide looking like it could have come off a dealer lot. The snapper also peeped the inside, which he said has a full-length console a la the Mercedes CLS to create four distinct seating positions. Aston has, however, said that those rear seats are for "children or two adults on shorter journeys." The slinky black number also sports a serious set of pipes out back that we expect to put out a beautiful soundtrack. And thank goodness the car has a hatch like the Vantage, which means -- in a first for current Aston Martins -- it could have a proper trunk. Like the kind you can actually put things in.

[Source: Car]

Spy Shots: This is your Aston Martin Rapide originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Rapide nears production, first official image released

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above to enlarge

The Aston Martin Rapide edges ever closer to production as a new image has just been released by the now-independent automaker. As was obvious from all the spy photos seen over this past year, Aston has retained much of the 2006 concept's original look. However, there are some details that have changed. Judging from this image, it appears that the sedan's shoulder now has a sharper crease than the original. A convex ridge now extends back from the front fender vents into the leading edge of the back doors.

One of the most obvious competitors to the Rapide is the new Porsche Panamera, and while the two cars share much in concept, they have diverged greatly in styling. Porsche went for function over form, ensuring that adult-sized rear passengers can fit comfortably and see out of the car. The sweeping greenhouse of the Aston looks like it might leave a tighter, more claustrophobic rear compartment. Also, Porsche calls the Panamera a gran turismo while Aston calls the Rapide a four-door sports car, an appellation far more fitting here than on a Nissan Maxima.

The 470-hp V12-powered Rapide will be built at a Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria starting late in 2009. Check out Aston Martin's press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide nears production, first official image released

Aston Martin Rapide nears production, first official image released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First "official" images of Aston Martin Rapide... or not

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, Rendered Speculation

Click above to see gallery of "official" Aston Martin Rapide renderings

Autocar has what it says are official renderings of the new Aston Martin Rapide. If Autocar has it right, however, the Rapide's front and rear aspects are closest to the Vantage V8, not the DBS or DB9. The front air dam features just one lower intake, the trunk valance is flush with the car, and the tailpipes flank the rear diffuser area. Those are all Vantage cues.

The 5-meter long car will get the firm's 6.0-liter V12, but slot exactly in between the DB9 and DBS in output with 480 hp. Autocar suggests this will get the car to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, but that could be optimistic - those 30 additional horses over the DB9 have to pull 286 more pounds, which will make it a challenge to outrun the middle sibling.

Not that it's really meant to. The Rapide is Aston luxury for four, so it is taller than the DBS in order to provide more rear headroom for the "young adults" that can fit back there. The rear doors open wider than the front for ease of entry and the front seats have been raised to make room for the feet of back seat passengers. It even has a wagon-like folding rear bulkhead and parcel shelf. The Rapide will be appearing in Autumn when, with all hope, a better buying climate awaits it.

UPDATE: First four official renderings of the production Rapide courtesy of Aston Martin added to gallery.

Gallery: "Official" Aston Martin Rapide renderings

[Source: Autocar]

First "official" images of Aston Martin Rapide... or not originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Aston Martin Rapide spied again in the buff

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin

With every automaker and their cousins coming up with their own take on the four-door coupe concept, the Aston Martin Rapide continues to sporadically rear its pretty head to show the rest of 'em how it's done.

The concept car, originally unveiled in 2006, cut a striking silhouette, and as the vehicle rumbles towards production it remains apparent that Aston Martin has no intention of losing any of the show car's pizzazz. The latest batch of spy shots, like those we've seen up until now, shows a test mule that retains the concept's glass roof, indicating that it could be a pleasant - though unfortunately top-heavy - standard feature. Speculation is that both V8 and V12 engine options, derived from the Vantage and DB9 respectively, will be offered to better compete with the varied powertrain options available in the Porsche Panamera. Expect to see the production Rapide revealed sometime later this year or early in 2010.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: Aston Martin Rapide spied again in the buff originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rear of production Aston Martin Rapide shown

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, UK

Click above for two larger renderings of the production Aston Martin Rapide

A few weeks ago we showed you what we believed to be the first official rendering of the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide four-door sports sedan. That image showed the front three-quarter view of this British beauty. We told you at the time that there was another image allegedly out there that was waiting for a January release. Well, Christmas has come early.

Today we bring you the rear three-quarter shot of this much-anticipated Porsche Panamera rival. This view shows the dramatic sweeping glass roof that carries right down into the rear glass. The tail looks a lot like that on the Vantage, but when you have family genes like those of Aston Martin, that's not a bad thing. We still expect that the Rapide will be powered by a tuned version of the corporate 6.0L V12 producing 500bhp and 420 lb-ft of torque. That should be more than enough to rapidly scoot the Rapide to an anticipated v-max of 180 mph. We can't wait to see it in the flesh.

Gallery: Production Aston Martin Rapide

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

Rear of production Aston Martin Rapide shown originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First official Aston Martin Rapide image comes online

John Neff — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Aston Martin, UK

Click above to enlarge

It's only one image, but it's supposedly the real deal. Or so says CAR Magazine in the UK, which published this rendering of the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide today. The publication claims the computer-generated rendering comes straight from Aston and previews the final form of this über four-door coupe. They apparently have another image in hand but are saving that for the January 2009 print issue of CAR. From what we can see, it appears that the Rapide will remain very true to the concept version. CAR notes the front end has changed a bit with the concept's quad air intakes being replaced by an upper and lower grille, and there's now a more creased character line running down the length of the vehicle. The rear has supposedly changed a little as well, but is not viewable from the angle we get in this rendering. The mag is also claiming the Rapide will be powered by a big 6.0L V12 producing 500bhp and 420 lb-ft of torque, which should be enough to keep the large sedan, err... coupe, moving briskly.

Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide Concept

[Source: CAR]

First official Aston Martin Rapide image comes online originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Poll: Choose your coupe-ish four-door

Alex Nunez — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc.

Click above for a hi-res gallery of tonight's poll entrants

This weekend's Porsche Panamera photos have everyone talking, and it had us thinking it's time for a Sunday Poll. Sportier, coupe-like four-doors are no longer a novelty; everyone's doing (or plans to do) it. So, given the choice, which one would you pick. Our candidates are a mix of cars already here, cars on the way, and one concept that seems like a lock to come to fruition. Are you beguiled or bewildered by Stuttgart's new four-door? Maybe you like Fisker's green-but-beautiful approach. How about the Mercedes CLS, which basically started this trend? VW's now in the game with the CC, and Aston's busy cooking up the production Rapide. Let's not forget Jaguar's wide-eyed kitty, the XF. And we'd be remiss if we left out the Lamborghini Estoque, a concept that has cash cow written all over it for Sant'Agata. So, throw all those pesky restrictions like budget and availability out the window. In your opinion, who's got the best take on the coupe-sedan look so far?

Gallery: Sunday Poll: Choose Your Coupe-ish Four-Door

View Poll

Sunday Poll: Choose your coupe-ish four-door originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daniel Craig gets free pass to drive Astons for life

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin, Celebrities

As if being chosen to play the consummate British secret agent wasn't enough for Daniel Craig to brag about, the current 007 has been extended a free pass to drive Aston Martin's best cars any time he pleases. And he isn't limited to driving on the street. Aston has made its test track available to the faux agent. Craig must be quite the Ambassador to the brand to be granted such special privileges. Unfortunately, Mr. Bond seems to have no intentions of actually going out and purchasing one for himself, saying, "I could drive it faster and more furiously [on the track] than anywhere on the road. I live in London [and] it doesn't make any sense to drive an Aston Martin there. I've nowhere to park it." Yeah, we know how you feel, Daniel. That's the reason all of on the Autoblog staff don't own Astons too... nowhere to park.

[Source: Contact Music]

Daniel Craig gets free pass to drive Astons for life originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin to move further upmarket?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Such is the logic of luxury economics: charge tens of thousands of dollars more for the same product, sell fewer of them and boost the balance sheet and your brand's long-term viability. That is what Aston Martin's considering for the next phase of its business plan, which runs from roughly 2011 to 2019 and will see the launch of DB9 and Vantage successors, the Rapide, and the renewed Lagonda brand.

The Vantage and DB9 are big sellers for Aston, but the company might be unsure of how to sustain the momentum. One option is to move the price of the $113,000 Vantage closer to the $171,000 DB9, and move that latter car closer to the $265,000 DBS, sell fewer of them but make more money. The DB9 does strike us as a (relative) bargain - it's cheaper than a Bentley GT -- but pricing the Vantage closer to the DB9 would seem to wreck its business case as a 911 fighter. Another option could be to replace the Vantage or DB9 with a mid-engined sports car, which could be drool-worthy and well worth the price bump... but perhaps un-Aston-like.

AutoWeek also appears to report that the One-77 isn't sold out, writing "Although Aston has said that it would make a maximum of 77 cars, insiders privately say the market is closer to 25." We don't know how that could be, unless a bunch of the 100 people who applied to buy the car were just kidding...

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[Source: AutoWeek]

Aston Martin to move further upmarket? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide 'Ring battle

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin, Porsche

To the 'Ring we go, and our companions today are -- in the apt words of World Car Fans -- "beauty and the beast." That would be the Aston Martin Rapide and the Porsche Panamera. We'll let you decide which one deserves which title. Follow the link and you'll find a large gallery of both cars in basic black, un-camo'ed and racing each other around the 'Ring to help cast your vote.

In practical considerations, the Panamera looks to have the Rapide beat in all kinds of ways. For instance, it should get better gas mileage if you get the V6 or V8, and it has more trunk space with 450 liters. Aston's cars have little trunk syndrome, and the Rapide probably won't really change that. But hey, who would buy a Panamera or Rapide for practical reasons? Either way, we won't really know the state of things until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next March when they are officially introduced.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide 'Ring battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Aston Martin Rapide spotted with glass roof

John Neff — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Aston Martin

Click above for high-res gallery of new Aston Martin Rapide spy shots

The latest four-door Aston Martin (remember the Lagonda?) has been spied lapping the famed Nurburgring in Germany, which is a far cry from the frozen lakes of Sweden where it had previously been caught testing. Spy photographers, however, have noticed something different with this Rapide prototype now that all the snow's been brushed off: a glass roof. The transparent canopy extends from the windshield all the way to the back hatch, which is some impressive acreage considering the length of this car's wheelbase. Wearing hardly any camouflage, it's apparent that the Rapide is progressing nicely from concept to production with nary a tweak to dull its sexy shape. It will likely be the first all-new car debuted under the brand's new ownership, though much of the development work was performed when it was still owned by Ford.

Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide - spy shots II

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Aston Martin Rapide spotted with glass roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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