Autoblog

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.


[Source: KGP Photography]

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]

click above to view both spy shots of the Aston Martin Rapide

The spy shot we showed you two days ago of an Aston Martin Rapide prototype being refueled at a gas station is actually one shot in a set of two, the other showing the four-door coupe's front end (above). We're amazed at how little has changed on the Rapide during its journey from concept to production car so far. Everything down to the flush door handles and 10 twin-spoke wheels appears to be identical. There's still a lot of time, however, between now and at least next year when the Rapide is expected to debut for the design to change. What we'd really like to see is the interior of this prototype, since the concept's interior was incredibly opulent and included an "emergency kit" containing two bottles of champagne, Aston Martin-branded drinking glasses, a cigar cutter and a chessboard in the boot. We doubt these items will make it to production, but perhaps Aston Martin will offer them as an Executive Lounge package.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

With its Le Mans racing program soon to be bolstered by GT2 and LMP1 entries, and with sales of its ever-so-desirable GTs ever increasing, Aston Martin is preparing to add the four-door Rapide to its production line-up. And if this spy shot is any indication, things seem to be moving along nicely.

Aston was anticipated to decide by year's end where the Rapide would be built. Although the company just moved to a new facility in Gaydon, the automaker was reportedly in discussions with a number of smaller contractors – including Pininfarina, Karmann, Magna-Steyr and Valmet – over potentially outsourcing the Rapide's manufacturing. As we already know, these private coachbuilders are all in dire need of the contract.

Confirmation that Aston would build the Rapide was one of the first things its new owners did after acquiring the company from Ford, and we're looking forward to seeing the production version in the flesh after seeing this spy shot.

[Source: The Hollywood Extra]