Every car company has a "first" and for the European luxury sports car manufacturer known as Aston Martin, the Rapide is a first. This company has never produced a four door vehicle until 2010. The Rapide is a four door sports car like no other, with a 470 HP V-12 this car is far from a family car. This vehicle houses the same engine offered in the DB9 and also offer the powerful 6-speed automatic transmission to allow for easy acceleration.
On the interior this model features to cockpit style seats for the passengers in the front. The driver's space is separated by a long center console separating him from the passenger. There are back seats in this vehicle, but it is not likely that they would be used. The exterior design is as smooth as any of the amazing vehicles from Aston Martin. The windows on both front and back doors meld together as they are one flowing piece of glass. Luxury from top to bottom the Acura Rapide is one of the fastest four doors in the world.
The Range
Bodystyles: Sedan
Engines: 6.0L V-12
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Models: Rapide
What's New
The Rapide name is back after a long absence reaching back to Lagonda in the early 1960s. Will the Rapide outlast its predecessor's four-year lifespan? We're betting so.
Exterior
The Rapide looks lovely from a multitude of angles and its taut, swept-back lines give it a hint of motion even when stationary. With lines echoing the automaker's sports coupes, this is every inch a real Aston.
Interior
Virtually every component inside the Rapide is simply beautiful to see and touch, with bespoke stitched leather lining nearly every surface, including the cupholders. The rear seats are a squeeze, but who cares? We don't.
Performance & Handling
The Rapide is a wonderful compromise of sport and comfort, with rocket-like acceleration from the 6.0-liter V-12 (with a soundtrack to match) and utter composure on the road. A five-way adjustable Bilstein suspension allows the perfect damper setting for a multitude of conditions, while the silky-smooth ZF-built Touchtronic2 transmission is right at home in the Rapide.
Safety
The 2010 Rapide includes dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags as standard, along with front-occupant side airbags and head protection airbags for both front and rear passengers. Stability and traction control are both standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
Rapide: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway
You'll Like
- The sound. Oh, the sound…
- Compliant ride, despite sporty nature
- Interior trimming is top-notch
- Handling belies Rapide's size
You Won't Like
- Difficult ingress/egress from every door
- Rear seats can be claustrophobic
- Gimmicky "swan" doors
Sum Up
Gorgeous, exotic, room for four
If You Like This Vehicle
- BMW Alpina B7
- Jaguar XJ Supersports
- Maserati Quattroporte
- Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
- Porsche Panamera