While design and luxury are important parts of every Aston Martin, everything starts with the engine. The Rapide S gets an improved front-mounted 6.0L V12 that is now capable of 552 hp and 457 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a Touchtronic 8-speed shift-by-wire automatic with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. This combination is capable of propelling the Aston to a top speed of 188 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds.
The Rapide S is, thoroughly and in every way, an Aston Martin. The chassis is bonded aluminum, while the body is aluminum, magnesium and composite. The wheels on which it rides are 20-inches tall and the suspension is a perfectly tuned double-wishbone setup that incorporates anti-squat, anti-dive and active damping for a smooth ride even during high performance driving.
The Rapide S has all the latest in safety and performance technology, such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and positive torque control.
Standard equipment inside includes front and rear climate control, 8-way front power-adjustable heated seats, Bluetooth, navigation and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.
As befits a luxury car at this price, extensive customization is possible. Aston Martin provides no fewer than four 20-inch wheel options, brake calipers in 4 colors, interior wood moldings in mahogany, bamboo or carbon fiber. The interior door panels can be trimmed in perforated leather, special Aston Martin logos can be embroidered into the headrests and the sill plaques can be personalized to suit the buyer. Aston Martin will even match any other manufacturer paint color and will match the interior leather to a customer-provided sample.
Aston Martin Performance And Handling
Exceedingly Luxurious Interior
Last year, the Rapide became the Rapide S after a modest redesign by Aston Martin. For 2015, the changes are more subtle. A couple of new interior trim colors and options are available this year, but the biggest change is to the transmission. Now boasting an 8-speed automatic, the Rapide S makes improvements in both performance and fuel economy.
The Rapide S is a versatile car: the powerful engine and handling make it a sports car; the four seats and flexible cargo space make it a practical car. The refined interior and advanced technology make it a luxury car. The Rapide S is a largely hand-built car from a legendary English auto company, which means a starting price tag near $200,000.