Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide

15 September 2009

by Adrian Hearn

Three doesn�t go into five does it? Well somehow Aston Martin has turned the DB9 coupe into the beautiful Rapide super-saloon.

But then again you wouldn�t doubt the British company to pull it off � look at the other models the car maker produces.

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Auto Trader was invited to an exclusive launch party for the Aston Martin Rapide at a plush Frankfurt hotel last night ahead of the car�s official debut today.

It�s pretty darn pretty ain�t it? The Rapide has the unmistakable front and rear of Aston�s coupes managing to look amazing from all angles. Unless you�re sat in your newly delivered Porsche Panamera that is�

The pillar-less doors open at an upward angle to prevent any unwanted meetings to over-elevated kerbs and the front is incredibly wide meaning width restricted roads may need to be avoided.

As you can imagine, we want this car. A lot.

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And so will a lot of well-off Aston fans who couldn�t buy the DB9 because there�s no room in the back for the kids. The Rapide sorts this problem. Just don�t go letting them eat or drink anything while cosseted in those leather seats.

Under the bonnet is a 6-litre V12 engine which develops 470bhp and 442lb/ft of pulling power � enough to accelerate it from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds with an awesome soundtrack too.

For its performance and size, the Rapide is a rival for the Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte but, at around £150,000, is twice as much as the pair putting it in its own segment.

Like the Aston Martin Rapide? Click here to search for used Aston Martins on Auto Trader

Is it worth saving that bit longer or cashing in the bonds? Check out the pictures � we think we know the answer.