Aston Martin Rapide S arrives

The Aston Martin Rapide S is a GT car that's been redesigned and re-engineered to reassert its position at the top of the GT car tree.

Rapide S replaces the outgoing Aston Martin Rapide and is now more refined thanks to a range of additions to the four-seater's interior. There's an imposing new ‘face’ featuring a striking new grille. The front and rear ends have been revised for improved aerodynamics and aesthetics.

The visual appeal of the Aston Martin Rapide S is matched by a much more powerful and yet more efficient engine. Changes under the new Rapide's skin are comprehensive, with a version of the new AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 powerplant.

Power jumps significantly from the previous model - by 17 per cent 410kW at 6750rpm. Peak torque increases, too, up from 600Nm to 620Nm at 5000rpm. As a result performance is boosted -- with the 0-100km/h sprint now passing in 4.9 seconds.

The naturally aspirated V12 boasts race car technology developments derived directly from Aston Martin Racing. These include lighter, hollow, cam shafts and computer cut combustion chambers.

Dual variable camshaft timing, knock sensing, even the fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system are all engineering advances developed to preserve the V12's position as a mainstay of the Aston Martin range. Fuel economy averages 14.1-litres/100km. Carefully conceived engineering changes give Rapide sharper agility and quicker responses to driver input. 

Aston Martin's hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is fitted offering three settings: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’. The new car boasts a host of new luxury- or sports-orientated options, allowing buyers to more precisely tailor the car to their specific style.