Aston Martin, the car of choice for James Bond 007, saw its first four-door model roll off the production line while the V12 Vantage is soon bound for the US.
Aston Martin Rapide Image: Aston Martin |
The Aston Martin Rapide is the first-ever four-door car from the iconic British manufacturer and has been four years in the making since its 2006 concept debut at the Detroit Motor Show.
A special production plant was built for the Rapide's production which includes bodywork covered in nine coats of paint, hand-stitched leather interiors and hand-built engines.
The 6.0 litre, V12 produces a substantial 470bhp (477PS/350kW with a Touchtronic gearbox allowing automatic or manual gearchange by using F1-style paddles on the steering column.
The Rapide's entry follows not long after the launch of Porsche's four-door executive express, the Panamera.
Meanwhile there is good news for potential Aston Martin owners in the US, with the company announcing that the V12 Vantage will now be made available in North America. The latest decision is as a result of "unprecedented customer demand" for the V12, two-door, 190mph (305kph) supercar. As an additional incentive, although it seems one is not needed, a special edition Carbon Black model will be sold exclusively in America.