- We envisioned what a modern successor to the Rapide sports sedan could look like.
- The study draws from the Vanquish, with a stretched wheelbase for added comfort.
- A four-door V12 Aston Martin would rival the likes of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S.
Despite Aston Martin’s insistence that its DBX crossover is the future, enthusiasts haven’t stopped longing for a true four-door successor to the Rapide, and frankly, neither have we. The Rapide was one of those rare sedans that felt like a proper Aston—graceful, aggressive, and completely unnecessary in the best way possible. Yet, while the company remains focused on SUVs, the dream of a new, more powerful Rapide refuses to fade.
Curious? Let’s dive into our vision of a reimagined Rapide, built on the bones of Aston’s newly revealed Vanquish. Just imagine the soul of a supercar wrapped in an elegant, four-door package, complete with a monstrous twin-turbo V12, jaw-dropping styling, and just enough impracticality to make it irresistible. It’s the kind of grand tourer Aston could build, but for reasons known only to its accountants, probably never will.
A Look to Die For
Given the overwhelmingly positive response to the new Vanquish, our concept borrows its striking aesthetic, stretching the wheelbase for improved rear-seat access. It builds upon its two-door sibling with revised lower intakes, an elongated hood, sculpted surfacing, and broad haunches.
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There’s a hint of Dodge Charger sedan in the side glass. In contrast, a panoramic glass roof extends into the rear truck lid, allowing natural light to flood the cabin. At the back, LED light blades, aggressive bumper sculpting, and a pronounced rear diffuser enhance the grand touring aesthetic.
Sporting Luxury
Step inside, and the Rapide would ideally offer a driver-focused cockpit with a seamlessly integrated infotainment system, a crisp 10.25-inch digital display, and tactile physical controls that feel as good as they look.
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Other highlights? Think bespoke leather, carbon fiber trim, electrochromic glass, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Rear passengers wouldn’t be an afterthought, either as they’d enjoy massaging and reclining seats, individual climate controls, and noticeably more legroom, thanks to the extended wheelbase.
12-Cylinder Perfection
Do you want something with an electrifying assist? Nope, sorry, not in this hypothetical study. Power could come from the Vanquish’s thumping 5.2-litre Twin-Turbo V12, producing an absurd 823 hp (614 kW) and 737 foot-pounds (1000 Nm) of torque.
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Paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and an electronic rear differential, a 0-60 mph time in under 3.5 seconds with a top speed nearing 200 mph (320 km/h) could be achievable. Adaptive suspension and Bilstein DTX dampers would ensure an engaging and comfortable driving experience.
Four-door Villains
Fancy something a little more demure than an Aston? Rivals would include Porsche’s Panamera Turbo S, Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E, and Bentley Flying Spur.
For now, though, the British marque seems set on betting big with its DBX SUV lineup, leaving a V12-powered four-door as nothing more than a tantalizing “what if.” But if Aston decided to break the mold and give us the Rapide successor we’ve been waiting for, would you be on board? Let us know in the comments.
