Aston Martin has revealed the all new 2014 Rapide S on its website. To start with the differentiating factor, the gorgeous looking 4 door Rapide S replaces the earlier generation Rapide with a fresh chrome grille and 20 inchers silver painted alloy wheels. On the technical front, substantial underpinning alterations have been done on the Rapide S.
Mounted at 0.7 inches lower, the 5.9 litre V-12 now pumps 550 bhp linked to a six-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission. – an 80 bhp leap over the previous version with 620 nm of twisting force- again an improvement of 20 nm making it 0.4 seconds faster than the old Rapide. Top speed have been rated at 190 mph (305 kph)- a marginal increase of 2 mph.
The adaptive Damping System has been carried over from the Vanquish and the DB9 and offers 3 driving modes i.e. Normal, Sport and Track. Minor tweaks have been made to the rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics.
External highlights include a new Carbon Exterior Pack, front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror caps and rear lamp infill. Cabin indulgence reeks of a full walnut trim leather interiors with personalized sill plaques and red black upholstery as options.
The 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S will make it to North American dealerships in mid-2013 and retail at $200,000 mark- a full $12,000 lower than the 2013 version. Will the new tag play spoilsport to the Porsche Panamera and the Maserati Quattroporte? Time will tell.
Image credits: AstonMartin.com
The grill seems to be overdone for this Rapide….the earlier one had a pleasing look. This sucks!!