The Aston Martin Rapide has moved into the final stages of its development programme, on course for a public debut in late 2009, with the first cars due for delivery early in 2010.
First revealed as the Aston Martin Rapide concept at the Detroit auto show in 2006, the Rapide is said to be one of the most eagerly awaited cars of the year.
"As Aston Martin's first true four-door production sports car," the automaker said, "gthe Rapide encapsulates the core values of the brand within an elegant, high-powered sports grand tourer with four full-sized seats, generous accommodation and luggage space and trademark Aston Martin performance."
Aston Martin chief executive Ulrich Bez added: "The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world. It completes the Aston Martin range.
"In 2010 there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of their lifestyle. The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger."
The concept received worldwide acclaim for its design as well as strong expressions of interest from customers. Following the purchase of Aston Martin in June 2007, the production version of the Rapide was approved and development began in earnest.
"The cohesive design language and elegant form of the Rapide ensure it is a perfect complement to the other cars in Aston Martin's line-up," the automaker said. "From the outset, the Rapide was designed with no aesthetic compromise."
Aston Martin's director of design Marek Reichman stated when the concept was first shown: "We wanted to make the most beautiful four-door sports car in the world."
The car has swan-wing doors - rising upwards and outwards as they open - facilitating access to the two individual rear seats. A kicked-up tail and strong rear shoulders wrap around the wheel arches to create the classic Aston Martin silhouette, enveloping the additional doors, seats for children or two adults on shorter journeys, and functional luggage capacity.
Described by Reichman as "a lithe long distance runner", compared to the sprinter-like poise of the V8 Vantage and the muscularity of the DBS, the Rapide's lines claim to be a master class in maintaining purity of proportion and vision.
The Rapide will have a version of Aston Martin's six-litre V12 that's capable of 350kW and 600Nm of torque and hand-built at the company's engine facility in Cologne, Germany.
It's price in South Africa will start at R2 809 000.
Performance figures have yet to be revealed.
The Rapide will be built at a new production facility in Graz, Austria managed by Magna Steyr and co-ordinated by an Aston Martin team from the UK. The plant is closely modelled on the Gaydon HQ factory and will combine a sophisticated modern production line with traditional hand-finishing skills.
Bez has the last word: "The Rapide will exist in a class of its own, a true Aston Martin with the high performance and dynamic excellence that defines the brand, a luxurious sporting grand tourer without equal."