Tuesday, December 25, 2018

The Aston Martin Rapide AMR Is A 580-HP High-Performance Sedan

This is the Rapide's last hurrah.

Set to make its debut this weekend at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the Aston Martin Rapide AMR, essentially a final celebration of the sleek sedan before it ends production. With styling inspiration taken directly from the Vantage AMR Pro, the Rapide AMR is the high-performance version we’ve been clamoring for, although it’ll be limited to just 210 examples. We already saw the Rapide AMR as a concept at Geneva earlier this year, but this is the real deal and it looks nearly identical to that concept.

Under the hood lies the familiar naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12, now equipped with larger inlet manifolds with tuned length dual inlet runners for better airflow. Along with a gearbox recalibration, output is now rated at 580 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph takes just 4.2 seconds and it tops out at 205 mph. The Rapide S, by comparison, has 560 hp, a 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph, and a 203 mph top speed. Other new features include carbon-ceramic brakes, a lowered suspension (by 10 millimeters, to be precise), and a retuned adaptive damping system. A new aerodynamic kit supposedly reduces lift and retains a neutral balance front and rear. Also notice the carbon fiber hood has larger and functional heat vents.

For the first time on a road-going Aston Martin, 21-inch wheels have been fitted, wrapped in Michelin Super Sport rubber. The large grille design, which we saw on the concept, is directly inspired by the Vantage AMR Pro track car. Those circular daytime running lights are a tribute to recent Zagato models. Aston Martin says the Rapide AMR will be available in three different color combos, including what you’re looking at here with the AMR Lime accents. Other colors include Mariana Blue, Scintilla Silver, Lightning Silver and Onyx Black. China Grey or Clubsport White stripes and accents are options. The interior features Alcantara seats and a full carbon fiber center console.

There’s also the typical AMR logos, plaque and even an optional One-77-style steering wheel. The Rapide AMR, according to Aston Martin, is “capable of comfortably transporting a team of race drivers to a circuit on the other side of a continent and then tackling the track when they get there.” Available globally, US pricing begins at $210,000 and deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

No comments:

Post a Comment