Let’s just get to the point of this – one of our favorite automakers, Aston Martin, has recently unveiled the 2013 Rapide S, an extremely good looking sedan and a mind-bogglingly powerful vehicle at the same time. This jaw dropping saloon has been bestowed with the S denomination in order to match its increased output.
The naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 engine now delivers 558 HP (410 kW) as stock, 81 HP (59 kW) more powerful than the pre-facelift model. The torque of the Rapide S has also been upped from 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) to 620 Nm (457 lb-ft).
The performance figures that result from these magnificent numbers are quite dramatic – the redesigned and revamped Rapide is able to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the previous version. It also reaches a higher top speed, from a previous 302.5 km/h (188 mph) to 305.7 km/h (190 mph).
On the green factor, this situation isn’t that good. The Aston Martin Rapide S is just a mere 0.9 mpg UK more efficient than the previous model, being able to do around 19.9 mpg UK (16.5 mpg US or 14.1 l / 100 km). The CO2 emissions have been slightly reduced too, from 355 g/km to 332 g/km.
Design-wise, the Rapide S doesn’t include many significant changes – just a new rear lip spoiler and a redesigned front grille. There is also the Carbon Exterior Pack, which is optional, and includes rear lamp fills, exterior mirror housings, rear diffuser and carbon fiber-made front splitter.
The interior of the vehicle has been garnished with a brand new piano black trim alongside optional black & red Duotone leather upholstery. The Rapide S can further provide up to 900 liters of internal space if the rear seats are folded flat. Optionally, the fabled carmaker can also fit the cabin with a reversing camera and a twin-screen rear seat entertainment system.
As for the price, it will probably be quite exorbitant, just like all Aston Martins. It should constantly remain around £150,000 (around €180,000 or $237,500). Availability will reportedly start in February 2013.
[Aston Martin]
