rapide S

[Speedraser]

For a road car, manual 'box for me, EVERY time. No matter how "good" a paddle-shift system is, I simply don't enjoy using them anywhere near as much as I enjoy using a good 3-pedal + gear lever 'box. Not even close.

[Vee12V]

Seems the images have leeked? Not keen on this one's trim, but I do like the Zagato style grille

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151455...

[yeti]

Vee12V said:

but I do like the Zagato style grille

I'll be having mine done like that after the 6.5 engine goes in... At least I know it'll look good

[George29]

I don't like that grille at all. Doesn't suit the car. Don't like the new rear lights either.

[Murph7355]

Much as I like manual transmissions, they are very close to end of life.

Very soon Aston won't be able to offer a manual and keep the costs sensible.

[jonby]

yeti said:

Vee12V said:

but I do like the Zagato style grille

I'll be having mine done like that after the 6.5 engine goes in... At least I know it'll look good

I like it but the problem is once you put the numberplate on, it ruins it !

http://www.gtspirit.com/2012/07/16/spotted-aston-m...

[Hillbilly168]

Can't help but feel it looks a bit CGI, very cartoon-ish. Maybe better in the flesh/metal, but time will tell. On those pictures, I hope there is no design follow through on future models.

James

[DB9VolanteDriver]

George29 said:

I don't like that grille at all. Doesn't suit the car. Don't like the new rear lights either.

Agree regarding grill. Looks like this...

[KarlFranz]

Aston just released their Rapide S intro video

[Jockman]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

Agree regarding grill. Looks like this...

+1

That is not a good look.

I realise the Rapide grille was always a departure from the androgynous mannequin look but this surely is a step too far.

Good point about the number plate too

[jonby]

official section on website now
http://www.astonmartin.com/en/cars/rapide-s/rapide...

[Hillbilly168]

Thought they may have started introducing new vanquish style interior by now on new/facelift models. At least peak power is up at 550hp.

[jonby]

Hillbilly168 said:

Thought they may have started introducing new vanquish style interior by now on new/facelift models. At least peak power is up at 550hp.

Suspect they need to just keep their powder dry a little longer to give vanquish that bit of exclusivity to help support sales - I'm guessing they want to launch vanquish roadster before putting the interior in other models - vanquish will look very expensive next to rapide if they have the same engine, chassis refinements AND interior

[Hillbilly168]

Agree, trouble is, vanquish looks expensive already....next to anything!

[F1 NDW]

George29 said:

I don't like that grille at all. Doesn't suit the car. Don't like the new rear lights either.

HA HA HA They have stolen the Mondeo grill back. orrible!

[yeti]

George29 said:

I don't like that grille at all. Doesn't suit the car. Don't like the new rear lights either.

Holy cow, George in dislike-of-anything-that-isn't-his-own-DB9 shocker!!

To be fair you aren't alone... It's a challenging look, but since Ford stole Aston's grille design I guess they had to do something special / different. You'll know when one of these is behind you, huge road presence!

One question... Where is the bumper? That's why we have a bar dividing our grilles, there's a cross member in there...

[yeti]

jonby said:

I like it but the problem is once you put the numberplate on, it ruins it !

Small plate like I already have, mounted right at the bottom will be fine I think

[Jockman]

yeti said:

Small plate like I already have, mounted right at the bottom will be fine I think

No way Yeti....that is crying out for a plate on the side

You're right though - see one of those in your rearview mirror and it's squeaky bum time

[yeti]

yeti said:

One question... Where is the bumper? That's why we have a bar dividing our grilles, there's a cross member in there...

Looks like the cross member is still there, just blacked out

[mikey k]

Oh that front looks painful
Too much Zagato grill going on there (which I don't like on the Zagato)
This is an exception where a LARGE no plate holder might look better
The rest I like

Edited by mikey k on Wednesday 23 January 09:00