More Power, More Rapidness

Following in the wake of the DB11 AMR, the Rapide sedan is the latest Aston to be worked over by the British automaker’s Aston Martin Racing (AMR) sub-brand. The limited-edition four-door AMR stands apart from the tamer Rapide S with racy new bodywork and a host of dynamic improvements.

Looking nearly identical to the Aston Martin Rapide AMR concept car from the 2017 Geneva auto show, the production Rapide AMR sports a striking visage defined by an aggressive carbon-fiber splitter with large round daytime running lights that are reminiscent of the units fitted to the Vanquish Zagato. The hood is formed from carbon fiber, as are the side sills, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler.

Customers will be able to choose from three different design themes. The Standard and Silhouette themes will both be available painted in blue, black, or one of two different silvers. Standard models are denoted by lime-green accents on the front splitter, side sills, and rear diffusers, while Silhouette models have a gray or white racing stripe that extends the length of the body. The Signature theme comes painted exclusively in Stirling Green, which is contrasted by lime-green lower-body accents and a lime-green racing stripe.

Every Rapide AMR wears a set of striking 21-inch wheels wrapped in staggered Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber. The big wheels provide cover for massive 15.7-inch front and 14.2-inch rear carbon-ceramic brake discs. Retuned dampers and a ride height lowered by 0.4 inch relative to the Rapide S are said to improve the model’s handling.

Straight-line performance should improve as well, as the AMR’s 6.0-liter V-12 packs a 580-hp punch, along with 465 lb-ft of torque. That’s 30 more ponies than the V-12 in the Rapide S, and Aston says the AMR should reach 60 mph from rest in a claimed 4.2 seconds. Shifting is handled by a recalibrated eight-speed automatic transmission, while a new quad-pipe exhaust setup ensures the Rapide AMR’s bark is equal to its bite.

Along with its exterior and mechanical changes, the Rapide AMR also benefits from a handful of model-specific interior alterations. They include microsuede upholstery with green or silver contrast stitching, a carbon-fiber center console that extends into the rear passenger compartment to bisect the pair of rear buckets, and an available steering wheel styled after the unit in the Aston Martin One-77 supercar.

Aston Martin will produce a total of 210 Rapide AMRs for global consumption. Pricing starts at $240,000, and initial deliveries of the supersedan will begin before the end of the year.

Read more at Car And Driver