the Rapide will be the first ever Aston Martin built outside of the United Kingdom, thanks to a partnership up with Magna Steyr. Given a strong interest in the Rapide, Aston Martin says it will build between 1,000 and 2,000 units per year, up from an original estimate of 500 or less. Like Aston�s other models, the Rapide is built on the company�s VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture � the same that underpins the DB9. The Rapide will also borrow its twelve-cylinder powerplant from the DB9, although power will be increased from 450 horsepower to 470. With that power routed through a six-speed transmission � featuring Aston Martin�s Touchtronic control � the Rapide should make the sprint from 0-60 in under five seconds, on its way to a top speed of 180 mph. Expect to see the Aston Martin Rapide to hit the market sometime during 2010, with a price tag in the $200,000 range.
