Aston Martin’s are just sexy cars and aside from a little stint of ugly in the 1980s, they’ve set the standard of what an executive coupe should be. They’re automotive tuxedos that exude confidence and have an aura about them that states: “I’ve made it…”. I love these cars and if I had the means I’d pick one up in a heartbeat. They also, to me anyway, represent themselves as somewhat of an executive hot rod, which is probably why James Bond drives one.
When rumors started swirling about that Aston Martin was going to design a 4-door coupe, I immediately started having nightmares reminiscent of the ones I had when I first saw the Porsche Panamera. I pictured a big, ugly, slab sided abortion that was going to ruin the brand – thankfully, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The Rapide is Aston’s new 4-door coupe and God damn if it isn’t one of the most beautiful cars at this show. The Rapide is as elegant as it is muscular, and by omitting the use of a separation pillar between the front and rear windows the Rapide gives the impression that it is a true coupe and not a 4-door. The front end has taken ques from the stellar DB9, with the rear emulating the Vanquish. This car is a big gamble for Aston Martin as it’s their first delve into the 4-door market since their ill-fated Lagonda from back in the 1980’s. Honestly though, if this car goes as well as it looks then they’ll have hit the jackpot.