IF YOU'VE GOT YOUR heart set on the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide - and the wallet to buy one - you're in luck. After confirming pricing late last year, Aston Martin has announced this week that the Rapide will get its Australian unveiling this month.

From February to March, Aston Martin is holding events in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and on the Gold Coast for special guests and depositors, offering interested parties the chance to see the newest Aston up close.

Speaking with TMR last year, Marcel Fabris, Operations Manager for Aston Martin in Australia estimated a price in the low to mid $400,000 range, placing the Rapide between the DB9 and the DBS.

Last month, it was confirmed that the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide will start from $366,280, plus on-road and dealer delivery costs.

The Rapide is powered by Aston Martin’s 6.0 litre V12 engine, developing 350kW (470hp) and 600Nm (442lb-ft) of torque.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

Weighing nearly 2000kg, the Rapide covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds, on its way to a top speed of around 288km/h (180mph).

Despite the addition of two real rear seats, clever design means the Rapide is only 63.5mm (2.5inch) taller and 254mm (10inch) longer than the DB9.

Ventilation controls, cupholders and an interface system for the two seatback-mounted LCD screens are mounted in the rear centre console.

Although the rear doors are small, rear legroom is much more generous than that offered by the DB9.

Standard features include a Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and Adaptive Damping System.

Interested parties keen to see the Rapide 'in the flesh' are advised to contact their nearest Aston Martin dealership to secure a spot at one of the unveiling events.

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• reply ” like !

  

  Steven says,
  2 years ago

  *The* most beautiful 4 door on the market.
• reply ” like !

  

  Wheelnut says,
  2 years ago

  I agree; Merc-Benz; Porsche; Audi; BMW and Maserati... this is how a sleek luxurious performance "4 Door-Coupe" should look
• reply ” like !

  

  Kieran says,
  2 years ago

  It's not the easiest thing to stick two more doors onto a coupé and make it look just as good, but Aston Martin have done it. Unlike the Porche Panamera - which looks nice, but still very awkward - the Rapide is just beautiful. I'm no design expert, but every time I see an Aston Martin (well, the recent ones, anyway) I can't help but be amazed by how beautiful they look.
  
  I agree with Steven... but would go as far as to say "*The* most beautiful car in the world".