With its Le Mans racing program soon to be bolstered by GT2 and LMP1 entries, and with sales of its ever-so-desirable GTs ever increasing, Aston Martin is preparing to add the four-door Rapide to its production line-up. And if this spy shot is any indication, things seem to be moving along nicely.

Aston was anticipated to decide by year's end where the Rapide would be built. Although the company just moved to a new facility in Gaydon, the automaker was reportedly in discussions with a number of smaller contractors – including Pininfarina, Karmann, Magna-Steyr and Valmet – over potentially outsourcing the Rapide's manufacturing. As we already know, these private coachbuilders are all in dire need of the contract.

Confirmation that Aston would build the Rapide was one of the first things its new owners did after acquiring the company from Ford, and we're looking forward to seeing the production version in the flesh after seeing this spy shot.

From http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/s...martin-rapide/

 

i think it would look better if it wasn't a hatch... kindda looks like a strech db9

 

I think it looks great! The CLS started the four door coupe look and VW is doing it. Porsche too

 

OMG I can't wait for this car to come out. I love it

 

SOOOOOO hot.

 

Didn't the earlier pics have the car not being a hatch?? I do like this one but I liked the show cars from before much more for some reason?

 

as long as this doesnt come as a hatch back it'll be perfect. this car will be a top seller

 

It's beautiful.

 

With Porsche and Aston going 4 door, its hard for me to even like the design. To me Aston and Porsche have always been the 2 door slick, fast sports cars. Less weight as possible.

 

better looking than panamera (rear that is)

 

Gorgeous! I can't wait to see this thing for real!

 

The concept was also a hatchback. In fact, this new pic looks almost identical to the concept version.

 

Yup I guess your right, I dunno I love this car though. Does anyone know the estimated prices? Like are we talking Maserati Q price or like almost phantom price?

 

if it is Maserati Q price, im in.

 

Looks great,my next sedan for sure any idea of when its coming out?