VIDEO: New Aston Martin Rapide Promo Films [Part 1]

As part of its first foray into the digital campaign medium, Aston Martin will release three new promotional videos, featuring the breathtaking Rapide four-door coupe. Filmed in Lisbon, Portugal, the video follows a group of “agents” commissioned by a mysterious person to deliver a precious package, without opening it. A very Ronin-ish plot, we know.

The introductory part is available after the jump, while the second and third clips will follow on January 19 and 26, respectively.

“We wanted to deliver a subtle but clever piece of branded entertainment. Something that mirrors the thrill of the drive. Intelligent, dramatic yet very exciting. It's an action-packed Aston Martin story in three parts, designed to entertain our audience. We're not hard selling, we're showcasing. After all it is the thinking man's (and woman's) performance car”, Film Director Donnie Masters from Serious Pictures said.

By Csaba Daradics

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Aston Martin Quietly Unwraps Rapide Luxe Special Edition

What's better than a sleek Aston Martin Rapide? No, not some German competitor, but the Rapide Luxe, a special edition version of the British sports saloon that quietly appeared on the automaker's official website.

Those expecting more power or even better handling are going to be disappointed, as the Rapide Luxe is all about trim and styling offering extra color options, new wheel designs, added standard content and a bespoke six-piece luggage set.

Customers can choose from a range of colors including the Concours Blue and Quantum Silver. The car rides on 20-inch alloys, just like the standard Rapide, but the wheels wrapped around in Bridgestone Potenza's feature a different, 20-spoke design with a polished finish.

Inside, the grain leather that covers almost everything can also be specified in colors from the Fast Track or Contemporary range, matching it to the exterior tones or even creating an interesting contrast. Other visual improvements include unique Rapide Luxe sill plates, main control switches with glass face and a secondary glass key.

Ventilated front and rear seats come as standard, alongside the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system that features two 6.5-inch LCD screens, integrated into the back of front seat headrests and "optimally positioned at eye level".

The six-piece luggage set, made of course from the finest leather, can be ordered in the same Fast Track or Contemporary range of colors and consists of a small, two medium and a large hold-all, a beauty case and a garment bag.

Nothing has changed under the hood, so the 6.0-liter V12 continues to deliver 477 hp and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque allowing the Rapide Luxe to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 296 km/h or 184 mph.

For details on pricing, buyers will have to contact their local Aston Martin dealer.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Aston Martin , Via: Autoblog.nl

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That's Gotta Hurt: Tree Falls on New Aston Martin Rapide Sedan and Bentley Continental Supersports

Here's a sight that no driver would like to see his car in, even more so if the vehicles in question are a spanking-new $200,000+ Aston Martin Rapide sports saloon and a Bentley Continental Supersports.

According to Joel Feder (the man who took these photos), the incident happened at the Midwestern Automotive Media Association earlier this week when a thunderstorm followed by hail and strong winds took down a tree that landed right on the parked Aston Martin and Bentley.

And while the Continental didn't sustain any damages, the Rapide's encounter with the tree wasn't so fortunate. As you can see in the gallery below, the Aston Martin suffered a smashed windshield, a broken mirror, scratches and a dent on the hood.

Photos: Joel Feder

First Aston Martin Rapide Sport Saloons Leave the Factory

Aston Martin has a reason to celebrate this week as the first examples of its new Rapide four-door sports car have left the Aston Martin Rapide Plant (that's the dedicated facility at Magna Steyr's operations in Graz, Austria) for delivery to customers around the world.

The company said that the Rapide will reach buyers and Aston Martin's 125 showrooms in 34 countries over the next few weeks.

The Rapide was first shown as a concept at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, with the production model following at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009.

The four-door saloon provides space for up to four adults and 301 liters of luggage compartment. It is powered by a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6,000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lb.ft) peak torque at 5,000 rpm

The price of the Rapide starts from $199,950 in the U.S., and from £139,950 in the UK.