wheels
WHENtimes are tough, there is nothing like a drive in a very special car to dispel gloom and restore a happy smile. Two such stars, very special four seaters – though quite different – have been driven recently and their sparkle lingers long after they have been returned to the garage.
Aston Martin Rapide The Aston Martin Rapide, launched earlier this year, is the company's first four door, four seater – although in the Seventies/Eighties, there was such a car, badged Lagonda. (The company's official name is AstonMartin Lagonda, since it was spun out from Ford in 2007, the American firm having owned the company for the previous 20 years). The most striking thing about the Rapide is its
looks. Such a sleek, elegant shape is unequalled in the four-wheel world. Not only does the design impress, but the proportions, which disguise the immense 20-inch wheels, are perfect. The shape of the grille mimics the car’s iconic winged badge, so there is no identity confusion possible on seeing the car for the first time. Designed at the company’s headquarters at Gaydon, nearWarwick, it is built in Austria by Magna Steyr. Underpinning the car is the company’s VH plat-
form, suitably modified, while beneath the bonnet lies an adapted version of the firm’s 6.0-litre V12 engine. In the Rapide, it delivers 470bhp and 600Nm torque. At the far end of the transmission shaft, it is linked with a six-speed automatic gearbox, which drives the car through the rear wheels. This gives the car a near-ideal weight distribution of 49/51 front to rear. Because the Rapide is built with a special bonded
aluminium structure, it is not excessively heavy at 1,990kg, so performance is always very strong. It is possible to reach 100km/h fromrest in less than five seconds, while top speed is stated to be just under 300km/h. However, it would be a mistake to look on this model as only a fire-spitting sports car, as it is much more about luxurious, effortless transport, which can be very rapid when desired. Perhaps the most appealing thing about the
Rapide is its no-nonsense relationship with the driv- er. Climb in behind the wheel and you can see every- thing you need laid out clearly. No need to spend a weekend reading the handbook. A button in the cen- tre of the console, marked with the company badge, starts the engine, while a pair of buttons on either side are marked P-R-N-D – what could be more simple? The fully automatic gearbox works very well, while selecting sport mode sharpens things up. You can also change gear by paddles behind the wheel. Gear changes are accompanied by a delight- ful blip in engine note. The engineers’ approach to handling and road
behaviour is equally straightforward. If you want to drive it as a luxury limousine, it cossets its occupants. However, should you be looking for some fun on a deserted country road, select sport for gears and suspension and you have a car wor- thy of the company’s racing heritage. It has beau- tifully neutral handling and the electronic aids only cut in when really necessary. All round, it’s a delight to drive. However, nothing is perfect and this car has its
drawbacks, too. One is its price, which is above €260,000. Then, for a car over five metres long, the rear seats are cramped and the boot is surprisingly
Winter 2010 Irish Director 71
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