Aston Martin Rapide First Official Photo and Details

Aston Martin has just unveiled the first official details regarding its new Rapide model, a car that is expected to impress the audience in every single area, starting with the engine and ending with the exterior styling. The car was first unveiled in the form of a concept car at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and is expected to come as a production model this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show in December.

"The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world. It completes the Aston Martin range conveying our established attributes of Power, Beauty and Soul," Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said.

"In 2010 there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of the demands of their lifestyle. The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger."

Although they've presented the car in all its glory, details regarding the Aston Martin Rapide are still sketchy at this point. However, we do know the car will be powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that generates 470 bhp (350 kW) and 600 Nm of torque. This unit will be mated to a Touchtronic gearbox likely to improve both the driving comfort and the overall engine performance figures.

"Rapide will exceed expectations to deliver elegance and practicality in a form that will allow driving enjoyment and comfort beyond anything that exists today," says Dr Ulrich Bez. "The Rapide will exist in a class all of its own, a true Aston Martin with the high performance and dynamic excellence that defines the brand, and a luxurious sporting grand tourer without equal."

For a few computer generated images (CGIs) published before the official unveiling of the car, check out this article.