Aston Martin has taken the wraps off its Rapide AMR, revealing that it will build just 210 examples of the angriest version of the four-door model yet.
The AMR-badged, four-door Rapide follows hot on the heels of the DB11 AMR (which we’ve driven in Germany), and is based on the concept shown at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2017, retaining the gaping front grille and boasting circular daytime running lights that reference recent Zagato models.
The Rapide AMR’s naturally aspirated 5,9-litre V12 has been massaged to deliver 444 kW and 630 N.m (up from the standard 410 kW and 620 N.m in the Rapide S), while the British brand says a new quad exhaust system ensures “a raucous sound befitting of the AMR badge”. The result is a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4,4 seconds, which represents an improvement of half a second over the Rapide S.
The limited-edition Rapide AMR rides on 21-inch multi-spoke alloys shod with Michelin Super Sport tyres and utilises what Aston calls “an evolution of the [brake] cooling system on the Vanquish S” in the form of modified brake ducts and dust shields.
The Gaydon-based automaker says the Rapide AMR’s aerodynamics have been tuned to reduce lift while “retaining a neutral balance”, with the added aerodynamic bodywork (the splitter, sills, rear diffuser and boot-lid spoiler) fashioned from carbon-fibre. The new bonnet, complete with ventilation inserts, is also made from the lightweight material.
Carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 400 mm up front (with six-piston callipers) and 360 mm at the rear (with four-piston callipers) ship standard, while the new Rapide AMR rides 10 mm lower than the Rapide S, employing “thoroughly re-engineered” three-stage adaptive dampers.
Inside, you’ll find a carbon-fibre centre console while the seats have been trimmed in Alcantara. Every example features AMR logos stitched into the front perches, a limited-edition AMR inspection plaque and AMR branding on the carbon sill plates.
Aston Martin says the Rapide AMR will be “available globally, with the exception of China and Russia”. Pricing in the United Kingdom starts at £194 950 (that’s a little under R3,5-million at the current exchange rate).
