Aston Martin To Enter Rapide Into Nurburgring 24 Hour Race

Aston Martin is a brand on a renaissance lately, producing some of its best products ever.

Ironic then that lately, the Aston Martin (if you can call it that) we've been hearing about most is the Cygnet minicar, based on the Toyota iQ.

Its good to talk about real Aston Martins for a change - and the Rapide definitely qualifies as one. To prove its mettle, Aston Martin has announced the Rapide's entrance into a 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring.

The Nurburgring is one of the world's best and toughest tracks, where automakers go to hone their vehicles' handling. An endurance race is quite a different thing however - and Aston Martin is no stranger to competing. Aston Martin has one the SP8 category of the ADAC Nürburgring race (in its 38th year) for the past two years running. with a lightly modified V-12 Vantage taking the class win.

This year, the Rapide will be competing - and will be similarly modified; in other words, not much at all. The Rapide race car will be very close to production standard with only "essential race safety modifications" that include removing interior trim to reduce weight, a re-tuned suspension and tires designed for track use.

As if it needed it, this will further prove the Rapide as a real Aston Martin - a four-door competing with racecars and supercars in a grueling endurance race. We look forward to seeing the rankings this year. Go Rapide!