New Aston Martin Rapide Images Leak Out

For some reason, the wait on this car has felt like forever! I've been talking all about it, but it never actually gets here. What can I say that I haven't already said? Yes, Aston Martin I still think you produce some of the most beautiful vehicles in the world and yes the Rapide is already one of my favorites.

In all seriousness though, the Rapide is a new entry from Aston Martin in an unusual segment for a supercar manufacturer. Maserati was one of the first to produce a 4-door sedan, with it's pioneering Quattroporte. Aston Martin also produced the Lagonda sedan but other than that, a 4-door has never been a part of the company's lineup.

It appears this could be a new battleground for the supercar manufacturers though. Ferrari (for now) refuses to get in on the act, but Lamborghini has shown signs of interest with it's Estoque 4-door concept.

While in a much lower segment, I think the real catalyst for this resurgence in 4-door "coupes" is the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It showed there really could be a sedan that looked coupe-like in it's appearance. In a competition among the 3 upper crust sedans Rapide, Estoque and Quattroporte, the Quattroporte does seems a bit out of place.

I think for the car's next-generation they need to produce a styling stunner. Sleek, low and unmistakably Italian. They could really pull it off! For now though, all we can do is wait for the Rapide to get here officially. In the meantime, here are some more new pictures....