Skip advert
Advertisement

Aston Martin Rapide AMR spied at the Ring

Aston’s new hardcore sub-brand AMR is applying its finishing touches to Aston’s sleek four-door

Following the Aston Martin Rapide AMR concept, revealed at last year’s Geneva motor show, Aston Martin looks to be putting the finishing touches to the production version. The Rapide AMR will be sold in limited numbers, with the same styling changes and technical enhancements shown on the concept.

The Rapide’s bonded aluminium core will stay much the same as the standard car, powered by a naturally aspirated 6-litre V12 engine, shared with the Vanquish S, producing 595bhp. This represents a 50bhp hike compared to the current Rapide S and should allow the Rapide AMR to reach a top speed of 210mph, says Aston Martin.

Advertisement - Article continues below

> Click here for our review of the new Aston Martin Vantage

The prototype’s styling changes also mimic the concept, featuring a deeper front bumper with large round fog lights integrated into the new fascia. The bonnet is also new, with larger vent openings, while the sills and rear bumper follow the same, deeper, more aggressive stance. Complementing the taller rear diffuser is a small lip spoiler sat atop the tailgate.

Inside is where the biggest changes are likely to be seen over the standard Rapide, with the luxurious mix of rich waxy leather and timber veneers replaced with a combination of Alcantara and carbonfibre. The Rapide AMR Concept featured four of Aston Martin’s racing-style bucket seats that are also seen in hardcore models like the Vantage GT8. Due to the limited nature of the AMR, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the same seats in the production car.

Despite AMR’s slightly misplaced emphasis on racing, the Rapide AMR has been designed to crush the open road, according to its maker. This should ensure that, alongside tangible benefits in handling, the Rapide’s touring ability shouldn’t be too compromised. Aston Martin has not released any details on when we should expect the production version to be launched, nor pricing. 

This is the third Aston Martin AMR product after the strictly limited Vantage AMR Pro and V8 and V12 Vantage AMR. Production will stand at 210 units. As a rival to the new-age supersaloons like the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4-door, the Aston Martin Rapide AMR will struggle to match those cars’ insatiable capability, but as an expression of sophistication, and a chance to enjoy an increasingly rare naturally aspirated V12 engine, the Rapide AMR will likely find 210 very happy buyers. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ferrari’s next hypercar could downsize to a V6
Ferrari F250 – front
Spy shots

Ferrari’s next hypercar could downsize to a V6

The next Ferrari hypercar will bring the firm’s motorsport and road car programs closer than ever, potentially through a V6 hybrid powertrain
27 Nov 2023
Most extreme Alpine A110 yet spotted testing at the Nürburgring
Alpine A110 – front
Spy shots

Most extreme Alpine A110 yet spotted testing at the Nürburgring

Following the A110 R, Alpine is preparing an even more focused variant with aggressive geometry and aero upgrades
9 Aug 2023
New Porsche 911 S/T: first look at GT3-derived lightweight special
Porsche 911 ST – front
Spy shots

New Porsche 911 S/T: first look at GT3-derived lightweight special

Porsche is preparing a GT3 Touring-based lightweight inspired by the classic 911 S/T – this is its production bodywork
30 May 2023
New BMW M2 CS: muscled-up coupe spied testing
BMW M2 CS spy shot – front
Spy shots

New BMW M2 CS: muscled-up coupe spied testing

The G87 M2 has only just arrived, but BMW is preparing a harder, faster version to rival the Porsche Cayman GT4
25 May 2023
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024