Aston Martin’s newest model is vital to the company’s long term success. Called the Rapide, this is Aston Martin’s first foray into the high-performance luxury four-door segment. A four-door Aston might seem like some sort of sacrilege, but it’s been done before, just never like this.

Based on the DB9 supercar’s platform, the Rapide’s wheelbase is stretched by a whopping 10 inches. This puts its wheelbase in line with the likes of Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class and BMW’s 7-Series. Furthermore, the Rapide also has 2.5 inches of extra headroom compared to the DB9.

In the engine department a slightly massaged version of Aston’s awesome 6.0-liter V12 develops a generous 480hp. With only a 287 pound increase compared to the coupe the Rapide is, well, rapid.The benchmark sprint to 60mph arrives in a supercar-like 4.5 seconds, while a top speed of 180mph shows people this is the real deal.

Of course as far as looks are concerned, there are no equals in the class. An Aston Martin is supposed to be a beautiful thing and this one’s no different. Outside of the second row of doors and the slightly streched wheelbase there would be little to tell you this wasn’t the newest Aston supercar. It is gorgeous in a way few cars manage to be. This is by far the world’s prettiest four-door.

The official public release of the car will take place in March at the annual Frankfurt Motor Show though it might debut in L.A. a bit later. Pricing has also not been announced though sources say it should come in at around $200,000 and will slot between the DB9 and the DBS in Aston Martin’s lineup.

Source: AutoWeek

Photos: Aston Martin