V12 Power Revisited: 2017 Aston Martin Rapide S
While the automotive world seems to be moving towards smaller, turbocharged engines and electric power , the British luxury car maker Aston Martin is sticking with a tried-and-true formula – a big, naturally aspirated V12 engine. The 2017 model of its four-door saloon - the Rapide S – has just landed on our doorsteps.
A Classy Four-Seater Beast
The 2017 Aston Martin Rapide S presents an intriguing fusion between high-performance sports features and luxurious comforts for passengers. Its stylish façade exudes classiness from every angle with clean lines that showcase perfect proportions and iconic design signatures distinctive of Aston Martins such as side strakes and bold grille.
Its hand-crafted cabin boasts ample space for four adults without skimping on its refined sportive attributes. This makes it not only visually appealing but also profoundly practical with room for both friends and family alike to experience this modern-day knight in shining armor.
Engineering Brilliance Unleashed
This symphony of elegance melds seamlessly with mechanical prowess under the hood. At its heart rests the legendary naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine which generates a mighty 560PS at 6750rpm, along with a peak torque of 630Nm at 5500rpm. Astoundingly responsive even at low rev ranges (2500 rpm), overtaking never felt so effortless before in a sedan!
To couple this roisterous energy is an equally remarkable asset; Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic transmission ensures fluid gear changes almost imperceptible due to their speeded up shifts (as quick as 130ms). Developed by ZF, those who enjoy engaging drive can also explore the 'Drive Sport' or 'Paddle Shift Sport' for a more sporty shift control.
Adding to this impressive ensemble is Adaptive Drive Recognition (ADR) that tailors shift points to match an individual’s driving style. Thus, every drive with 2017 Rapide S seems tailored just for you!
The Essence of Sports Car
While the towering top speed of 203 mph certifies its sports car DNA, there's much more to the Rapide S than meets the eye. Its native agility and athletic poise come from near-perfect balance and exhaustive fine-tuning on Germany's infamous Nurburgring track.
This innate sporting temperament further benefits from Aston Martin’s hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS), offering three distinct settings: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’. This allows switching between a plush GT feel in Normal mode, flipping into a robust sports character as desired, adapting seamlessly to one’s whims.
A meticulously calibrated Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system promises safety even when pushing beyond limits. And sure enough, being an Aston Martin implies getting an option for pure unassisted old school driving whenever circumstances permit by disabling the system altogether.
Luxury Unrestrained
Moving inside, it becomes clear that authenticity was paramount in crafting each element within the interior; what looks like glass, wood or metal indeed is – lending a tactile luxury experience akin to none other.
In keeping with allowing customers their exclusive signature touch onto their pride possession – there are scores of luxury orientated options making 2017 Rapide S not just another automobile but your bespoke chariot! From featuring carbon fiber elements projecting vigor via Carbon Exterior Pack or adding rich sheen through piano black interior pack enhancing prestige - personalization has no boundaries in this Aston Martin masterpiece.
Special care has been taken to maintain an enchanting balance between noise elimination and enhancing desirable sound. Road and wind noises are minimized while letting the luscious V12 notes fill into cabin space either as a mellow accompaniment or thrilling soundtrack depending on sports exhaust activation.
The Final Lap
In culmination, the 2017 Rapide S is more than just another high-performance vehicle; it’s a brilliantly engineered synthesis of comfort, character, performance and luxury that ultimately offers let’s say - 'A Prestigious Joyride'. This luxurious four-door sedan with its swift agility proves itself worthy of carrying forward the marquee's legacy. Adding to the allure is ‘Q by Aston Martin’ service for those seeking ultimate personalization option making each unit unique reflecting owner’s tastes precisely!
-Ed
2017 Aston Martin Rapide S
