Aston’s new 205mph Rapide ride

BRITISH sports car maker Aston Martin has taken the wraps off its most extreme four-door model to date – the Rapide AMR.

With a limited run of just 210 cars, the race-track inspired model will be priced from £194,950 in the UK.

The car was revealed in concept guise at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will be available in all global markets with the exception of Russia and China.

AMR stands for Aston Martin Racing and the new Rapide has a normally aspirated V12 engine producing 595bhp under the bonnet giving it a top speed of 205mph and a 0 to 60 time of 4.2 seconds.

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard and the AMR model rides 10mm lower than the Rapide S model and although it retains a three-stage adaptive damping system the ride has been modified for added agility

Much of the development work has been carried out at the newly opened AMR Performance Centre at Germany’s Nurburgring.

Inside, the cockpit has a fulllength carbon fibre centre console and Alcantara trimmed sports seats. There’s also the option of a One-77 style steering wheel and all cars come with a limited edition plaque as well as AMR branding on the sill plates.

In addition to three design schemes there’s also the option of making use of Q by Aston Martin bespoke finishes to further personalise the car.

Aston Martin chief executive Dr Andy Palmer said: “AMR takes technology and inspiration from our motorsport programme to amplify the sporting prowess in our road cars which is clear to see in the Rapide AMR, Aston Martin’s most extreme, four-door sports car.

“With enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more powerful design language, Aston Martin has taken Rapide to new and exciting extremes.”

First deliveries are expected later in the year.