2013 Aston Martin Rapide S is just an upgraded version

The S after the Rapide name doesn't mean it is a sportier version of the four-door car, but just an improved version, a restyle if you want. Still it does get a bump in power and if you thought that Audi made cars with the bigger "mouths", wait till you see this new Aston Martin with an even bigger one-piece front grille. Already previewed here.

Otherwise the Rapide S did not had any significant changes in appearance besides that front grille, but you still notice its amazing profile and aggressive look if you are lucky enough to be near one.

The all-new Rapide Gen 4 AM11 6.0 liter V12 engine now produces 558hp (410kW) and 620Nm (457lb/ft) of torque. That means the power was increased by 17% from 477hp (351kW) and a smaller but also important increase in torque which stood at 600Nm (442lb/ft).

The 0 to 100km/h (62mph) is reduced by 0.3 seconds dropping from 5.2 seconds to just 4.9 seconds. The top speed increased to over 306km/h (190mph). But besides being more powerful it is also more fuel efficient. The Rapide S now emits 332g/km (the previous version emitted 355g/km) and consumes just 14.2 liters of petrol/gasoline per 100km (19.9mpg UK or 16.6mpg USA).

All of those improvements are justified by Aston Martin by the use of a lighter and hollow cam shafts, dual variable camshaft timing, knock sensing and fully CNC machined combustion chambers.

The chassis of the car is based on the new Gen4 VH architecture and includes the new dynamic stability control (DSC) and the latest Gen4 iteration of Aston Martin’s hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS) that has three modes; ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’.

Pictures of the UK-Spec Aston Martin Rapide S.

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The Aston Martin Rapide S gets an even bigger mouth

The new Rapide S will be Aston Martin's most powerful four-door to date with the power output increased by 17% (81hp) to 558hp taken from the naturally aspirated 6.0litre V12 (AM11 engine family).

The maximum value of torque also increased, which now is 619Nm (457lb/ft) at 5,000rpm, which is 50Nm more over its predecessor. With a top speed of 306km/h (190mph) and a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) time of 4.9 seconds it sure promises to be fast and will compete with the best, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Audi RS7 and Maserati Quattroporte. The luxurious sports car has a better handling thanks to the engine sitting 19mm lower in the chassis.

But will pollute more and consume more fuel than its rivals, respectively 332g/km and 11.82l/100km (19.9 US mpg). Other changes include a front bumper with a bigger mouth, an improved Adaptive Damping System, and a Carbon Exterior Pack with the front splitter, rear diffuser, exterior mirror housings and rear lamp infills made from carbon fiber. On the inside we have a new piano black trim and an optional ‘Duotone’ pack with red and black leather upholstery.

Sales start next month with an expected price of €178.500 (£150.000).

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