2028 Aston Martin Rapide: Envisioning the Return of a V12 Super Sedan | Carscoops

      Apologies, everyone. It's not making a comeback, but that hasn't prevented us from conceptualizing another version of the new Vanquish.

      February 15, 2025 at 11:07

      by Josh Byrnes

      We imagined what a contemporary successor to the Rapide sports sedan could look like.

      This concept takes inspiration from the Vanquish, featuring a longer wheelbase for enhanced comfort.

      A four-door V12 Aston Martin would compete with vehicles like the Porsche Panamera Turbo S.

      Despite Aston Martin's claims that its DBX crossover represents the future, fans continue to yearn for a genuine four-door successor to the Rapide, and we share that sentiment. The Rapide was one of those exceptional sedans that embodied the essence of an Aston—elegant, bold, and delightfully unnecessary. However, while the brand prioritizes SUVs, the aspiration for a new, more powerful Rapide persists.

      Intrigued? Let’s explore our vision of a reinvented Rapide, founded on the newly unveiled Vanquish. Picture a supercar's spirit enveloped in a sophisticated four-door design, equipped with a formidable twin-turbo V12, stunning aesthetics, and just the right amount of impracticality to make it appealing. It’s a grand tourer that Aston could create, though for reasons only understandable to its accountants, likely will not.

      A Stunning Appearance

      Given the overwhelmingly favorable reception of the new Vanquish, our concept adopts its captivating design, extending the wheelbase for better rear-seat accessibility. It enhances its two-door counterpart with revised lower intakes, an elongated hood, sculpted surfaces, and pronounced rear haunches.

      There's a touch of Dodge Charger sedan in the side glass. In contrast, a panoramic glass roof flows into the rear trunk lid, allowing ample natural light to brighten the interior. At the rear, LED light blades, an aggressive bumper design, and a prominent rear diffuser elevate the grand touring aesthetic.

      Luxury in Sport

      Inside, the Rapide would ideally feature a driver-centric cockpit with a seamlessly integrated infotainment system, a sharp 10.25-inch digital display, and tactile physical controls that are aesthetically pleasing and functional.

      Other notable features? Consider custom leather, carbon fiber accents, electrochromic glass, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Rear passengers would not be overlooked as they would benefit from massaging and reclining seats, individual climate controls, and noticeably increased legroom due to the extended wheelbase.

      Perfection in Twelve Cylinders

      Looking for something with an electrifying supplement? Sorry, that's not part of this hypothetical concept. Power could be sourced from the Vanquish’s robust 5.2-liter Twin-Turbo V12, generating an astonishing 823 hp (614 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1000 Nm) of torque.

      Matched with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and an electronic rear differential, achieving a 0-60 mph time under 3.5 seconds with a top speed approaching 200 mph (320 km/h) may be feasible. Adaptive suspension and Bilstein DTX dampers would ensure an exhilarating yet comfortable driving experience.

      Four-Door Challengers

      Looking for something a bit more understated than an Aston? Competing models would include the Porsche Panamera Turbo S, Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E, and Bentley Flying Spur.

      For the moment, however, the British brand seems entrenched in its commitment to the DBX SUV lineup, relegating a V12-powered four-door to a mere enticing "what if." But if Aston decided to step away from tradition and provide us with the Rapide successor we've been anticipating, would you be on board? Share your thoughts in the comments.