Aston Martin Rapide AMR spied at the Ring

Following the Aston Martin Rapide AMR concept, revealed at last year’s Geneva motor show, Aston Martin looks to be putting the finishing touches to the production version. The Rapide AMR will be sold in limited numbers, with the same styling changes and technical enhancements shown on the concept.

The Rapide’s bonded aluminium core will stay much the same as the standard car, powered by a naturally aspirated 6-litre V12 engine, shared with the Vanquish S, producing 595bhp. This represents a 50bhp hike compared to the current Rapide S and should allow the Rapide AMR to reach a top speed of 210mph, says Aston Martin.

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The prototype’s styling changes also mimic the concept, featuring a deeper front bumper with large round fog lights integrated into the new fascia. The bonnet is also new, with larger vent openings, while the sills and rear bumper follow the same, deeper, more aggressive stance. Complementing the taller rear diffuser is a small lip spoiler sat atop the tailgate.

Inside is where the biggest changes are likely to be seen over the standard Rapide, with the luxurious mix of rich waxy leather and timber veneers replaced with a combination of Alcantara and carbonfibre. The Rapide AMR Concept featured four of Aston Martin’s racing-style bucket seats that are also seen in hardcore models like the Vantage GT8. Due to the limited nature of the AMR, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the same seats in the production car.

Despite AMR’s slightly misplaced emphasis on racing, the Rapide AMR has been designed to crush the open road, according to its maker. This should ensure that, alongside tangible benefits in handling, the Rapide’s touring ability shouldn’t be too compromised. Aston Martin has not released any details on when we should expect the production version to be launched, nor pricing. 

This is the third Aston Martin AMR product after the strictly limited Vantage AMR Pro and V8 and V12 Vantage AMR. Production will stand at 210 units. As a rival to the new-age supersaloons like the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4-door, the Aston Martin Rapide AMR will struggle to match those cars’ insatiable capability, but as an expression of sophistication, and a chance to enjoy an increasingly rare naturally aspirated V12 engine, the Rapide AMR will likely find 210 very happy buyers.