Did Aston Martin "Jump The Shark" With The New Rapide S' Face?

This week, Aston Martin bestowed upon us another gift from the British marque. That is the debut of a new Rapide. This version, the "S," gets more performance enhancements over its standard Rapide bredrin.

Knowing Aston, it will likely continue to produce a standard Rapide model.

But here's the thing: The new Rapide S benefits from a new facade that is markedly different from the standard Rapide. The new front grille is MUCH larger and — to me — echoes designs from that of the coachmaker Zagato when it has had the chance to rebody an Aston Martin product.

It's certainly more "in your face" and brutal.

BUT does it channel too much of the wrong vibe for one of the ultimate grand tourers?

No word if this new look or if the standard Rapide will continue to be built. Stay tuned.


Aston Martin Rapide S photo gallery

PUGPROUD - 1/27/2013 9:00:11 AM

+1 Boost

The new grille is a take on the many special Zagato designed AM that had large aggressive grilles. It worked for Zagato because the rest of the car was significantly made aggressive to reflect a fully integrated design statement. It doesn't work here because it detracts from elegance of the rest of the car and looks tacked on. AM is at a real design, technology and cash deprived rossroads and not sure it can survive. Best bet for AM is do engine deal with Mercedes as rumored and then have them buy AM to take on Bentley.

LACMAN - 1/28/2013 3:06:39 PM

+2 Boost

Has anyone seen any of these on the road?

iamdabest1 - 1/28/2013 11:07:32 PM

+1 Boost

saw the rapide at the ny auto show like 3 years ago and not since then... i really think its just too damn expensive, this car needed less performance and be priced closer to a vantage...

its actually pretty shocking to think ive seen like 3 karmas on the road but 0 rapides, a car i think is way better overall ( just not in looks )