The Aston Martin Rapide has moved into the final stages of its development programme, with a public debut in late 2009, and the first deliveries in early 2010.

The production version, which remains faithful to the 2006 concept, will be powered by a 6.0 liter V12 unit with 470 hp and 600Nm coupled with a Touchtronic gearbox.

Among the main design elements are the 'swan wing' doors, the kicked up tail and strong rear shoulders, and the signature side strake which runs through the front doors and blends into the rear doors.

The Rapide will be produced at a new facility in Graz, Austria, managed by Magna Steyr and co-ordinated by an Aston Martin team from the UK.

From the official Press Release:

First revealed as the Aston Martin Rapide Concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006, the Rapide is Aston Martin's first true four-door production sports car, with four full-sized seats, generous accommodation and luggage space and high performances.

Following the purchase of Aston Martin in June 2007, the production version of the Rapide was approved and development began in earnest.

Underpinned by Aston Martin's VH (Vertical/Horizontal) extruded aluminium architecture, the Rapide retains the flowing proportions that are integral to every Aston Martin and remains faithful to the original design study.

"The cohesive design language and elegant form of the Rapide ensure it is a perfect complement to the other cars in Aston Martin's line-up."

“We wanted to make the most beautiful four-door sports car in the world,” Aston Martin's Director of Design Marek Reichman stated when the concept was first shown.

The signature elements of Aston Martin's design language translate seamlessly to the four-door format, with key features such as the 'swan wing' doors – rising upwards and outwards as they swing open – facilitating access to the two individual rear seats.

The bodywork flows effortlessly from front to rear, where a kicked up tail and strong rear shoulders wrap around the wheel arches to create the classic Aston Martin silhouette, enveloping the additional doors, seats for children or two adults on shorter journeys and functional luggage capacity.

Described by Reichman as a lithe 'long distance runner', compared to the sprinter-like poise of the V8 Vantage and the muscularity of the DBS, the Rapide's lines are a master class in maintaining purity of proportion and vision.

The Aston Martin's iconic side strake was extended to run through the front doors before blending into the rear door, lending a sense of dynamic thrust to the Rapide's stance.

The Rapide has been subjected to Aston Martin's rigorous testing programme including extreme climate testing and dynamic performance trials at the company's new Nürburgring Test Centre to ensure it will display the brand's integral high speed abilities.

The last stages of endurance testing are now underway with final sign-off expected later this year before a production car is debuted in September.

Powered by a version of Aston Martin's 6.0 litre V12 engine producing 470bhp and 600Nm of torque, hand built at the company's engine facility in Cologne, the Rapide's rear wheels are driven through a Touchtronic gearbox.

Performance figures have yet to be revealed, although early indications are that the Rapide will offer class-leading performance and dynamics, alongside new levels of refinement and luxury.

The Rapide will be built at a new production facility in Graz, Austria managed by Magna Steyr and co-ordinated by a fully integrated Aston Martin team from the UK.

The new production facility is closely modelled on the Gaydon factory and will combine a modern production line with the Aston Martin traditional hand-finishing skills.

The interior will further develop Aston Martin's use of high quality materials.

(Source: Aston Martin)