2018 Aston Martin Rapide AMR

Following increased demand for Aston Martin’s limited edition models such as the Vantage GT8 and Vantage GT12, the British automaker has decided to launch a performance sub-brand. The sub-brand leverages the Aston Martin Racing (AMR) motorsport department expertise. The models will wear the AMR initials to distinguish them from their regular counterparts.  In launching the sub-brand at Geneva, Aston Martin displayed two of the first models to get the AMR treatment. The two models are the track-focused Aston Martin Vantage AMR Pro and the street focused Rapide AMR sedan. This article is about the latter, the Vantage AMR is reviewed separately.  AMR brings about improved performance, a strong design language as well as sharper dynamics. The 2018 Aston Martin Rapide AMR is credited as the fastest 4-door sedan in the world. The model, which was launched in 2010, is even faster due to the AMR treatment. The automaker also pointed out that they were planning to replace the Rapide 6.0 L, V-12 mill with a powerful electric-powered model dubbed the RapidE as soon as next year. This is because the current engine will not fit into the future emission regulations.

Exterior and Interior

The exterior has been revised to set it apart from the regular Rapide. To start with, it features a full-height grille that will be unique to AMR models. It also features a new splitter, side sills and a unique rear diffuser. In addition, the model has a unique aero lip on the deck-lid. It rides on unique 21-inch alloy wheels. The exterior look is finished off with Stirling Green with lime-green color accenting which is featured on the automaker’s racing models. There are also bits of carbon fiber detailing.

In the cabin, the model has adopted a lot of motorsport styling including carbon-fiber bucket seats at the front. The seats are wrapped in Dark knight Alcantara and feature a lime-green accenting. The doors and center console also feature carbon-fiber accenting.

Engine and performance

Courtesy of the AMR , the Rapide’s  6.0 L, naturally aspirated V-12 mill has been tweaked to produce an extra 40 horses to take the overall power output of 592 horses compared to the regular version.  The top speed of the model has also increased to 210 mph from 203 mph strengthening the model’s top dog status as the fastest sedan on earth.

About the 2018 Aston Martin Rapide AMR, the Rapide’s upcoming fully-electric direct replacement, Andy Palmer, the company’s CEO said it is around the corner and may arrive shortly after the Rapide AMR. The RapidE electric drive-train will produce around 800 hp which will give the Tesla Mode S sleepless nights. According to rumors, this mill will have an electric range of around 320 km. Later on, in 2020, the automaker will also release more electric-powered models such as the Lagonda sedan and DBX crossover.

2018 Aston Martin Rapide AMR Price and release date

Aston Martin did not release the price of the Rapide AMR during its debut at Geneva. Expect official prices to be communicated close to its release date. Production will be limited to 210 models.

Competition

The AMR treatment will help Aston Martin compete with the BMW M and Mercedes-AMG models. The automaker’s long-term aim is to give the likes of Chevy Camaro ZL1, Shelby Mustang GT350 and Corvette ZO6 something to think about.