The Aston Martin Rapide->ke1082 made its debut in the 2011 model year in the U.S., giving the automaker a new four-seat performance sedan for buyers who needed extra room but still craved a sports car. In the 2014 model year, the British automaker released the more powerful Rapide S model, and in the following year it received a slight power boost and a new Touchtonic III transmission. For the new model year, Aston Martin->ke13 has released a new GREAT Edition Rapide S as a part of the GREAT Britain international marketing campaign.

This customized 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S is the product of the careful craftsmen at Q by Aston Martin, and it displays a lightly updated exterior and a fully customized cabin. It remains uncertain if this will spawn a production model, but it is a great example of just how gorgeous the Rapide S is.

Continue reading to learn more about the Rapide S GREAT Edition

2015 Aston Martin Rapide S GREAT Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S GREAT Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 551
  • Torque: 465
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S GREAT edition’s exterior is all about minor alterations that do a great job at changing the look of the sedan just enough to set it apart.

The most noticeable changes are the blue highlights spread across the body. The front lip spoiler is the most obvious, but there is also a blue “GREAT” decal and blue mesh inserts in the vents on the front fenders. I am sure the rear has its own blue accents, but Aston did not release any rear shots of the car.

A more subtle change is the dot matrix-like pattern that graces the hood, roof, and doors of this white-colored beauty. This pattern may not be immediately noticeable, but it is a nice touch to set it apart from other Rapide S models.

Interior

While the exterior is subtle with its hidden details, the interior is anything but. Q by Aston Martin went above and beyond in making the cabin of the GREAT edition Rapide S an awesome place to be. The entire cockpit is decked out in high-end materials in the same blue that accents the exterior. This material is in a quilted-diamond pattern on the outer portions of the seats, the top of the full-length center console, and the headliner, which is made of either Alcantara or suede.

There are a few small accents to help break up the sea of blue. Things like the red Aston wings on the seatbacks, the silver speaker covers on the doors, the white contrast stitching, the black bezel on the center console, and the black pull handles all help keep the cabin from being overwhelmingly blue.

Really a spot-on job by the folks at Q. This cabin is absolutely stunning.

Drivetrain

There is no mention of modifications to the GREAT edition’s drivetrain, so I can only assume that it carries the same 5.9-liter V-12 as the standard model. This engine pounds out 551 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. It mates to a rear-mounted, Touchtronic III eight-speed transmission that delivers the power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip diff.

This drivetrain allows the Aston Martin Rapide S to hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and top out at 203 mph. Fuel economy checks in at just 4 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

5.9-Liter V-12

Output (HP @ RPM)

551 @ 6,650

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

5.9-Liter V-12

Transmission

551 @ 6,650

Acceleration (0-60 MPH)

465 @ 5,500

Top Speed

Touchtronic III rear-mounted eight-speed

Acceleration (0-60 MPH)

4.2 Sec.

Top Speed

203 MPH


Prices

There is no mention of this car hitting production, nor is there any mention of pricing. However, considering the Rapide S bases from $203,295, I can only assume that this decked-out model would retail from at least $300,000.

Competition

Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive

The Porsche Panamera is one of the Rapide’s key competitors, and the best version to do battle with the S version is the Panamera Turbo S Executive. Under its hood, the Turbo S Executive features a turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 that pumps out an insane 570 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. This power routes through a seven-speed PDK transmission on its way to all four wheels. This setup gets the Panamera to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds – a fair bit quicker than the Rapide S – and up to a top speed of 192 mph. The EPA rates the this large Porsche at 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

In terms of luxury, the Panamera Turbo S Executive is right in line with the standard Rapide S, but given we are dealing with the ultra-decked-out GREAT edition, the Panamera really doesn’t stand a chance.

The Panamera Turbo S Executive checks in slightly under the Rapide S’ base price at $200,500.

Maserati Quattroporte GTS

Another exclusive sedan that is often in Rapide S buyers’ minds is the Maserati Quattroporte GTS. This sporty luxury sedan rolls in with twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 that produces 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This power routes through an eight-speed auto transmission on its way to the rear wheels.

This drivetrain setup allows the Quattroporte GTS to hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 190 mph. Fuel economy comes in at 13 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

Much like the Panamera, the Quattroporte can easily hang with the base Aston Martin Rapide S in terms of style, but it cannot touch the level of this special model.

In its base setup, the Quttroporte GTS is significantly cheaper at $140,500.

Conclusion

Q by Aston Martin is one of the best bespoke arms in the business, as it seems to blend subtlety and exclusivity with perfection. This GREAT Edition Rapide S is a key example of that, as its exterior is just different enough to draw a little attention, while the interior is a firm reminder of its exclusivity. The cabin is a little too blue in some areas, but I feel that the small doses of black, white, and silver do a decent job breaking it up.