Aston Martin Rapide racecar

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Automedia

23rd April 2010

Looking stealth-like covered in a matte-black wrap, this is no ordinary Aston Martin. Spied taking its first tentative steps on a racetrack, this is the race-prepared version of Aston's four-door saloon caught familiarising itself with the Nurburgring circuit.

The bright blue paint work can be clearly seen on the side vents and A-pillars, while bonnet catches, slick tyres and a roll cage visible through the front windscreen prove this car's racing pedigree.

Based on a stripped-out development car, it shares many of its mechanical underpinnings with the roadgoing Rapide - including the 6.0-litre V12 engine and six-speed ZF gearbox, while a larger fuel tank and revised suspension have helped to turn it into a fully-flegded endurance racer.

The Rapide racer is being prepared to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours on 13 to 16 May. For the full story read our behind the scenes article on the car's development here.