Skip advert
Advertisement

New 595bhp Aston Martin Rapide AMR revealed

The new Aston Martin Rapide AMR gets 43bhp more than the Rapide S, and will be limited to just 210 examples

This is the new Aston Martin Rapide AMR, the fastest version of the four-door coupe you can buy. Only 210 examples will be produced each priced from £194,950.

Upgrades to the 6.0-litre V12, similar to those first seen on the Vantage GT12, consist of an enlarged inlet manifold, revised engine mapping, and a quad tailpipe setup to liberate more vocal roar.

Advertisement - Article continues below

New Aston Martin DB11 AMR review

The result is a 43bhp increase over the Rapide S. That takes the total to 595bhp, while peak torque is unchanged at 630Nm. Channelled to the rear wheels through a carbon propellor shaft and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the AMR covers the 0-60mph dash in 4.2 seconds on its way to a 205mph top speed.

That’s only 2mph more than the S, but the tweaks aren’t just about straight line performance. A new front splitter, deeper side skirts, an aggressive rear diffuser and small lip spoiler - all made from carbon fibre - reduce lift. The bonnet is made from the same material, and there’s the option to finish the mirror caps, side strakes, door handles, tail light surrounds and even the badges in carbon, too. Despite the extensive use of the lightweight material, Aston Martin states the official kerb weight at 1,990kg - identical to that of the Rapide S.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Further styling changes include a reshaped grille filled with black mesh, and a reshaped bumper which houses a pair of round LED daytime running lights inspired by the Zagato Vanquish.

In a first for Aston Martin, the AMR gets 21-inch forged wheels. Wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, the wheels barely contain 400mm carbon front brake discs gripped by six-piston calipers. The rear discs measure 360mm and have four-piston calipers. An evolution of the brake cooling system used by the Vanquish S introduces new brake ducts and dust shields to help maintain consistently powerful stopping power.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The suspension is also more focused. Ride height has dropped 10mm compared to the S, while the three stage adaptive dampers have been returned to match.

There’s three different colour schemes to choose from. ‘Standard’ and ‘Silhouette’ schemes come in a choice of four colours: Mariana Blue, Scintilla Silver, Lightning Silver and Onyx Black. The Standard features lime green accents for the the splitter, sills and rear diffuser.

The Silhouette does without the lime, instead getting a full-length stripe available in either grey or white. Finally the Signature model makes a nod to Aston Martin Racing’s colour scheme, by combining the accents, body stripe and brake calipers - all in lime - with a Stirling Green paint finish.

The flashes of lime are available inside too. The alcantara upholstery features stitching and seat and roof accents in the same shade - though a more subdued silver finish is also available. The seat backs feature stitched-in AMR logos and a carbon fibre centre console, with optional extras including carbon fibre paddle shifters, a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system and a steering wheel in a similar design to that of the One-77 hypercar.

Do you like the look of the new Aston Martin Rapide AMR? Let us know below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best used luxury cars 2024
Best used luxury cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Best used luxury cars 2024

An ultra-comfortable ride and a premium driving experience can be yours with the best used luxury cars
10 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024