In 2013 Aston Martin revealed Rapide S, building on the foundation of Rapide, Aston Martin’s first four door car. Visually striking, the difference between the two models could immediately be told by the assertive full-face grille. Machined by hand from aluminium, the imposing grille gave Rapide S an inimitable front profile. Aston Martin’s long history of bespoke, hand-made luxury was on display in the execution of Rapide S interior. Using the finest leathers, a vast array of woods and other luxurious materials, each cabin was crafted by hand with absolute precision. Positioning the 6.0-litre V12 engine behind the centreline of the front wheels and mounting the eightspeed Touchtronic III transaxle at the rear concentrates the major masses of Rapide S within the wheelbase, achieving a nearperfect weight distribution. This had the twin benefits of optimising agility and delivering consistent, confidence-inspiring handling on all roads and in all weathers.