Aston Martin Rapide Debuts This Fall

Automaker plans to deliver first production models in early 2010

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin’s first production four-door sports car is in the last stages of development. The automaker will sign off on the final stages of climate, endurance and performance testing at Nurburgring, before introducing the production car in September.

Director of design, Marek Reichman, describes the Rapide’s styling as a ‘long distance runner,’ compared to the sprinter-like stance of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and DBS.

Up front, two ‘swan wing’ doors rise up and out as they swing open. The Aston Martin side strake extends through the front doors into the rear doors, creating an illusion of motion. A character line sweeps up and around the rear wheel arches, enveloping the back two doors.

Power comes from a six-liter, V12 engine rated at 470-horsepower, produced at the company’s engine plant in Cologne, coupled with a Touchtronic gearbox. The automaker has yet to reveal acceleration figures: no doubt they’ll be impressive.

The interior follows in Aston Martin’s tradition of incorporating upscale materials, assembled by hand. Press materials describe the Rapide’s rear seats as being large enough for children or adults on short trips. If nothing else, the rear seats might lower what will likely be exorbitant insurance costs.

Production takes place at an all-new plant in Graz, Austria, managed by Magna Steyr, and coordinated by an Aston Martin team from the UK.

“In 2010, there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of the demands of their lifestyle, said chief executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez. “The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger.

Mitsubishi Begins Production of i MiEV

Four-passenger electric car goes on sale in Japan this July

Mitsubishi i MiEV

Mitsubishi Motors is taking its I MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) into production: fleet sales begin this July in Japan.

Power for the four-passenger I MiEV comes from a 22-cell, lithium-ion battery pack. Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture between GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors, produces the proprietary batteries.

The battery pack is located under the car’s floor, to maximize interior space. An onboard charger recharges in 12 to 14 hours using a conventional 110-volt outlet, about half that time using 220-volt.

The automaker has conducted cold-weather testing of production prototypes at its research and development facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mitsubishi has also partnered with Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric, to explore infrastructure options and connectivity to the electric grid.

At the New York International Auto Show, Mitsubishi announced a partnership with the state of Oregon and Portland General Electric, to test production prototypes.

“We believe the I MiEV delivers on the promise of sustainability, suitable range, performance and innovative packaging and styling,” said Mitsubishi Motors North America president and CEO, Shinichi Kurihara.  “The state of Oregon and Portland General Electric will become valuable partners in helping validate the future of all electric cars.”