Nürburgring Rapide

This near standard Rapide that contested the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May this year is a testament to the reliability and durability of Aston Martin’s four-door sports car. As one of the only cars in the race fitted with a standard engine and automatic gearbox – it really was the ultimate engineering sign-off exercise.

The standard gearbox alone underwent 13,534 gear changes, while the car completed 2,111 miles of the notoriously demanding Nordschleife putting the car under enormous stress and strain owing to its 73 corners and huge difference in surface and elevation.

Competing in a field of mostly race-homlogated cars, the Rapide ran faultlessly for the entire 24 hours at the hands of Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez, journalist Matthew Marsh; Nürburgring Test Centre Director; Wolfgang Schuhbauer and Chief Engineer; Chris Porritt.