[danniexi]

Originally Posted by vAnt826

Um, it's just a DB9 with four doors? Not sure what is so special about that.

Basically... it's pretty, but it's essentially the same car that the company has been regurgitating over and over again .

[zetaxi165]

Boring.....

AM has been recycling the same crap for way too long now.

I don't do the double take for any astons any more

[HLDC11]

win

[darkalley]

this is about 3 years too late and $225k to high. they are pricing this thing around $400k.

[ChrisV]

Originally Posted by zetaxi165

Boring.....

AM has been recycling the same crap for way too long now.

I don't do the double take for any astons any more

yeah, 'cause Aston's are as common as Camrys and we see them everywhere every day.



It's called a design language and it's common in every field of design, from cars to toasters to computers, to give products a family resemblance that allows instant identification. Aston had been going with a variation of the same grille shape since the early '50s. Like BMWs double kidney, it gives the product an instant identification. That's actually a good thing in a limited production vehicle. And when the overall product looks as good as an Aston, why make it different just to be different, when it's already nearly perfection?

Heck, it could be said that everyone else HAS to change regularly because they never really got it right. Ian Callum got it right. it may be very similar to Astons that have come before, but it's hardly crap.

And yes, even though it's basically a DB9 with more doors, it hits a market that the DB9 simply can't. It's like saying that an M3 sedan is stupid because there's already an M3 coupe...

[328i]

4 door Lambo >>>> this and Panamera

[EURpower]

The Maserati 4 door is looking a lot better right now.

[Kensta335]

4 door supercars.....why?

[Year's_End]

Okay, you can quote me on this four years down the line in the future. The facelift will have fewer grille slats. I'm almost positive it will. There are simply too many right now. Just like the DB9, fewer slats.

[GregL]

Beyond the styling which seems to be a love or hate thing though, I like that the Panamera will be offered with AWD on all it's engines and come standard with on the turbo.

[EZ_TUR90]

Looks Good To Mee.

[zetaxi165]

Originally Posted by ChrisV

yeah, 'cause Aston's are as common as Camrys and we see them everywhere every day.



It's called a design language and it's common in every field of design, from cars to toasters to computers, to give products a family resemblance that allows instant identification. Aston had been going with a variation of the same grille shape since the early '50s. Like BMWs double kidney, it gives the product an instant identification. That's actually a good thing in a limited production vehicle. And when the overall product looks as good as an Aston, why make it different just to be different, when it's already nearly perfection?

Heck, it could be said that everyone else HAS to change regularly because they never really got it right. Ian Callum got it right. it may be very similar to Astons that have come before, but it's hardly crap.

And yes, even though it's basically a DB9 with more doors, it hits a market that the DB9 simply can't. It's like saying that an M3 sedan is stupid because there's already an M3 coupe...

Design language is linked to elements of the product. NOT the whole product


AM is basically recycling the same product over and over again - they take a car and make minor tweaks to its exterior and sell it under a new name. - What AM are doing is repackaging.



And I was not saying the car is pointless. I am just saying that the I am sick of AM and their repackaging crap.

[slipknot]

none of them cant even compare with lambo estoqe...

[hks786]

Originally Posted by slipknot

none of them cant even compare with lambo estoqe...

The Panamera has a nice little front end but is let down by the rear completely. Even the turbo version doesnt look so good. The Rapide is acceptable and actually quite nice. BUT we've seen the DB9 front and AMV8 rear before.

The Estoque as you said is the best of the lot! I would have to own one simply because it looks so aggressive and unique. There are things like the rear, however, that I would have changed. But overall its a winner!

[Great White]

Originally Posted by nmulax

My only gripe is the door mounted side mirrors. Lexus does this, and I've never been a fan.

And yeah, this is a million times better then the Porsche or Lambo 4 doors.

you can bet your bottom dollar that they won´t stay like that though

[Great White]

Originally Posted by slipknot

none of them cant even compare with lambo estoqe...

True but when you think of it Am was the first company to introduce there car and as far as I would choose the AM is the most elegant of all !! Lambo is not a family car even though the Estoque is pretty appealing, I´d buy a LP 640 and an AMR for the equal price (and probably still have cash to fill both cars fully )

[Davin]

Originally Posted by Kenny@JleviSW

Can't AM make an ugly car at all? Because all the cars from them have been stunning!!

+1

Originally Posted by vAnt826

Um, it's just a DB9 with four doors? Not sure what is so special about that.

First time they're ever doing this, yeah, its just a DB9 with four doors, but they pulled it off well without messing up the traditional AM shape. Porsche couldn't really do that with the panamera. making a fourdoor is like messing with tradition for AM but they have pulled it off beautifully

[GAM3OVR85]

looks good!

[Blake]

i was looking at some pictures of this car the other day...WOW! aston martin makes another winner...this time it's one you can really get the groceries in!

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by F000007

I think that a lot of comments pitched against current Aston Martin design are really unfounded. Everyone can certainly think whatever they desire, all I will state are the facts. This design (Vertical-Horizontal platform) first entered production in 2003 with the introdution of the DB9 coupe. In 2005 the V8 Vantage was introduced and in 2007 the DBS. Including 2008 this is a six year generation span which is absolutely acceptable, even for mass manufactured vehicles, not to speak of course of the fact that AML is a low volume manufacturer with an output of 7000 vehicles per year. Next Generation V8 Vantage/DB 9 will be presented in 2010/2011 and I think that such a business plan is undoubtedly well measured. On top of that, since the company was bought out in 2007, there have been only immense improvements made and a franatic pace set for future developments. The company introduced 3 new vehicles in roughly 18 months. The DBS, as mentioned, in 2007, the Rapide concept entering production in 2009 and the One-77 which is as everyone knows from the ground-up newly engineered/designed. This vehicle, even though out of reach for most people, will enable the company to do extensive R&D on it so that all of the new elements introduced can later be implemented/transferred onto the rest of the range. Also, the company has revived the Lagonda brand which will see the first production vehicle arrive in 2012 and the concept will be presented in 2009. Another important fact is that the company has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to work together on a number of future products. The main reason for AML is to be able to successfully introduce the Lagonda brand to the market with the help of such a successful manufacturer of high-end limousines/SUVs that will make up the range of vehicles offered under this brand. As far as Mercedes goes, their main goal is to ensign help from a luxury low volume coach builder like AM in order to be able to successfully introduce the next generation Maybach since the current version wasn't much of a success. MB would provide the platform for the vehicle and most likely give AML the freedom to come up with both the exterior/interior design. As mentioned, if these ventures prove successful, a number of other joint developments would ensue. One last thing to say is that this current range of Aston Martins is without a doubt the best and most profitable in their history. The vast majority also agrees that it is the most beautiful ever produced. The last time Aston Martin had a range of vehicles completely different from one another it was on the brink of ruin. I hope this clears up some misconceptions that people might have, but as the old saying goes, if you don't agree, to each his own.

You state many valid points, but the fact is, the DB9/S, AMV8, and Rapide all look too similar. There's very, very little to differentiate them exterior-wise (and even interior wise, disregarding dimensions). The only instantly recognizable differences between the AMV8 and DB9 are the strong character line running beneath the DLO on the Vantage, the fenders, and the crisper tail design. The front and rear ends are more-or-less the same, minus a duct here and a crease there.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Thats going to be one hell of a car.

[ChrisV]

Originally Posted by F000007

Such people wouldn't be able to differentiate a 328 from an M3 either. People like you, me and other enthusiasts are able to spot the difference in a split-second. A mere passing glance and we know exactly what we are looking at. That to me is more than enough.

And that's the main point. Like I said before, the Rapide is basically a 4 door DB9. Nothing wrong with that at all, any more than there's anything wrong with a 4 door M3 being sold alongside a 2 door M3. Some people want the same looks and same performance, but need/like more doors for whatever reason. So it has a different name than the DB9. BFD. It's a beautiful 4 door sedan. And that's all the justification AM needs to make it.