Aston Martin has made it clear that they have no intention of reviving the Rapide or producing any new sedans. The company is focusing on other ambitious projects and has determined that four-door saloons are not aligned with their plans. The declining popularity of sedans compared to crossovers across various price ranges further supports their decision.
Aston Martin’s head of product and marketing strategy, Alex Long, expressed the company’s ambitious goal of becoming the foremost ultra-luxury British performance brand.
According to CarSales.com.au, insider sources confirmed that Aston Martin does not have a viable plan for including a sedan in its portfolio. This means that the Aston Martin Rapide, or any similar model, will not be making a comeback in the near future.
Speculations suggest that Aston Martin will provide insights into its future direction on June 27, potentially unveiling a comprehensive five-year plan. As per Lawrence Stroll, the chairman of Aston Martin, the company is preparing to introduce its inaugural electric vehicle by 2026.
Stroll acknowledged that the demand for EVs among customers is currently limited. Nevertheless, he disclosed that the forthcoming electric model would be a unique offering built on bespoke architecture, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation.
Aston Martin recently secured a 9.4-percent stake through its acquisition by Geely, a Chinese conglomerate renowned for its technological expertise. Geely owns a diverse portfolio of brands including Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, Lynn & Co, and others, with significant investments in battery-electric vehicles.
While Aston Martin has no immediate plans to phase out combustion engines, the company does have seven new models in the pipeline under the Vantage, DBS, and DB12 banners. However, Aston Martin is also preparing to introduce hybrid vehicles as part of its future lineup.
The newly released DB12 boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, surpassing the power output of its predecessor, the DB11 V12. With 671 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, the engine propels the coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 3.5 seconds.
Aston Martin’s future in combustion-powered vehicles appears promising, emphasizing their commitment to performance, although sedans will not be part of this direction.
In 2020, Aston Martin ceased the production of the Rapide while simultaneously embarking on the development of the DBX crossover. This strategic move proved fruitful as the DBX swiftly emerged as the brand’s top-selling model, aligning with the industry-wide trend of luxury automakers introducing high-riding vehicles.
Competing in the same segment as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, and Ferrari Purosangue, the DBX has become Aston Martin’s flagship passenger car for the present era.
The Aston Martin Rapide comeback has been ruled out by the company due to the perceived lack of demand for sedans in the market. Aston Martin has made the decision not to reintroduce the Rapide or develop any new sedans, citing the overall low sales figures for this body style.
The company believes that sedans are not as popular as crossover vehicles across various price points. As a result, Aston Martin has chosen to focus its efforts on other models and body styles that align more closely with market preferences and consumer demand.
Source : motor1.com