Introduced as Aston Martin’s answer to the Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte, the Rapide S blended grand touring elegance with real four-door usability. But what makes it special is what lies under the hood: a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 sending power to the rear wheels through a traditional automatic gearbox. In an era of downsizing and all-wheel drive, this layout now reads as a bold statement of purity. The Rapide S arrived in 2013 with increased power, tighter bodywork, and a reworked chassis, further refining what had already been one of the most beautiful sedans ever made. With design cues lifted directly from the DB9 and a cabin swathed in hand-stitched leather, the Rapide S trades outright performance for theater and charm—making it one of the last truly analog-feeling luxury sedans. It was the only car of its kind to combine a front-mid-mounted V12, rear-drive layout, and a sleek fastback profile, offering a uniquely Aston take on the executive express. The 2014 model year marked a turning point for the Rapide, as the introduction of the Rapide S brought meaningful upgrades across performance, design, and chassis dynamics. Power from the naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 jumped from 470 to 552 horsepower, thanks to revised intake tuning and engine management, while the Adaptive Damping System was retuned for sharper handling and better body control. Visually, the Rapide S adopted a more assertive front grille, recontoured hood, and subtle aero updates, giving it a stronger road presence without compromising the car’s elegance. Structural improvements also improved chassis stiffness and cabin refinement. As the first fully updated version of the Rapide, the 2014 S represents the platform at its most resolved — and one of the last naturally aspirated, rear-drive V12 sedans of its kind. The 2014 model year marked a turning point for the Rapide, as the introduction of the Rapide S brought meaningful upgrades across performance, design, and chassis dynamics. Power from the naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 jumped from 470 to 552 horsepower, thanks to revised intake tuning and engine management, while the Adaptive Damping System was retuned for sharper handling and better body control. Visually, the Rapide S adopted a more assertive front grille, recontoured hood, and subtle aero updates, giving it a stronger road presence without compromising the car’s elegance. Structural improvements also improved chassis stiffness and cabin refinement. As the first fully updated version of the Rapide, the 2014 S represents the platform at its most resolved — and one of the last naturally aspirated, rear-drive V12 sedans of its kind.