Aston Martin has taken the wraps off the race-spec version of its new Rapide sports saloon with which it will compete in the Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15-16 May, 2010.
The British firm said that the Rapide race car will be very close to the production model with changes including the addition of essential race safety modifications, the removal of the interior trim to reduce weight and a retuned suspension. It will also run on slick tires designed for track use.
The Rapide racer will be driven by a team of engineers from the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, lead by the company's CEO, Ulrich Bez who had this to say about the car:
"This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car – it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny. The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars."
The Rapide will be joined at the Nurburgring race track by a V12 Vantage which in 2009 won its class and finished in 21st place overall in its racing debut.
