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Aston Martin has released the first official pictures of its new four-door supercar, the Rapide, which is set to challenge the Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte in the luxury tourer market.

It's expected to cost a lot more than its rivals, however, with pricing predicted to be around £150,000.

This is Aston Martin's first foray into the four-door market since the Lagonda, but the Rapide sticks much closer to the Aston family look than the wedge shape of the Lagonda.

The result is a sleek-looking performance car that combines elegance and performance with practicality.

The Rapide will come with a 470bhp 6.0-litre V12 that takes the car to 60mph in 5.1 seconds and up to a predicted top speed of 188mph.

It will come with a 301-litre boot, which increases to 750 litres when the seats are folded, while the rear passengers have been well looked after, with optional screens fitted into the front headrests.

The Rapide's entertainment system also caters for rear passengers, as sensors on the seatbelts work out how many people are in the car and the stereo is redirected as a result.

A precise on-sale date has not been confirmed, but it will be heading to its first lucky owners from spring 2010.

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