Unveiled in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Aston Martin Rapide is gearing up for sale.

The four-door luxury sports car – Aston Martin’s first of this kind – was developed using the same V/H Architecture platform that is used for their popular DBS, DB9, and Vantage models.

This elegant vehicle features four “swan wing” doors, a spacious front and rear cabin, and large 301 L luggage compartment.  The rear cabin sports two individual hand-trimmed seats with facing personal heating and air conditioning systems.  Those same two seats can be folded down two increase the luggage space to 750 L.

The Rapide is powered by a hand-built 6.0 L V12 engine the produces 470 bhp with peak power delivered at 6,000 rmp.  Thanks to the specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission, drivers have the option of changing gear either automatically or manually via the magnesium paddles mounted on the steering column.

First deliveries of the Rapide is slated to begin in early 2010 and will also be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network.  Price is $199,950.

[Aston Martin]