Aston Martin considering Rapide Shooting Brake

Aston Martin is weighing whether to build a limited-production Rapide Shooting Brake based off the Jet 2+2 that debuted at the Geneva show in March.

  

Developed by Italian coachbuilder Bertone, the Jet 2+2 is essentially a family-friendly Rapide with a lengthened roof, a hatchback and an expanded cargo area. It also sports a bespoke front bumper and LED taillights inspired by the One-77 supercar.

 

Though it was originally conceived as a one-off ride for a single lucky (and deep-pocketed) customer, Aston Martin is interested in using the project as the basis for a low-volume production vehicle that would be positioned at the top of its model range, according to an Autocar report.

 

Should both Aston Martin and Bertone decide to sign off on the shooting brake, one minor issue that will reportedly need to be resolved is a lack of consensus concerning the five-door’s name. Bertone is apparently pushing for the Jet moniker to be used, while Aston would prefer the car be known as the Rapide Shooting Brake.

 

Another question mark is what would be under the hood. The Jet 2+2 uses an older version of Aston’s venerable 5.9-liter V12 with 476 horsepower, but a production version could get the upgraded 550-horsepower motor from the new Rapide S - which would make for one hot wagon.