New Aston Martin Rapide Images

British publication Car Magazine has the first official images of the new Aston Martin Rapide. The car will make the auto show circuit in early 2009, with wheels on the road and in driveways within a year.

The four-door Rapide is based on Aston Martin's 2006 concept. Car Magazine's images show that the changes from the concept are minor, such as the crease that runs along the side panels. The concept didn't have it, but the production version will -- not surprising, since most of the current Aston Martin lineup has the same design cue. The front grille has also been simplified to two large openings, losing the extra two little air intakes along the bottom under the headlights.

Car Magazine also reports that this will be built in Austria -- making the Rapide the first Aston built outside Britain. Expect the price tag to fall in the $200,000 to $225,000 range.

Image of the 2006 Rapide concept courtesy of Aston Martin.