by Mark Tisshaw
6 March 2013
Design and coachbuilding firm Bertone has created this exclusive shooting brake version of the Aston Martin Rapide.
The car, called Bertone Jet 2+2, has been created for the Geneva motor show to celebrate both Aston’s centenary and 60 years of collaborations between Aston Martin and Bertone. The one-off creation also highlights Bertone Officina, the new high-end atelier department of the Italian company which caters for wealthy enthusiasts who want to design their own bespoke car.
The Jet 2+2 follows the Jet 2 concept car from 2004, which was a shooting brake version of the Vanquish. It has been commissioned as a strict one-off by an Aston Martin collector and has the Gaydon firm’s approval.
The elegant Jet 2+2 retains the same mechanicals as the Rapide, and the same dimensions also. Power comes from a 470bhp version of Aston’s 5.9-litre V12 taken from the current Rapide, rather than the more potent 550bhp version from the upcoming Rapide S. That model also makes its debut in Geneva.
The biggest change from Rapide to Jet 2+2 is its altered shooting brake-style body. Stretched, muscular lines help accentuate the car’s sleek, elegant shape.
Bertone says the C-pillars are bent forwards and connected to the tall, muscular wheel arches to create a perception of movement even when the car is stationary. A sharply raked tailgate and pronounced rear end with a full-length LED light strip running through it helps complete the transformation from saloon to shooting brake.
Michael Robinson, general director of Bertone, said: “The Jet 2+2 has a new proportion. The whole rear end has been pushed forward and we’ve lifted it up to give a much more aggressive look towards the front of the car compared to the fastback version, which is more balanced. This car has a dynamic imbalance, which is a very important part of British design.
“It’s halfway between an estate and a coupé. It’s not a car for going to IKEA to pick up furniture. Traditionally a shooting brake is a two-door design, but this is a four-door which is a new direction and I think we’ll see more and more of this type of car in the future.
“This car has an amazing attention to detail. Aston Martin is a maniac for attention to detail and the refinement of Astons today is extremely important for its clients and also for our clients. We fit well to the British design genre."
Inside the 2+2 cabin are four individual seats. Headroom is increased for rear passengers over the Rapide saloon thanks to the switch in bodystyle. The two rear seats fold flat and can be covered by a sliding cover to create a sizable luggage space, access to which is aided by a wide loading area when the tailgate is lifted.
Special wood, aluminium and two-tone leather trims have also been fitted to give the car the feel of that of a fine-tailored suit.
Robinson said Bertone was interested in expanding its work with individual clients: “What we are launching is the possibility of making hand-made, tailor-made cars for individual clients. The majority of our work is done in the business-to-business sector with the world’s OEMs, but now we are showing off our business-to-client achievements.
“A very nice man came to ask us if we could build him an Aston Martin shooting brake and the answer was ‘of course’. The client came down to our headquarters and worked with us day and night to select all the details for the project. We’re very happy to work with individual clients in this way.
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