Currently reading: Aston Martin Rapide estate considered

Aston Martin could put Bertone Jet 2+2 concept into limited production as a Rapide Shooting Brake

The Bertone Jet 2+2 concept car could become a bona fide Aston Martin in a limited production run, Autocar has learned.

The Jet 2+2 - essentially an Aston Martin Rapide estate - was a hit when it appeared at the Geneva motor show in March as both a tribute to Aston’s centenary and a commemoration of 60 years of Aston and Bertone working together.

It was originally planned as a one-off project for one of Bertone’s wealthiest customers, but Autocar has learned that a small-scale production run is being investigated. If signed off, the Rapide Shooting Brake would sit at the top of Aston’s range.

Video: Steve Sutcliffe drives the Bertone Jet 2+2

At the moment, the jury is still out, says Aston, because there are legal issues to sort, plus a debate to be settled as to what the car might be called, should it make it into a limited production series.

Bertone has a strong history of using the Jet name - the car takes its name and styling cues from the Vanquish-based 2004 Jet 2 concept - but Autocar understands that Aston would want the car to be called Rapide Shooting Brake if it is given the green light. Either way, it is understood that the desire is strong on both sides to see the project blossom.

What’s also not yet clear is who precisely would make the car, should it become a production reality. If fewer than 10 examples are made, Bertone would build the car at its HQ just outside Turin. But if more than 10 are made, then Aston will build them at Gaydon.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Gaydon’s four-door grand tourer gets more power and panache, but hasn't evolved to quite the same transformative degree as its main rival, the second-generation Porsche Panamera

Join the debate

Comments
6
Add a comment…
Winston Churchill 6 June 2013

Panamera? HAHAHAHA

Why would anyone buy a German car when you can have elegance such as this? The Germans really do have a lot to learn.

6th.replicant 6 June 2013

Why doesn't Aston produce its

Why doesn't Aston produce its own version? Then, it could side-step the Jet's munterish Vel Satis-style rear.

Shouldn't be too much of a problem - Aston's milked the DB9 to produce a two-seat version (Vantage), a four-seat/four-door (Rapide), so a coupe-esque four-door estate shouldn't be too much of a, umm, stretch.

BTW, isn't the definition of 'shooting brake' a two-door estate?  

__JTA 6 June 2013

.

I agree with Leslie, i would be pretty miffed if i just forked out the 4mill for the one off for more to then be made. Even if it isnt the exact same thing, i'd still be miffed.