Aston Martin’s Rapide sedan is roughly half a year away from hitting showrooms but the automaker has already released official images and details for the car, which is tipped to be unveiled for the first time at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

First seen at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show in concept form, the production Rapide is nearly identical to the original show car however there are a few subtle differences. The production model loses the tiny side air intakes on the front bumper, while the sides pick up a new shunt line that runs almost the entire length of the body.

The signature elements of Aston Martin’s design language translate well to the four-door format, with key features such as the ’swan wing’ doors - rising upwards and outwards as they swing open - being applied to both the front and rear apertures. Up back the car features LED tail lights, dual exhaust tips and a boat-tail style rear decklid spoiler.

(gallery after jump)

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