Aston Martin tauntingly displayed a V12-powered concept version (pictured) of its Vantage coupe late last year, but officials claimed it was built only as a styling and engineering exercise to promote the opening of a new dedicated design centre. In the months since that unveiling a number of Vantage prototypes have been spotted on German streets and on the Nurburgring, and now we have video and new photographs of one of the test mules running laps at the famous circuit.

The long awaited four-door Aston Martin Rapide has been spotted, almost completely undisguised, turning laps on Germany’s legendary Nurburgring. Positioned to compete against super-sedans like Porsche’s upcoming Panamera, Maserati’s Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz’s CLS pseudo-coupe, the Rapide is part of Aston Martin’s charge into higher-volume production.