Aston Martin Rapide saloon news - Four-blimey - 2007

David Richards' sainthood is guaranteed now.

Not only has the Prodrive boss ensured Aston Martin a safe future by returning it to British hands, he's now confirmed that the Rapide saloon will go into production.

It would've been a crime against aesthetics to leave the beautiful four door -  revealed in Detroit last year - in concept form only.

But under Ford's parsimonious watch, the Rapide's future was uncertain as the auto giant lumbered through the financial mire.

Aston chief executive Ulrich Bez has now said the Rapide could be on sale by 2010 with as many as 2000 cars being built every year to swell Aston's coffers.

Praise be.