The First Shift: Aston Martin reveals new Rapide S

John LeBlanc | Jan 24, 2013 8:00 AM ET | Last Updated: Jan 24, 2013 7:50 AM ET

Aston Martin ramps up the performance and looks of its redesigned Rapide S four-door.

Aston Martin adds an S to its Rapide, Kia teases and Lexus confirms a compact crossover is coming.

Redesigned Aston Martin four-door unveiled When it was launched for 2010, Aston Martin’s 2+2, four-door Rapide was seen as a rival to the likes of the Maserati Quattroporte or Porsche Panamera. But a mid-cycle redesign sees the British brand instead marketing the new Rapide S as a high-performance GT that just happens to have four doors. Horsepower in its 5.9-litre V12 has been bumped up by 80 to 550, and torque has risen from 442 lb-ft to 457. As such, the 0-100 km/h run has been chopped by three-tenths of a second, down to 4.9. There’s also been a substantial styling update. The new Rapide S still looks familiar. But its wider rear fenders, slimmer taillights and larger, one-piece front grille have all been inspired by the sold-out One-77 supercar. Expect similar $200-plus pricing when the Rapide S goes on-sale in Canada later this year.

Source: life.nationalpost.com