Works has already begun on a new, updated version of Aston Martin Rapide to be launched next year. A couple of disguised prototypes have been spotted recently, hinting at new styling cues the car will feature at front and rear-end. New looks, however, are just part of the program. The car will also get a more potent V12 engine.

The engine to power the new Rapide is probably the same 565bhp unit found in the new Vanquish. It makes nearly a 100bhp more than the current engine and sounds sportier as well. Aston engineers are currently testing to see is Rapide’s body, suspension, brakes and cooling system are up to the job of handling that much extra power. If they run into problems, they might detune the engine a bit.

The Rapide has not been a success for Aston Martin. Sales have been so slow that last year Aston cancelled its contract with Austrian manufacturer Magna Steyr and started making the car at their own factory to cut costs.

via: Autocar