the Rapide is expected to be powered by a tuned version of the corporate 6-litre V12, producing around 500bhp

Images of the new Aston Martin Rapide have appeared on the Internet, and what are believed to be official renderings show the front and three-quarter images of the new performance fastback.

The Porsche Panamera rival has a dramatic roof line, and elegant styling solutions to mask the significant increase in wheelbase. Although no details have been published about its power unit, the Rapide is expected to be powered by a tuned version of the corporate 6-litre V12, producing around 500bhp. Maximum speed will be in the region of 180mph.