Sedan gets new grille, more power

British automaker Aston Martin revealed their new Rapide S January 23, the successor to their four-door super-sedan, the Rapide.

The marque says the new grand tourer boasts a host of engineering innovations compared to its predecessor, and a slew of new luxurious interior appointments, too.

The most apparent changes, however, are outside, and begin with the Rapide S's "imposing and assertive new face."

The revised grille is matched out back by a taller decklid "flip."

The upgrades are both aesthetic and functional, countering lift at high speeds.

Power comes from the brand's new AM11 6.0-litre V12, which turns out some 550 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, a marked improvement over its predecessor's 470 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.

The new engine is also more efficient than the outgoing Rapide's, and makes the car a little quicker, too — zero to 100 km/h now comes in under five seconds, and top speed eclipses 305 km/h (190 mph).

Suspension feeling can be adjusted on the fly thanks to a three-setting Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with 'Normal,' 'Sport,' and 'Track' modes.

Inside the interior can be fitted for luxury or performance — a piano black trim option and a pure-glass shift knob help with the former, duotone red-and-black leather with the latter.

The Aston Martin Rapide S can also be custom-modified under the marque's "Q by Aston Martin" program.

“It is a four-door sports car that uniquely combines luxury, style and sporting excitement in Aston Martin’s most flexible and accommodating silhouette," said Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO, in a release.

"Purity of proportion and exceptional elegance are mixed with truly sensational dynamic performance – this is the four-door sports car in its most versatile form and I am sure our customers around the world are going to love it!”  

The Rapide S will hit dealerships February 2013; prices will be confirmed closer to that date.

(Aston Martin)