Is the 2013 Aston Martin Rapide getting more power and a facelift?

The rumours are growing that Aston Martin are giving the Rapide a makeover for 2013 with more power and cosmetic tweaks. The rumours have been bubbling around for a while that Aston Martin are planning a more powerful Rapide for 2013, perhaps the Rapide S. But that rumour seems to be only partly true, as it looks like the Rapide is going to get more power – and a bit of a cosmetic tweak – but as a facelift and upgrade for the existing Rapide rather than a new Rapide S.

Kia to launch a new range-topping V8 saloon dubbed K9

Kia will build their rumoured rear-wheel drive V8 saloon - but it won't come to the UK, sources in Korea have confirmed to CAR.Following the domestic badge hierarchy, this new range-topper would logically be called the K9. Perhaps that dog-inspired badge may explain why the car won’t come to Europe, but US sales are expected.  Kia’s new range-topper: the ‘K9’ The new large Kia saloon was scheduled to be shown in 2011, but it has now been pushed back to a 2012 launch. The new saloon would sit above the front-drive 3.5-litre V6 K7/Cadenza saloon in the Kia line-up. CAR understands the new exec will be ready by May 2012.   The K9 represents the first application of sister brand Hyundai's rear-drive technology from the Genesis and Equus. Expect Hyundai's 'Tau' V8 engine under the bonnet, along with the upcoming eight-speed automatic transmission which arrived in the Genesis R-Spec saloon at the 2011 Chicago auto show.

Dacia Lodgy MPV (2012) first official pictures

This is the Dacia Lodgy, a new MPV from the Renault’s Romanian budget brand. It will be offered in both five- and seven-seat guise, and at 4.5 metres in length it’s nearly as long as Renault’s own Grand Scenic. Haven’t we seen the Dacia Lodgy before?