2014 Aston Martin Rapide S rips out 550 hp

If you remember nothing else about the updated 2014 Aston Martin Rapide–now with an S added to the name–keep this in mind: Power surges 80 hp to a whopping 550 hp from the naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 engine. Aston Martin dipped into its expertise gleaned from the World Endurance Championship GT competition to fortify output and efficiency. Torque increases to 457 lb-ft (from 443 lb-ft), and top speed is pushed 7 mph to 190.

Alcraft and RCA announce design competition winner

Alcraft Motor Company has announced the winner of a design competition featuring students from the Royal College of Art (RCA) Vehicle Design program. The contest, which concludes a joint project exploring British design values and personalized vehicle design, challenged students to develop a personalized design package for Range Rover models. Winning student Jed Sheehan collected his award for his treatment of the flagship Range Rover, which Alcraft has transformed into a design study.

Bentley Mulsanne Convertible (2012) first sketches

Bentley has dropped a strong hint that an open-top Mulsanne model is on the way. Almost three years to the day since the original Mulsanne limo made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Crewe has released sketches of a soft-top Mulsanne, touted by Bentley as 'the ultimate in contemporary design, prestige and exclusivity'. Is the Bentley Mulsanne Convertible Concept just a new Azure?