1969 Buick Cadillac Convertible Full Size Sun Visor Bracket on 2040-parts.com

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.

New Nissan Qashqai: Price from £17,595 to £27,845

The new Nissan Qashqai (pictured) costs from £17,595 The new Nissan Qashqai is a big deal for Nissan as the old Qashqai managed to create a shift from hatchbacks to crossovers almost single handed. But the new Qashqai does look pretty convincing. Revealed last week, the new Qashqai is better looking and better equipped than the old model and, even though prices have nudged upwards, it seems to offer a more convincing package for family transport than before.

BMW ‘i' subbrand aims for 2013 launch

BMW has confirmed that the new subbrand through which it intends to market a range of advanced stand-alone hybrid, range-extended and plug-in electric models will be called BMW “i.” Created to develop, produce and market what BMW's head of marketing, Ian Robertson, describes as “innovative solutions to premium mobility,” the brand will be supported by a company established by BMW called i Ventures, through which the German carmaker plans to grow its range of mobility services. The i3 and the i8 will be the initial models and are planned for introduction in 2013. “These cars have been designed specifically for their respective alternative drive systems,” said Klaus Draeger, head of BMW's R&D operations.