Scheduled to hit next year as another contender in the relatively new 4-door supercar ring, the Aston Martin Rapide has taunted us yet again with the release of a new teaser images. Aside from the obvious structural differences, the Rapide differs very little from the famed DB9 and shares both its underpinnings and a slightly revised version of its powerplant. Slightly more powerful than its 2-door brethren, the Rapide’s version of the DB9’s 12-cylinder engine will receive a 20 unit boost in performance to 470-horsepower mated to Aston’s 6-speed Touchtronic transmission.

Although Aston has yet to set a specific launch date, sources have confirmed the Rapide will arrive in 2010. Original estimates predicted production numbers would be limited to a mere 500 cars, but Aston Martin has set the number slightly higher at around 1,000 units, expected to be priced at around $200k each. Fortunately, for those affluent performance enthusiasts who balk at a $200k family hauler, the ugly ass Porsche Panamera is expected to debut around the same time with a price tag of roughly $100k less.

Source: LeftLaneNews