Aston Martin is working on a new platform to underpin its next generation of sports cars, starting with a new DB9 in 2016. A new Vantage is expected in 2018 and should be followed a year later by a new Vanquish, but what of Aston Martin’s uber-stylish Rapide four-door?

Autocar is reporting that there are no plans at present for a new Rapide, with Aston Martin said to be confident of boosting sales with two-door models only. The British publication also reports that production of the current Rapide may be phased out when Aston Martin starts building cars off its new platform.

Of course, if Aston Martin earns enough from the sale of its sports cars to develop additional models, we could see the Rapide return and perhaps be joined by a new SUV. However, at present, it seems that neither model is in the offing.

As for the new platform, Autocar reports that it was designed together with Lotus Engineering back when Aston Martin was still owned by Ford. It is said to be similar to the current VH design but lighter and stiffer. Most of the components are said to be stamped, cast or extruded aluminum.

Engineers are also said to be tweaking the design of the platform to incorporate new engines and electrical architectures from Mercedes-AMG. Aston Martin will initially receive a unique version of AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. Once the current contract with Ford for the supply of its 6.0-liter V-12 engines expires, most likely around 2016, Aston Martin will then likely adopt a version of AMG’s 6.0-liter V-12 mill as well.

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