2010 Aston Martin Rapide images released

But before that exciting debut, Aston Martin has today released a couple of official images of the car, as well as a few other details, for the first time.

The production version is nearly identical to the concept model seen at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show albeit with a few subtle difference.

We can see from the pictures supplied that the production Rapide will lose the small air intakes in the front bumper while a new shunt line now runs almost the entire length of the body.

'Swan wing' doors – rising upwards and outwards as they swing open – are feature both front and rear while around back the car scores LED tail lamps, dual exhausts and a boat-tail rear decklid spoiler.

To be powered by a revised version of the DB9's 6.0-litre V12 engine the Rapide will be mated exclusively to a six-speed ZF transmission featuring Aston Martin's new Touchtronic technology.

Output figures are claimed at 350kW and 600Nm, slightly less than that of the marque's flagship DBS, while 0-100km/h times are expected at below five seconds.

Pricing and Australian availability will be announced at the upcoming debut. CarAdvice will keep you posted.