Autoblog

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin revisits much derided Lagonda Concept

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin is used to success. Its road cars are some of the most coveted in all of auto-dom, and its race cars have mastered Le Mans like Yo-Yo Ma has the cello. This year's planned rebirth of Lagonda, however, didn't go as well.

The oddball crossover concept that debuted at Geneva earlier this year was received with such ire that the company yanked it after the first day, before the public could ever see it... save through our camera lenses. So you can imagine the surprise when the Lagonda Concept popped up again on the Aston Martin media website, complete with a new batch of photos.

We've placed said photos of the Mercedes GL-based concept in the gallery below - complete with some very strange interior trim - for your browsing "pleasure," if you can call it that. But we can't help but wonder what Gaydon's up to.

Gallery: Lagonda Concept

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Aston Martin via eGMCarTech]

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin revisits much derided Lagonda Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Production Lagonda may not be a crossover after all?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Aston Martin, Rumormill

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

When Aston Martin took the veil off its Lagonda concept last month in Geneva, some were surprised to find a crossover-utility vehicle sitting in front of them. So you might be forgiven for assuming that when the reborn Lagonda eventually comes to market, it would take the same form. Especially since reports have already surfaced on the platform it will use. But according to new reports, the serial Lagonda will be anything but.

With the production model not expected to hit the market until 2012, Aston's got enough time on its hands to start over, which may not be such a bad idea considering the decidedly chilly reception the crossover concept was treated to at its Geneva Motor Show debut. A second concept Lagonda is tipped to be in the works, likely in sedan form, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Autotelegraaf via Motor Authority]

Production Lagonda may not be a crossover after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Once More, With Feeling: Second Lagonda concept coming in May

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

If you were looking forward to Aston Martin's revival of the long-dormant Lagonda marque and were disappointed by the controversially-styled crossover concept unveiled earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show, take heart: a second Lagonda concept is on the way. The news reportedly comes directly from the mouth of David Richards, chairman of Aston Martin-Lagonda's board, who admitted that the crossover concept was just one attempt, but that the company would be coming back with another in May. If you're wondering what major auto show is taking place in May, you can stop scratching your head: New York is in early April with Shanghai and Moscow to follow later the same month. That's it until the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. So unless Richards got his dates mixed up, the second Lagonda concept will be unveiled at its own dedicated event.

The bigger question is what form the next Lagonda concept will take. Reception towards the sport-ute concept at the Geneva show was rather puzzled, so our money is on some sort of sedan or wagon. AML won't want it to encroach on the upcoming Rapide, so don't expect some sort of four-door coupe, but with segments being busted all across the industry, anything is possible. We'll just have to wait a couple of months to find out.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Once More, With Feeling: Second Lagonda concept coming in May originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Crossover Redefined: Lagonda concept based on Mercedes GL

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Lagonda concept

It's been a while since we heard anything about the long-time-coming partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. But while we got a good look at what's inside Aston's new One-77 supercar, reports indicate that if we'd taken a peek under the Lagonda concept's skirt we would have seen the familiar parts of the Mercedes GL-Class sport-ute.

According to Aston CEO Ulrich Bez, the company tested a wide variety of luxury SUVs and found the Mercedes the most suitable. Only the wheelbase and A-pillar positioning are said to have carried over, with everything else having changed. The engine, however, is Aston's own. If they decide to build the Lagonda - a decision on which the mixed reaction in Geneva will undoubtedly be a factor - it could be ready in three to five years, but production would likely take place at Aston's own facilities in the UK rather than Mercedes' plant in Alabama.

Gallery: Lagonda Concept

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

Crossover Redefined: Lagonda concept based on Mercedes GL originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2009: Aston Martin revives Lagonda to questionable effect

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:49:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Aston Martin

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lagonda Concept

Comebacks are a tough racket, so when Aston Martin announced plans to revive the Lagonda nameplate, we tempered our high hopes with a fair amount of skepticism. Perhaps that's a good thing. These first images of the Lagonda caused a collective sigh from the Autoblog crew here in Geneva, perhaps largely because it takes the form of a crossover - something we weren't really expecting (and something we don't typically associate with either Lagonda or Aston).

The Lagonda's return marks the 100th anniversary of the brand, best known for stately sedans and luxurious grand-tourers. Aston wanted an outlet to expand beyond sports cars and GTs (pay no attention to the Rapide in the corner), and the Lagonda's designers took that mandate and ran with it - some might say into a bluff-faced wall.

At its core, the Lagonda Concept is an avant-garde approach to the crossover we've come to know in seemingly thousands of variations. The front grille and swage lines are an obvious nod to modern Astons, but its near vertical nose, stretched headlamps and bulbous backside attempts to convey a mix of luxury and masculinity. The rear end strikes us as very Bentley, but considering the Lagonda's intended audience, that might not be a bad thing. All four 22-inch wheels are powered by a V12 powerplant of undisclosed displacement and output, and Aston envisions the Lagonda as a long-distance cruiser that offers its occupants a lavish, functional and tech-rich environment.

Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulirch Bez wants to see the Lagona sold in more than 100 countries (versus the 32 A-M is currently offered in), with a focus on emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, China, India and Russia. While we have no problem envisioning the Lagonda rolling down the streets of Moscow, we're not sure that its reception will be as warm in Europe and North America. But then again, there's not much playing in this space, and that's the nature of comebacks.

UPDATE: We've just come back from Aston's show stand, and in person, the Lagonda Concept actually has a number of things going for it. There's no denying it is a massive, jarring vehicle - particularly in the context of the achingly beautiful Aston Martins that surround it, and it wasn't helpful that the tight display space served to over-emphasize its size, but the concept still has merit and looks decidedly production-friendly.

The commanding front end with its gaping grille isn't a thing of beauty, but it has presence and some nice detailing around the light fixtures, and it helps send an appropriate "Move Left, Captain of Industry Coming Through" message as seen through British rearview mirrors. The rear end is more interesting, with a formal roofline and mailslot rear window which the company asserts maintains a stylistic link to past Lagondas. In that spirit, the bustle-back rump looks like it could almost sprout a dickey seat or house a steamer trunk.

The interior is the most impressive thing about this vehicle, with luxurious perches for two occupants in the rear done up in white leather - a contrasting color to the driver's quarters, which is done in dark brown leather, a move to visually reinforce the separation of master from servant, as it were. The door panels are also particularly nice, with simple, robust lines and fixtures.

On the whole, the Lagonda would be hard to call "artful," and as a whole, the exterior looks faintly derivative. However, given the emerging markets that the company is pursuing with this concept - as well as the vacuum in this space for an ultra-premium vehicle of this bodystyle and rough-rough capability - we can see this working out... if global markets recover. -- Chris Paukert

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

Gallery: Lagonda Concept

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Aston Martin revives Lagonda to questionable effect

Geneva 2009: Aston Martin revives Lagonda to questionable effect originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin Lagonda concept coming to Geneva

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Aston Martin

Aston Martin announced its plans to revive the Lagonda nameplate back in September, and at next month's Geneva Motor Show, we'll finally get a glimpse of what Aston has in store. At this point, early speculation says that the concept will sport four doors and will be an evolution of Aston's past design language, offering an ultra-luxurious alternative to the automaker's core business: producing delectable sports cars and grand tourers. That could mean a crossover or some kind or a sedan, although we somehow doubt that Aston would produce a rival to the upcoming Rapide. A production version of the concept is expected to hit dealers sometime in 2012 and we'll have all the details from Switzerland in two week's time.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Aston Martin Lagonda concept coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Lagonda to be based on S-Class?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Aston Martin, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

It sounds like a match made in heaven. A new duo of sedans styled by Aston Martin with Mercedes-Benz engineering prowess propping them up. Assuming that these two automakers can get their next super-sedans bolted together well enough, the first sedan from the recently-revived Lagonda brand and the next Maybach may be jointly designed by the two companies, which just recently began collaborating with each other. Early reports indicate that the two premium saloons would be based on the latest S-Class chassis architecture, with the Maybach brand getting the most luxurious accouterments and the Lagonda holding the sporty end of the stick.

Powertrain options for these two luxury vehicles would come from Daimler as a revised version of the V12 engine that currently powers the Maybach limos and which may even by hybridized. The jointly developed super saloons would theoretically cut the development time and budget for each by significant amounts, assuming that these two sets of management can find a way to work together. We have high hopes.

[Source: Autocar]

First Lagonda to be based on S-Class? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Details: Aston Martin and Mercedes' "?300m deal"

Chris Shunk — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz

In today's chaotic automotive industry, if you're not merging, divesting, or collaborating, then you're just not trying. Both Aston Martin and Mercedes are only about 18 months removed from their respective divorces from Ford and Chrysler, and now the two luxury automakers are looking to shack up with one another. This time, though, they'll skip wedded bliss in favor of a limited agreement between two consensual companies. CAR gave us some details in on the limited partnership in its September issue, and now the British rag is making with the details.

Make the jump for the skinny.

Continue reading Details: Aston Martin and Mercedes' "?300m deal"

Details: Aston Martin and Mercedes' "?300m deal" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin to move further upmarket?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Such is the logic of luxury economics: charge tens of thousands of dollars more for the same product, sell fewer of them and boost the balance sheet and your brand's long-term viability. That is what Aston Martin's considering for the next phase of its business plan, which runs from roughly 2011 to 2019 and will see the launch of DB9 and Vantage successors, the Rapide, and the renewed Lagonda brand.

The Vantage and DB9 are big sellers for Aston, but the company might be unsure of how to sustain the momentum. One option is to move the price of the $113,000 Vantage closer to the $171,000 DB9, and move that latter car closer to the $265,000 DBS, sell fewer of them but make more money. The DB9 does strike us as a (relative) bargain - it's cheaper than a Bentley GT -- but pricing the Vantage closer to the DB9 would seem to wreck its business case as a 911 fighter. Another option could be to replace the Vantage or DB9 with a mid-engined sports car, which could be drool-worthy and well worth the price bump... but perhaps un-Aston-like.

AutoWeek also appears to report that the One-77 isn't sold out, writing "Although Aston has said that it would make a maximum of 77 cars, insiders privately say the market is closer to 25." We don't know how that could be, unless a bunch of the 100 people who applied to buy the car were just kidding...

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[Source: AutoWeek]

Aston Martin to move further upmarket? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin's Lagonda S-class fighter coming in 2012

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin

Aston Martin has stepped in to clarify recent rumors of its Lagonda revival. We know that a Lagonda concept is due to be shown at next year's Geneva Motor Show, and of late it was speculated to be something SUV-ish. An Aston spokesperson has laid out the plan, and this time neglected to mention the acronym "SUV" at all.

Two upcoming Lagondas will probably be sedans and use Aston's VH platform, tending to the luxury side of sporting while Aston solidifies its grip on the sporting side of luxury. An upscale and up-priced version of the Rapide will come in 2011, followed by a $100,000-or-so S-Class challenger in 2012. Now that we've got the SUV thing out of the way, let's hope Aston stays on the right course and creates cars that don't look anything like more DB9 clones.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Aston Martin's Lagonda S-class fighter coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin Lagonda line could have SUV flavor

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, SUV, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin, Rendered Speculation

When we recently posted on Aston Martin dragging Lagonda out of its crypt, one of the assertions was that "they've reportedly ruled out the possibility of a sport-ute." That might have been nothing more than a semantic turn, as Car & Driver is reporting that the first Lagonda will be "something SUV-ish."

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said the new car will have historical influences at the same time as it is "future-orientated," but the giveaway for C&D seems to be in his line that it will be "truly versatile" and "suitable for both existing and emerging markets." We can't tell if anyone actually came out and told the mag that the car would be an SUV, but an Aston source is quoted as saying it "wouldn't be an SUV in the same way as BMW X5."

So back to the semantics of no "sport-ute" and "SUV-ish" -- this sounds like it could be a brutish, hi-luxe sedan, or even a wagon suitably forceful enough to put space between it and the Rapide. Since Aston's looking at its long-term future, we imagine it will want something that won't leech sales, and that leaves a number of options. Which one the company settles on, however, we won't know until the concept shows up at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Aston Martin Lagonda line could have SUV flavor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin to revive Lagonda with new concept at Geneva '09

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin

Lagonda is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. But while enthusiasts are bound to celebrate by recalling Lagondas of yore, Aston Martin plans to give us all something more tangible to commemorate by reviving the long-dormant marque. (Truth be told, having been founded in 1906, Lagonda marked its centenary two years ago already. But we're not going to let some simple facts get in the way of a good story, now are we?)

The British automaker produced luxury cars independently until 1947 when it was bought by Aston Martin. Although Aston used the Lagonda name as a model designation from 1976 to 1989 for a quirky angular four-door, with a handful of coachbuilt specials and concept cars in between, the last model Lagonda produced was the 1961-65 Rapide, a nameplate which Aston is also revived with its upcoming four-door coupe model, previewed by the 2006 concept in Detroit. While the production Rapide is expected to continue as an Aston Martin, the company is planning a unique concept car to be unveiled at the Geneva show next March that will show the way forward for the rejuvenated marque.

While Aston has not confirmed what form the vehicle, which could hit the streets as soon as 2012, will take, they've reportedly ruled out the possibility of a sport-ute. Sources suggest a new competitor aimed at Bentley and Rolls-Royce, although the Longonda will be more focused on performance than long distance cruising. No telling what that will mean for Aston's partnership with Mercedes-Benz, which has its own failing Maybach brand competing in the segment as well. However the resuscitation of Lagonda is bound to form a vital component of Aston Martin's ambitious growth plan. (Press release after the jump.)

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin to revive Lagonda with new concept at Geneva '09

Aston Martin to revive Lagonda with new concept at Geneva '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Classic car lover's dream come true: 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe

Erin Mays — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

We've all heard the stories. Some mid-century family stows their gorgeous car, which they used minimally and of which they took excellent care, in some old barn, where it was forgotten until fifty years later. Half a century later, some lucky sot happens on (or tracks down) the sleepy classic, at which point it emerges dry, still relatively beautiful, and turns over like day it was put away. But that's just an automotive fairy tale, right?

Not for a 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe that was recently uncovered in a dry barn, ready for restoration. The vehicle, which sports original equipment ranging from the radio and brown leather upholstery to the headlamps, will be auctioned off at H&H's upcoming Buxton, Derbyshire, UK (July 25/26) sale. It's expected to fetch between about $65,000 and $78,000.

Ever encountered any 'barn finds' of your own? Any great 'The one that got away' stories to share? Assuage your conscience in 'Comments.'

[Source: Gizmag]

Classic car lover's dream come true: 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jun 2006 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: Evel Knievel's big-block 1984 Aston Martin Lagonda

Chris Paukert — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Sedan, Auctions, I.C.E., Technology, Aston Martin

As an automaker best known for its voluptuous, curvy coupes, the Aston Martin Lagonda is a knife-edged enigma. The origami aggression of its exterior, its tech-laden interior, along with the sheer scale of the thing (over 17' long) must've made it look like an aluminum-skinned spaceship when it hit the show scene in 1976. Launched with a 5.3-liter Weber-carb'd V8 (and clunky Chrysler three-speed automatic), the performance didn't completely deliver on the Lagonda's avant-garde visuals, though it was allegedly capable of 140 mph. Naturally, the Lagonda's habitually troublesome electronics and quality-control issues didn't stop at least one Autoblog staffer from falling in love with its impossibly futuristic ~~shape~~ collection of angles.

(click through to the jump for an interior shot, more details, and the link!)

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Evel Knievel's big-block 1984 Aston Martin Lagonda

eBay Find of the Day: Evel Knievel's big-block 1984 Aston Martin Lagonda originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Apr 2006 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments