Autoblog

REPORT: Aston Martin puts the Lagonda on hold

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin, Luxury

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

Aston Martin has grown accustomed to success. Since the DB7, its sports cars have only gotten better, while on the track the British automaker continues to rack up trophies. The Lagonda SUV concept which the company unveiled this past March in Geneva, however, was another story. The awkwardly-shaped crossover got a cold reception at its unveiling, and Aston pulled it off the show stand before the public even got there. Now reports indicate that the entire project has been put on hold.

Chief executive Ulrich Bez reportedly proclaims that the decision to axe the Lagonda venture was purely financial. And in this economic climate, that's a reasonable claim. But other sources suggest that the automotive media's reaction to the concept dictated its demise. Will Aston give it another shot? Aston Martin Lagonda chairman David Richards reportedly wants to get a new concept on the stands before the end of the year. We wouldn't be surprised if he gets his way.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Aston Martin puts the Lagonda on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Protestors to picket Bonhams Aston Martin factory auction this weekend

Noah Joseph — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Aston Martin

While RM Auction is still gearing up for the Leggenae e Passione event at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, rival auction house Bonhams is returning to the Aston Martin Works Service at the old factory in Newport Pagnell for its tenth annual auction of historic Aston Martin and Lagonda automobiles and automobilia. To date, the yearly event has generated a whopping £14 million in sales, and with good reason: The auction always features a tempting array of classic British sportscars and such, and this year will be no different. There will be a 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series III fetching an estimated £100k ($150k), a 1970 DB6 Vantage Volante worth a projected £350k ($530k) and more. One element this year's auction will have that didn't feature in years past, however, are protesters.

Seriously? At a classic car sale? The enthusiasts will be demonstrating against the proposed construction of a Tesco chain supermarket on the site of the old Aston factory there, which they regard as an historically significant site. Aston Martin Lagonda Limited moved its manufacturing facilities to Gaydon in nearby Warwickshire and stopped assembling new Astons at Newport Pagnell when the last Vanquish rolled off the line there in July 2007. Since then, the site has remained home to the Works Service that maintains and restores old Astons and Lagondas, but prestigious as it is, there's only so much space a classics garage needs. Some 2,000 letters of protest against the construction of the supermarket have been sent to date, but the most enthusiastic among the outraged are set to gather at the site this weekend and put on a little show for some of the company's best customers in the hope that the site may be preserved with more dignity than the frozen food section that's planned instead. For more information on what's in store for this year's auction, follow the jump to the full press release.

[Sources: Aston Martin and Octane]

Continue reading Protestors to picket Bonhams Aston Martin factory auction this weekend

Protestors to picket Bonhams Aston Martin factory auction this weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | 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

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

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