Autoblog

Chinese demand could prompt Aston Martin to press on with Lagonda revival

Noah Joseph — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Crossover, Aston Martin, Luxury

Automakers are usually pretty decisive. They either build a car or they don't. But Aston Martin has embarked down a bumpier road with Lagonda.

Aston bought the Lagonda marque way back in 1947, but after operating it as a separate brand for a few years, it let the brand peter out in the 1950s and 60s. The moniker was revived as a nameplate on a handful of Aston Martin sedans beginning in the 1970s, but that was pretty much the last we saw of it until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

That's when the British automaker unveiled the rather unusual concept vehicle (pictured above) to revive the Lagonda name once again as a separate brand. It was meant to test the waters, and the response was not favorable. So it had appeared that AML was dropping the L from its initials and the entire project along with it. But as a stand-alone niche automaker looking to stay afloat in a rapidly amalgamating industry, Aston needs to produce more than front-engined, rear-drive, two-door GTs. And the Rapide sedan apparently isn't going to be enough, so it looks as if that the Lagonda project could be back on the table.

According to Autocar, the real impetus, however, could be coming from emerging markets in Asia - particularly China, but also the Middle East and Russia. The timing for a high-end luxury crossover built by a company known for its exotic sports cars, however, could prove to be good timing or poor: Maserati, Lamborghini and Bentley are all entering the segment in the coming years, so if Aston wants to get a slice of that lucrative pie pioneered by Porsche, it had better get those wheels in motion.

Chinese demand could prompt Aston Martin to press on with Lagonda revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin launches Works Tailored department at expanding Newport Pagnell

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Plants/Manufacturing, Aston Martin, UK

Special orders departments are nothing new for upscale automakers. These specialized divisions allow carmakers to offer their customers a level of personalization over and above the usual catalog of colors and options. But what Aston Martin is doing with the new Works Tailored department goes one step further. Or should we say, one big step backwards into the company's history.

With the new Works Tailored department, Aston Martin will give the owners of its vehicles - whether factory fresh, slightly used or veritable classic - the opportunity to have specialized work performed, including unique colors, materials and finishes, on any Aston no matter how old or new.

It's part of an extensive expansion plan at Newport Pagnell - the historic home of Aston Martin that, until the 2007 move to Gaydon, was the company's principal factory, and is now home to its Works Service department that has offered factory-level service to Aston owners since 1924. The plans also include a factory dealership to sell Astons old and new direct from the manufacturer. Follow the press release for further details.

Continue reading Aston Martin launches Works Tailored department at expanding Newport Pagnell

Aston Martin launches Works Tailored department at expanding Newport Pagnell originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston or Bust? Maybach's fate to be decided next month

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aston Martin, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Maybach 62 - Click above for high-res image gallery

What will become of Maybach? That question has been rattling around the halls of Daimler headquarters in Stuttgart for some time now. But all questions will be answered, and answered soon: according to reports, the German automaker is currently evaluating prototypes and propositions for its top-end marque, and will make its decision next month.

So, what are the options? On the one hand, Daimler could kill the Maybach brand altogether. It was a notion ill conceived and even more poorly executed, taking an old platform and building a new flagship atop it. In that way, it was sort of like the Chrysler Crossfire, only far more costly to both the buyer and manufacturer. On the other hand, Daimler could opt for the long-time-coming proposition of contracting the production (and possibly much of the development) of a new generation of Maybachs to Aston Martin.

The British automaker has been linked with a future Maybach tie-in for some time now. The idea would be to have Aston produce the hyper-luxury range for Daimler at its own facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England - the same location that was recently expanded to accommodate bringing the Rapide home from its current assembly line at the Magna Steyr complex in Austria. In return, Aston could get the platforms and engines to underpin its next generation of vehicles, including the rebirth of the Lagonda badge.

One way or another, reports indicate the decision will be made on July 1st. As to when said decision might be announced, well... we'll just have to sit tight and find out.

Aston or Bust? Maybach's fate to be decided next month originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Aston Martin confirms Lagonda relaunch with high-end SUVs

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Aston Martin, Luxury, Off-Road

2009 Lagonda Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As far as automakers go, Lagonda has something of a checkered past. Founded in 1906 by a former Scottish-American opera singer, Lagonda built its own cars in the UK up until WWII, after which it was bought by Aston Martin.

The joint company only sporadically used the Lagonda name over the course of subsequent decades, building the Lagonda Rapide in the early 60s, the knife-edged Aston Martin Lagonda sedan in the 70s and 80s, a series of sedans built on Aston Martin underpinnings in the 70s and again in the late 90s, and a couple of concept cars here and there. The Lagonda Vignale concept bowed at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, and two years ago, the crossover concept above was unveiled to largely negative reviews at the same show.

People may not have cared for the showcar, but Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. (as the company is known in full) insists that it was the form - not the idea itself - that was rejected by the public. Based on that assessment, plans are reportedly proceeding to revive Lagonda as a brand of high-end SUVs.

Rather than badge-engineering a version of the Aston Martin Rapide, Autocar suggests that Lagonda will target emerging markets like Russia and China with a range of luxury crossovers. The reported £100-300k ($160-480k) price spread will put it far above even fully-spec'ed out versions of the Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover Range Rover. Underpinnings could be borrowed from Mercedes-Benz, particularly if plans for AML to produce the next generation of Maybach luxury cruisers go through.

Gallery: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Aston Martin confirms Lagonda relaunch with high-end SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Aston Martin to build Maybachs?

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST

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

2011 Maybach range - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin and Daimler are apparently becoming chummy right now. According to The Financial Times, the two automakers are chatting about a possible relationship centered around Daimler's super-luxe Maybach sedan. Aston Martin is reportedly looking to glean some powertrain knowledge from the German automaker (for a possible Lagonda revival?) and Daimler could use help reviving a car that few are buying.

An exotic luxury sedan crafted as a joint venture between the Brits and the Germans sounds like an intriguing concept. As a matter of fact it should sound intriguing because Bentley and Rolls-Royce figured out the formula a few years ago. Though few out there can actually afford any automobile in this category, it would be nice to see new life breathed into the Maybach nameplate.

Gallery: 2011 Maybach range

[Source: Financial Times - sub. req.]

Report: Aston Martin to build Maybachs? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Lagonda SUV green-lighted after all?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

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

Another day, another change in the winds surrounding the Aston Martin Lagonda. After last month's revelation that the high-riding Aston would remain nothing more than a bad dream for fans of the brand, Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO, recently let it slip that the crossover had been given the green light. The luxury utility is slated to ride on the Mercedes-Benz GL platform, but the company is keeping drivetrain details to itself for the time being.

The Lagonda Concept debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and has since existed under a hail of disparaging comments from journalists and enthusiasts alike. Last month, Aston Martin owner David Richards officially announced that the project would be scrapped. And while there was much rejoicing at the time, it appears the Bez sees dollar signs in the mega-buck crossover market, pedigree be damned.

He may not be far off of his mark, either. Porsche famously stepped into the SUV market with its Cayenne and has been laughing its way to the bank ever since. It wouldn't surprise us if Bez and the rest of the Aston Martin crew are hoping for a similar performance.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Aston Martin Lagonda SUV green-lighted after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Aston Martin's Lagonda sedan shapes up

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, Rumormill, Luxury

Breaking: Aston Martin prepares to revive the Lagonda.

Update: The Lagonda is being shelved.

Incoming: Aston Martin to turn Lagonda into SUV.

News Now: Lagonda SUV ridiculed by entire industry, tucks tail and runs from auto show circuit.

We've seen concepts, heard rumors and waited patiently for hope that a revival of the Aston Martin Lagonda (just not necessarily in the form of an SUV...) would prove to be true. It seems that patience is paying off as new renderings of what may lie around the corner have just surfaced.

According to our Brit-friends at Auto Express, Aston Martin is preparing to unleash a Rapide-based Lagonda sedan with longer proportions and at least 500 horsepower from a 6.0-liter V12 engine. Also possible is the inclusion of start-stop tech and regenerative braking, designed to help the Lagonda reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

We'll keep our eyes and ears peeled for any news on this potential range-topping super sedan. For now, head over to Auto Express for a better look at a rendering of a potential Aston Martin Lagonda. If it is indeed headed for production, expect it to arrive on our holiday wish list in 2014.

[Source: Auto Express via Daily Derbi]

Rendered Speculation: Aston Martin's Lagonda sedan shapes up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lagonda crossover reportedly scrapped in favor of Rapide-based sedan

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin Lagonda hasn't lacked for four-door models in its history, but its latest efforts have had us all scratching our heads in bewilderment. Instead of badging the Rapide as a Lagonda model, the four-door DB9 derivative came to market instead as an Aston. Meanwhile, the Lagonda badge was resurrected for an odd crossover concept that, let's just say, wasn't warmly received after its unveiling at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Subsequent reports indicated that the Lagonda concept - reportedly based on a Mercedes platform - was heading back to the drawing boards. The latest reports, however, indicate a different approach. Apparently the crossover has been canned entirely, but that doesn't mean the dormant half of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd is going back to sleep.

In response to customer complaints that the Rapide was lacking in rear-seat legroom (and it is pretty cramped back there), AML is now reportedly preparing to enlarge the four-door coupe into a more accommodating form that will bear the Lagonda name in the crossover's stead. Sources place the sedan's arrival no sooner than four years from now, so your long-legged friends will have to wait a while longer before they can stretch out in the back of Gaydon's finest.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Lagonda crossover reportedly scrapped in favor of Rapide-based sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bonhams auction at Aston Martin Works Service most successful yet

Noah Joseph — Fri, 28 May 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Aston Martin, UK

11th Annual Bonhams Auction at Aston Martin Works Service - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you want to get your hands on a pristine or historically significant vintage Aston Martin, there's only one place to go: Bonhams' auction at the old Works Service in Newport Pagnell. Think of it as the Aston equivalent to RM's event at Maranello every year. It's been held for the past 11 years running, and this year's was the most successful yet with £4.7 million ($6.8M USD) in sales.

Among the lots that rolled across the auction block were a 1950 DB2 raced by Sir Stirling Moss (£513,000/$740k) and a mint-condition '68 DB6 that went for £124,700 ($180k). The Goldfinger DB4 sold for a more modest £84,000 ($121k) - but even that doubled it's low £40-50k pre-sale expectations, capping a day of sales far exceeding their estimated values. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Bonhams Auction at Aston Martin Works Service

[Source: Bonhams]

Continue reading Bonhams auction at Aston Martin Works Service most successful yet

Bonhams auction at Aston Martin Works Service most successful yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Aston Martin could build hybrid Lagonda, all-electric Cygnet

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, SUV, Aston Martin, Rumormill, Electric, Luxury

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

Are hybrid drivetrains befitting of a premium luxury and performance brand? Well, that depends on who you ask. According to such diverse automakers as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce and even Ferrari and Lamborghini, the answer is 'yes'. Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, though, reportedly believes otherwise. "The current hybrid technologies are not suited to the character of Aston Martin sports cars," explains Bez.

We're not so sure we agree, especially since Aston's long-planned Lagonda revival - which may or may not come wrapped in an ungainly SUV package - is rumored to be equipped with a hybrid powertrain. After all, the torque-rich nature of electric motors certainly wouldn't be a bad thing for a luxury tourer.

A few branches up on the green tree, Aston Martin's tiny Toyota iQ-based Cygnet minicar could quite possibly get a fully electric drivetrain, which would seem to make sense given that car's stated mission as an urban runabout for those times when a V12 Vanquish could be considered overkill. Beautiful, sonorous, splendid overkill...

Gallery: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: Aston Martin could build hybrid Lagonda, all-electric Cygnet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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: Aston Martin 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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: Aston Martin 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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