04th March 2009

Lagonda Returns

Aston Martin revives famous Lagonda name with new 4x4

Stunning concept is dubbed 'luxury car of the future'

One of the most famous names in the history of the car is back... Aston Martin has revived the famous Lagonda name plate with an incredible looking concept it says will be the benchmark for all future luxury cars.

These are the first official images of the newcomer released by Aston Martin – see pictures of the newcomer as it made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Christened simply Lagonda Concept, Aston Martin says it has created a vehicle "that combines exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out."

Created by a small team at Aston Martin's HQ in Warwickshire, the Lagonda Concept is tipped to go on sale in 2012, and has been designed specifically to take the firm into new markets in places like Russia and the Middle East.

At the same time, the four-seat crossover model is also promising to offer a deliver a new blend of performance and luxury to customers who already own luxury sports coupés - like the Aston Martin DBS.

Highlighting the obvious differences between Aston Martin and Lagonda, company boss Ulrich Bez said: “An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car, but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets."

"Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style into a single, formidable package. An Aston Martin demands to be driven. A Lagonda demands a destination.”

There's no official word on what chassis will underpin a production version, however Auto Express has learned that the concept is based on a platform from Mercedes GL off-roader while power comes from Aston Martin's 6.0-litre V12.

In future, a new range of perol, diesel and electric hybrid engines is planned, which could also run on biofuel. Offering plenty of performance, the car will channel its power into the road via a six-speed automatic gearbox, and a full time four-wheel drive system.

And as well as boasting an incredible looking exterior, the interior of the car gets four seats and bespoke trim.

Prices are still to be confirmed - however, with production likely to be limited to a small number of cars, it's thought drivers could be asked to pay as much as £250,000 to get behind the wheel.

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