Motor Authority - blog Tag: Lagonda

The Lagonda Concept unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show was an almost unmitigated failure. Odd proportions, widespread public rejection and a host of excuses marked its birth and untimely death. But that hasn't deterred Aston Martin from reviving the Lagonda brand, and now new reports of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class-based sedan are emerging.

The fact that Mercedes and Aston already partnered once on the Lagonda brand and failed - the Lagonda SUV Concept was based on the Mercedes GL-Class - isn't standing in the way of the future collaboration either, it seems.

Expected to arrive in 2012, the Lagonda sedan is expected to...

The Lagonda Concept unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show was an almost unmitigated failure. Odd proportions, widespread public rejection and a host of excuses marked its birth and untimely death. But that hasn't deterred Aston Martin from reviving the Lagonda brand, and now new reports of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class-based sedan are emerging. The fact that Mercedes and Aston already partnered once on the Lagonda brand and failed - the Lagonda SUV Concept was based on the Mercedes GL-Class - isn't standing in the way of the future collaboration either, it seems. Expected to arrive in 2012, the Lagonda sedan is expected to feature a hybrid powertrain and W222 platform underpinnings, much like the next Maybach super-sedan. Borrowing the S-Class for the basis of the Lagonda makes a lot of sense, both from an economic perspective, and considering the goals for the Lagonda project. High-tech features like a forward-scanning predictive suspension system and next-gen hybrid drive means the Lagonda will be one of the most advanced cars on the road. Building on the S-Class's proven track record as an emerging-technology base should make that rather tall order a bit easier to fill. The hybrid system is likely to be based on the system recently unveiled in the S400 Hybrid, itself a result of the Two-Mode hybrid joint project with Chrysler, General Motors and BMW. Normal combustion engine power will probably come from a Mercedes-sourced twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12. Design work and exterior appearance will be left entirely to Aston's engineers, according to the report. As history has borne out, that may be a risky proposition, though they're sure to have learned a lesson or two since March. [Autocar] Read More

Aston Martin is hard at work figuring out just what to do with its Lagonda brand revival plans. The company confirmed plans last year to revive the marque for a new range of bespoke models, the first of which is set to appear in 2012, but exactly what market segments to enter is shaping up to be a difficult question for executives.

While there are only a few years left for Aston Martin to come up with a plan for Lagonda, we've already seen the first concept, which was unveiled at last month’s Geneva Motor Show. The polarizing concept vehicle was based on a Mercedes Benz GL-Class SUV platform but according to the company’s... Aston Martin is hard at work figuring out just what to do with its Lagonda brand revival plans. The company confirmed plans last year to revive the marque for a new range of bespoke models, the first of which is set to appear in 2012, but exactly what market segments to enter is shaping up to be a difficult question for executives. While there are only a few years left for Aston Martin to come up with a plan for Lagonda, we've already seen the first concept, which was unveiled at last month’s Geneva Motor Show. The polarizing concept vehicle was based on a Mercedes Benz GL-Class SUV platform but according to the company’s European chief that doesn’t mean Lagonda will be an SUV/crossover brand. Speaking with Autotelegraaf, Aston Martin’s Marcel Beci explained that Lagonda will not have an SUV in its lineup, as the original Lagonda models were about easy-to-drive luxury cars. This puts some confusion on the whole issue, as the Lagonda concept seemed to reveal that the brand would be leaning towards an SUV-type of vehicle. Mixed reactions from the public may have had something to do with a change in tack, or Beci may be simply trying to pull the wool over our eyes and keep a SUV as an ace up the company’s sleeve. Speaking last year at the announcement of the brand’s revival, Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said "the revival of the Lagonda brand would allow us to develop cars which can have a different character than a sports car, and therefore offer a perfect synergy. Lagonda will use a unique design language as Aston Martin does. We will take elements of DNA from the past but will be very future orientated as we are with Aston Martin. With Lagonda offering exclusive, luxurious and truly versatile products with high quality and usability and suitable for both existing and emerging markets, I believe we can be present in more than 100 countries in the world." Beci echoed this view, claiming that in many countries it wasn't an aversion to sports cars that was holding Aston Martin back, but perhaps impracticality. He went on to explain that bad roads in developing countries is a major factor putting off many buyers from Aston Martin’s low slung sports cars – something that could be overcome by building a completely new type of vehicle under the Lagonda brand.2009 Aston Martin Lagonda Concept Read More

It’s safe to say the Lagonda Concept from last week’s Geneva Motor Show for most would have been a major let down. The concept was designed by the same artists that pen cars like the Aston Martin DBS and One-77 supercar, but somehow it looked more like the deformed half-brother of the Lincoln MKT crossover rather than a bespoke luxury cruiser worthy of the storied Lagonda badge.

Of course its designers will say it was built that way to create controversy, but at the end of the day the Lagonda Concept is just plain ugly. Have faith, as a second, more polished concept is expected to be revealed as early as this May.

David... It’s safe to say the Lagonda Concept from last week’s Geneva Motor Show for most would have been a major let down. The concept was designed by the same artists that pen cars like the Aston Martin DBS and One-77 supercar, but somehow it looked more like the deformed half-brother of the Lincoln MKT crossover rather than a bespoke luxury cruiser worthy of the storied Lagonda badge. Of course its designers will say it was built that way to create controversy, but at the end of the day the Lagonda Concept is just plain ugly. Have faith, as a second, more polished concept is expected to be revealed as early as this May. David Richards, the chairman of one of Aston Martin’s major investors, Prodrive, has confirmed the development of a second Lagonda concept car to Le Blog Auto. He explained that the Geneva car was developed purely to gather feedback and is not a direct indication of what the actual production Lagonda will look like. The second concept will be completely different, he assured. Aston Martin has pointed out that the Lagonda brand will feature models with a completely different character to its own range of sports cars so expect to see some kind of crossover or sedan concept unveiled in May. You can also bet that it, like the GL-based Lagonda Concept, will be built on an existing Mercedes Benz platform.2009 Aston Martin Lagonda Concept Read More

Talk of Aston Martin and Mercedes Benz entering a partnership dates back almost two years but until last week’s Geneva Motor Show no evidence of such a deal existing had ever materialized. We bet you’re all scratching your heads and wondering what happened at last week’s Geneva event to suggest that the two carmakers were working together, but sitting center on Aston Martin’s stands was a concept car built on a Mercedes Benz platform.

No, we’re not talking about the One-77. We can gladly report that the stunning supercar is all Aston Martin. We're talking about the oddly-styled Lagonda Concept, a preview of... Talk of Aston Martin and Mercedes Benz entering a partnership dates back almost two years but until last week’s Geneva Motor Show no evidence of such a deal existing had ever materialized. We bet you’re all scratching your heads and wondering what happened at last week’s Geneva event to suggest that the two carmakers were working together, but sitting center on Aston Martin’s stands was a concept car built on a Mercedes Benz platform. No, we’re not talking about the One-77. We can gladly report that the stunning supercar is all Aston Martin. We're talking about the oddly-styled Lagonda Concept, a preview of Aston Martin’s planned foray into the world of SUVs and crossovers. Speaking with Automotive News, Aston Martin design director Marek Reichman said the concept vehicle was based on a Mercedes Benz GL SUV platform and that it could be produced within the next 24 to 30 months if given the green light. However, don’t expect the Lagonda version of the GL to be manufactured at the same Alabama plant as the Mercedes. Reichman said production in the UK was more likely, which means prices would probably be pushed up to around the $200,000 mark. Some of the key features of the vehicle include folding seats, a rear-lifting tailgate, AWD configuration and a V12 powertrain, as well as the possibility of flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems It appears the scope for the Aston Martin and Mercedes partnership is much bigger than anticipated, with everything from engines, hybrids and new Lagonda models now in the works.2009 Aston Martin Lagonda Concept Read More

Lagonda is back. The legendary British marque has been revived for its 100th anniversary and to mark the event a new Lagonda concept car has made its debut today at the Geneva Motor Show. Lagonda is best known for its range of saloons and tourers but its future lies in a very different realm.

The idea behind the revival of Lagonda is to allow current owner, Aston Martin, to reserve its own name for its sports car models like the upcoming Vantage V12 RS and One-77 supercar and have another brand to develop models with a completely different character. As expected, the latest concept vehicle is anything but a sports car, but exactly what... Lagonda is back. The legendary British marque has been revived for its 100th anniversary and to mark the event a new Lagonda concept car has made its debut today at the Geneva Motor Show. Lagonda is best known for its range of saloons and tourers but its future lies in a very different realm. The idea behind the revival of Lagonda is to allow current owner, Aston Martin, to reserve its own name for its sports car models like the upcoming Vantage V12 RS and One-77 supercar and have another brand to develop models with a completely different character. As expected, the latest concept vehicle is anything but a sports car, but exactly what segment it fits remains uncertain. Looking somewhat like the deformed step-brother of the Lincoln MKT crossover, the new Lagonda Concept could best be described as the ugly lovechild of a sedan and crossover. The concept has been designed using elements from Lagonda’s past but it also showcases a unique design language that will feature prominently on its future models. The vehicle is essentially a luxury sedan with four doors and seating capacity for four adults that sits on a 4WD platform. While no specifications have been released, its designers envisage the vehicle accommodating a broad range of future powertrains, including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. Viewed from the front, the concept sports an oversized grille not unlike Aston Martin’s own signature design. This is flanked by narrow, tapered back headlights that lead to a raked cabin with sharp lines defining the profile. These sharp lines are matched by bold character lines that run along the sculpted flanks to the rear. Large 22in wheels and cut-away bodywork offer plenty of ground clearance, while the concept's V12 engine delivers power through all four wheels. Under the leadership of Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, Lagonda will bring performance luxury into new markets and territories around the world. Lagonda will return to Russia, enter emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China, as well as established markets such as Europe, North America and the Far East. Aston Martins are currently available in only 32 countries, but Bez expects that Lagonda will be available in more than 100 countries. Cars of a 'different character' are to be the specialty of the Lagonda brand and appealing to a broader market appears to be part of the effort. For Aston Martin’s sake, we hope the market is broad enough to contain enough customers who would find vehicles styled like this latest Lagonda Concept attractive enough to actually buy one. 2009 Aston Martin Lagonda Concept Read More

News of a new cooperation agreement between Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz, called appropriately enough, 'Romeo and Juliet', has come to light. Though it's not finalized yet, the deal is not a total surprise, though its scope is bigger than anticipated, with a value estimated at $385 million and covering everything engines, hybrids, new Lagonda models and even a possible 4x4.

Aston’s current engine deal with Ford, which sees the V8 and V12 engines for the Vantage and DB9/DBS models built at the Blue Oval's Cologne plant, is expected to dry up in 2012, after which a new partner will need to be found.

Dave Richards, the boss of one of... News of a new cooperation agreement between Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz, called appropriately enough, 'Romeo and Juliet', has come to light. Though it's not finalized yet, the deal is not a total surprise, though its scope is bigger than anticipated, with a value estimated at $385 million and covering everything engines, hybrids, new Lagonda models and even a possible 4x4. Aston’s current engine deal with Ford, which sees the V8 and V12 engines for the Vantage and DB9/DBS models built at the Blue Oval's Cologne plant, is expected to dry up in 2012, after which a new partner will need to be found. Dave Richards, the boss of one of Aston Martin’s biggest investors, Prodrive, confirmed back in May that the British luxury marque was in talks with several other companies over a range of possible tie-ups but mostly over a new engine deal. The initial phase of the agreement had been named Project Alligator, but the new 'Romeo and Juliet' code-name, chosen - hopefully - for its connotations of Anglo-German romance, and not futile suicide, portends a future that could see extensive and long-lasting cooperation between the two carmakers. Earlier this week BMW revealed that it was in the midst of a joint-purchasing arrangement with Mercedes as well. One of the possibilities could see the hand-built AMG 6.2L V8 engine appear in the Vantage (pictured). There’s also talk of diesel and hybrid Aston Martins being developed in the future as well as a new flagship model to be shared with the Maybach brand. A range of proposed Lagonda models is thought to be on the table, including a SUV or other 4x4. Even a DB10 is possible, reports CAR. Other possibilities include platform sharing for top-end models and the development of a new eight-speed automatic transmission. All of these offer potential to help Aston in its bid to take the brand even further upmarket in addition to the One-77 special-edition. Richards had earlier quelled speculation that the British carmaker could be up for sale following reports claiming Kuwaiti-based investment firm Investment Dar would sell its 50% stake in the company. Speaking at the Nürburgring 24-hour this year, Richards said the speculation arose from previous rumors that suggested Aston Martin was in talks with Mercedes-Benz over an engine-sharing deal. In March, it was reported that Aston Martin was considering borrowing smaller V6 and V8 engines from Mercedes-Benz and possibly hybrid powertrains as well to help meet new emissions regulations and environmental concerns. At the time, Richards confirmed there were talks with Mercedes-Benz but explained that it was just one option being investigated.Aston Martin One-77First Drive: Aston Martin DBSAston Martin V12 Vantage spy shots2009 Aston Martin DB9 and Volante Read More