Some luxury vehicles have pedigree and taste; some have one or the other. The new Aston Martin Lagonda concept doesn't have much of the former and so lacks the latter, at least one automotive magazine has implored Aston Martin not to build it.
Nonetheless, the hulking SUV seen here is part of the plan to return the Lagonda nameplate to the world. Aston, in fact, hopes to aim the revived Lagonda name and its first SUV at all sorts of new markets inspired by the company's new Middle Eastern ownership. That region, Russia and China have the biggest potential in the plan to build this sport-utility vehicle and to put it on sale in 2012.
The Lagonda concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show has some interesting underpinnings, at least. The SUV boasts a V-12 engine and is built on a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class platform--proof of the recent discussions between Aston and Benz that could have more supercar implications in the near future. Going forward, Aston insists that it's studying new propulsion technologies like flexible fuels, diesels and hybrids--which surely, this mammoth SUV would need to appease the green customers in Europe, Japan and North America.
We'll update you on the Lagonda project as more details emerge, and as the four-wheel drive, four-seater nears its planned 2012 introduction.
[Aston Martin, Autoweek]
Lagonda SUV Concept by Aston Martin
Lagonda SUV Concept by Aston Martin
