Friday 29th August 2014

Aston Martin Lagonda (sort of) revealed

Was Oman Air really meant to show off the new Lagonda? It has anyway...

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Over the years a broadly accepted methodology for launching new cars has developed. First there will be the rumours, normally dropped into the receptive ears of hacks or existing owners and left to spread out like ripples on a still pond. Then a few tantalising details will creep out - it will be the lightest in its segment, it's got laser beam headlights, that kind of thing, and there may be some shaky footage of a camo-covered prototype testing in the wild. Next comes the formal PR phase with, increasingly these days, a succession of teaser images followed by official pics, order books opening and - several months after the whole process started - potential buyers (and scuzzy journos) invited to come and have a go.

1-2-3 say cheese! Just don't publish yet, OK?

At least, that's how it normally is. So full credit to Aston Martin for taking the bold step of allowing a Middle Eastern airline to press release the very first official images of the new Lagonda saloon. Oman Air is working as Aston's logistics partner for testing the new car in the Middle Eastern heat, and has published two images of it on its website, one with it riding on an aircraft luggage transporter.

There's a fairly substantial clue that this might not have been the exact plan in the first line of the press release: "World class luxury airline Oman Air is today, [TBC], proud to announce a key partnership with globally renowned British car manufacturer Aston Martin." Did somebody press 'send' too early?

So, what do we know? Well, the new Lagonda is clearly channelling some of the spirit of its boxy 1970s predecessor, with Marek Reichmann's design making it look considerably larger than the rather cramped Rapide. We know that it's built around Aston's existing VH architecture and that power comes from the company's long-serving V12 engine. It's going to be produced in very limited numbers and will only be sold in the Middle East on what's called an invitation-only basis. It's part of a series of coachbuilt specials from Aston's Q division - the bit of the company produced the minimal CC100 Speedster last year.

As for pricing, the official line is only that "it will be commensurate with the car's exclusivity, quality and luxurious nature." Or, in short, "lots."

We're sure some official details will be along shortly, and look forward to bringing them to you when they arrive.

[Sources: Oman Air]

 

[TroubledSoul]

I think this is great. I guess part of me is just happy to see something come from Aston that doesn't look like a DB9!

[TNH]

Looks good. Muscle car-esque at the back - Camaro/ Charger?

[illocon]

I don't know why, but the rear made me think of the Ford 49er concept car.

And then I went and looked at the 49er and it looks nothing like it. And yet there is something similar to it. Maybe it's the chrome strip at the rear that makes it look like a piece of Americana.

[Dave Hedgehog]

looks lovely, far nicer and less messy than say an S class

[ZOLLAR]

Back end looks a bit bland to me but otherwise quite nice.

[shalmaneser]

That looks really quite splendid

[Sump]

Ehh, I really don't like it

It's too strange.

[dukebox9reg]

The more I stare at the trailer pic the more it looks really badly photoshopped.

[Vee12V]

Really liking that. Shame it's ME only.

[soad]

TNH said:

Muscle car-esque at the back - Camaro/ Charger?

My first thought!

Not sure I like it though.

[kambites]

Faintly reminds me of the old model Quattroporte. I'm not sure why?

[Liquid Knight]

Oh look a US spec' Mondeo.

[Davey S2]

TNH said:

Looks good. Muscle car-esque at the back - Camaro/ Charger?

That's not a good thing on a luxury GT IMO.

[wildatheart]

Watch the Rapide prices tumble.

[wooooody]

wildatheart said:

Watch the Rapide prices tumble.

It's only on sale in the Middle East though?

[ChemicalChaos]

wildatheart said:

Watch the Rapide prices tumble.

Given the fact they say it'll be a middle-east-only super-exclusive, I doubt it.

Seriously Aston, why? What a big 2-fingers to your home market

[SpeckledJim]

Now known in the factory as the P45.

Edited by SpeckledJim on Friday 29th August 14:25

[scubadude]

Watch the airlines scrabble to be the New Aston Martin logistics supplier tomorrow when Air Oman is oddly dropped from their role... muppets.

[Chapppers]

that looks excellent, really glad to see something new come out of Aston's design dept.

[GTEYE]

I'm impressed, and especially that they have been able to do a zero emissions V12.

Nice one!

According to DVLA....

Vehicle enquiry


The enquiry is complete.
The vehicle details for KS14 KNX are:
Date of Liability 01 07 2015
Date of First Registration 14 07 2014
Year of Manufacture 2014
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 5935cc
CO₂ Emissions 0 g/km
Fuel Type PETROL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Licence Not Due
Vehicle Colour BLACK
Vehicle Type Approval Not Available

Vehicle Excise Duty rate for vehicle

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£126.50 £230.00