The revival of Aston Martin Lagonda, the car that was supposed to be an ultra luxury saloon based on the Mercedes S-class has turned out to be a big 4×4 based on Mercedes GL! Aston shocked everyone by revealing their first monstrous SUV. What we have here is the biggest surprise of 2009 Geneva Motorshow.
It is quit a recipe though, a V12 4×4 SUV which seats only four people inside and is the Aston Martin’s ambassador as it will go on sale in more than 100 countries, expanding the company’s image. Built on Mercedes GL platform, the Lagonda should not have any problem in the technical side, however it features a controversial design, which is odd. Because Aston Martin design is always bang on, always as great as possible without compromise, but the Lagonda, not only is strange for an Aston, it redefines styling cues of the SUV segment! It is not bad really, but for sure it will put up some controversy.
Not much details yet as it’s unveiled only some hours ago, but we keep you posted…
Press Release
Lagonda: Revival of a Luxury Brand
Aston Martin is proud to announce the return of Lagonda, one of the oldest and most iconic names in luxury car manufacturing.
The revival of Lagonda fulfils a long-term vision and will bring performance luxury into new markets and territories around the world for Aston Martin Lagonda. Ultimately, Lagonda will be a strong presence in 100 global territories, vastly increasing the global brand reach of the company and extending to new customers.
Reflecting its remarkable history, the brand will return to Russia, enter emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China, as well as responding to demand from the dynamic, innovation-focused consumers of Europe, North America and the Far East.
“The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future,” says Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.”
Lagonda is committed to innovative new propulsion technologies, new materials and elegant forms, creating a functional luxury for the near future. Critically, the brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. Lagonda will epitomise the intersection of craft, design and technology with Aston Martin’s established high performance expertise.
The intention is for Lagonda to enter the market place with a unique performance avant-garde luxury product, a vehicle that combines exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out. The LAGONDA CONCEPT is a powerful four-wheel drive, four-seater car that will satisfy the most discerning and demanding owner.
“An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, “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.