Sources have told Inside Line that the Lagonda SUV, which made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in concept form, won’t be built for now, or at all. Sources said that Aston Martin Lagonda chairman David Richards was one of the many who was not pleased with the concept that made its debut in March.

Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez said that the project is on an indefinite hold due to the global economic uncertainty.

“We have several sources ready to invest upward of a quarter-billion pounds,” said Bez, “but the timing right now is simply wrong. We have some work to do yet, and it takes a lot of investment.”

“Our intention with Lagonda is to produce as much volume as we see today from Aston Martin. So essentially, doubling our volumes once up and running.”

Sources said that Richards wants to get another Lagonda concept to debut at a major auto show this year.

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Inside Line

According to a report by AutoTelegraaf, Aston Martin is still busy thinking of what segments its new revived Lagonda brand will target. It’s no doubt that the new luxury brand will consist of several different models but after seeing the Lagonda Concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, many of us have our fingers crossed that no Lagonda will resemble that design-study or whatever you want to call it.

Well, we have some good news. Marcel Beci, manager of Aston Martin’s European operations, says that Lagonda will absolutely have no SUV. According to Beci, the Lagonda Concept was received with “mixed feelings” (or down right hatred according to us) by potential buyers.

Currently, Aston Martins are sold in 32 markets. Beci says that the Lagonda brand will give the company the ability to target markets that don’t want a sports car but the luxury that Aston Martin has to provide.

Lagonda has said that it will bring its first production model to the market by 2012. It is expected to unveil a second concept car in May.

Lagonda Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoTelegraaf

There is no question that the Lagonda Concept received a very “awkward” acceptance at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Even with the Mercedes-Benz GL underpinnings, Aston Martin came up with concept that resembled an SUV and while we don’t want to say it and should keep our opinions to ourselves (since we’re journalists just reporting the news), we have to say that the Lagonda Concept was just flat out… well ugly.

However, keep your hopes up. According to the head of the Lagonda project, David Richards, Aston Martin will be back this May with a second Lagonda concept that “will be completely opposite of what you saw in Geneva.”

It’s been reported that one of the many models the Lagonda brand will bring to the market will be a large luxry-sedan that will compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. So let’s cross our fingers and wait until May.

Lagonda Concept:

- By: The Daily Auto Insider

Source: leblog auto

It’s no surprise that the reception of the Lagonda Concept by Aston Martin was … well, awkward. Not many liked the design of the concept that is said to revive the old luxury brand by 2012. However, according to Aston Martin Lagonda designer Marek Reichman, said that the “body language is avant-garde.”

Reichman confirmed that the Concept in fact shares its platform with the Mercedes-Benz GL, giving us the first hint at a closer Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz relationship. Reichman said that the Lagonda Concept is the very first product of cooperation between Aston and Daimler.

It’s been previously reported that Aston Martin is working with Mercedes-Benz in a relationship that could spawn a hybrid Aston Martin, a full-range of Lagonda models, a possible DB10 and SUV from Lagonda.

Reichman said that with a GL platform, the Lagonda Concept can accommodate a range of diesel, V6 and AMG V8 engines as well as Daimler’s two-mode hybrid system. He said that the luxury Lagonda Concept is also capable of doing some off-roading on rough roads.

So will the Lagonda Concept enter production? Reichman says that so far this is all a test. “We are launching the Lagonda brand with a concept. But typically we have not done concepts that we have not put into production.”

Source: Motor Trend

Aston Martin has finally given its upcoming Lagonda brand a star, a concept that helps us all envision what Lagonda will be when it comes to the markets in 2012. Aston Martin says that Lagonda will have strong presence in 100 global territories including a return to Russia and entering emerging markets in the Middle East, China, India and South America. It will also be available to the European and North American markets.

So let’s talk about this concept you see here in these pictures. Known as the Lagonda Concept (very creative), the car is a 4-seater with a spacious interior but Aston doesn’t want to call it a crossover just yet. The Lagonda Concept is based on an advanced platform that can accommodate a range of powertrains including flexfuel, diesels and hybrid systems.

However, under this Lagonda Concept seen here, sits a roaring V12 engine that transfers power to all-four-wheels while riding on 22-inch wheels.

Your thoughts on Lagonda? Have your say in the comments section below.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Lagonda Concept:

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.

Lagonda 2009

The LAGONDA CONCEPT celebrates 100 years of car production under the Lagonda brand, a stunning contemporary evolution of this evocative name.

The modern Lagonda marries functionalism with luxury, through organic forms, rich materials and complex surfaces. The car is based on an advanced platform that is tailored to accommodate a broad range of future powertrains, including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems.

The LAGONDA CONCEPT is a four-seat international tourer, an avant-garde luxury car that draws inspiration from the brand’s illustrious past as well as the visual language of speedboat design, the spacious individualist environment of the upper class cabin and the bespoke feel of contemporary modern furniture. Inside, the four generous seats are divided into a two zones, front and rear. The result is a relaxed, rich environment that envelops you in warm, tactile materials.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Director of Design, describes the LAGONDA CONCEPT’s design language as a fusion of fluid shapes mixed with hard, constructed lines. This organic, emotional approach eschews upright surfaces in favour of broad, flowing bodywork around the spacious passenger cabin.

The clear delineation between cabin, shoulder and flank is strongly reminiscent of the powerful and evocative lines of the 1930s era Lagondas, in particular the V12-engined version of the LG6. Viewed from the front of the concept, the deep, strong grille also evokes the presence and frontage of the cars from the inter-war era. The bold character lines that run along the sculpted flanks to the rear ensure the concept is planted firmly on the road. The large 22″ wheels and cut-away bodywork offer exceptional ground clearance, while the concept’s V12 engine delivers power through all four wheels.

A modern automotive brand must have strong core values and a broad range of abilities. The modern Lagonda will be the pre-eminent long-distance automobile, a vehicle that combines cosseting luxury with extreme functionality and technological innovation.

The Lagonda name has been an integral part of the Aston Martin story since 1947. The LAGONDA CONCEPT illustrates how the brand will once again stand together with Aston Martin as the perfect complement to modern performance. A Lagonda stands for functional elegance, performance, simplicity and comfort.

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

Aston Martin will be unveiling its new Lagonda brand at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show with a new secret concept. Will it be an SUV? A large sedan taking on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Or will it be a hybrid concept? We’ll find out early next month.

Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez has previously said that a production Lagonda will hit the market as early as 2012. He said that Lagonda will allow Aston to “develop cars which can have a different character than a sportscar.”

We’ll have more info at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show on March 3rd. Stay tuned.

Breaking up with FoMoCo was probably the best thing that ever happened to Aston Martin. Within two years of the breakup, the brand is ready to launch the most exclusive Aston Martin ever with the One-77, has revived its Lagonda brand and is coming to the market with its four-door Rapide next year. But now Aston Martin is reported to be getting close to German automaker Mercedes-Benz in an alliance that could/will spawn hybrid Astons, a full-range of Lagonda models, a possible DB10 and maybe even a 4×4 from Lagonda.

Codenamed Project Romeo and Juliet, the program is valued at 300 million euros ($384 million USD) and has been agreed upon by Aston Martin’s CEO Ulrich Bez and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche. Rumor has it that the cooperation could even end up with Mercedes-Benz buying a stake in Aston Martin replacing its ending agreement with McLaren.

So what are we going to see as a result of this love story? According to CAR, besides engine and technology sharing Aston Martin is expected to be the mastermind behind the next-generation Maybach that is due out in 2010.

Aston is very much interested in Merc’s hybrid technology. CAR says that both companies are talking about P1 which stands for a mild version of Merc’s hybrid module that provides an additional 135 lb-ft of torque. But that all depends on how well Aston Martin does on the Maybach job. If all goes as planned Aston is expected to get complete hybrid cars with drivetrains, joint production agreements and integration of dealer networks.

As reported earlier this week, Aston is looking to move the DB9 and V8 Vantage upmarket. Sources are saying that Aston is also looking to Mercedes-Benz for V12 twin-turbo engines and transmissions to replace the current ones made by Ford.

That’s what both companies have planned for phase one of the Romeo and Juliet program. Starting 2012, phase two will kick off and we’ll see Lagonda’s first production car, of which a concept will arrive next year.  Mercedes-Benz is expected to play a major role in the development of Lagonda. Sources say that on the drawing boards are a large sedan, a four-seater coupe, a four-seater convertible and a SUV based on the Mercedes-Benz GL. The large sedan will be Lagonda’s take on the next Maybach while the coupe and cabriolet will be based on the next Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Although, insiders say that Aston Martin is still undecided on whether it wants to offer Lagonda coupes. In that case, the CL will be used as a basis to Aston Martin’s DB10.

The Romeo and Juliet program could also spawn V6 Aston Martin sports cars as well. Excited? So are we.

Source: CAR

While Aston Martin is concentrating on the relaunch of its Lagonda brand, the premium sports car maker is considering a strategic change for its next-generation of sports cars. According to AutoWeek, the DB9 and V8 Vantage models may move upmarket with a higher price tag and lower production volumes.

Basically, Aston Martin wants to charge more for its cars and wants to be more exclusive. It’s testing the market with the new $1.75 million One-77 of which only 77 units will be made. If Aston Martin is basing its decision on how well the One-77 does, we can expect the next round of Aston’s to carry a higher price point since all units of the One-77 have been accounted for.

The Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage replacements are currently in concept stage and are expected to be launched in 2011.

Two options are currently being considered. One is to move the Vantage closer to the DB9 price tag and move the DB9 closer to the $277,000 price tag of the DBS. Another option is to replace the DB9 and the Vantage with one exclusive model. When FoMoCo dropped Aston last year, rumor on the streets was that a mid-engine was in the works for 2011.

Do you think Aston Martin should move upmarket with the way the industry is going right now? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Source: AutoWeek

After departing its way with FoMoCo, Aston Martin has seen the introduction of the new exclusive One-77, completion of the four-door Rapide and the resurrection of the Lagonda brand. With Aston Martin on its side Prodrive has become a serious player in the sports car and racing world.

That $2 million Aston Martin One-77 will enter production late next year. Only 77 units will be made, all of which have been accounted for. Power will come from a 700-hp 7.3L V12.

The Aston Martin Rapide will also arrive in the markets next year. U.S. will get its allocation in spring 2010 with pricing expected to be around $400,000. Aston Martin Rapide will be assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Power will come from a 6.0L V12 engine producing in the excess of 500 horsepower. 0 to 60 mph will take under 5 seconds with a top speed 180 mph.

Lagonda will show its first concept vehicle next year with a production model coming in 2012. A second model is planned for 2012 with pricing rumored to be around $100,000.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Aston Martin’s newly revived Lagonda brand will come to the market next year with a concept version of their first vehicle that will enter production by 2012. That’s basically all the information we have from Aston Martin on what’s in store for Lagonda.

But now we have more info, courtesy of Julian Jenkins, general manager of Aston Martin North America. According to Jenkins, Lagonda will share Aston’s VH platform, however, the ride will be softer. Don’t be mistaken - while Lagonda will focus on sedans, the sedans will still go very fast and will be driver oriented.

“Lagonda will stand as a brand in its own right,” said Jenkins. “We didn’t want to make Lagonda into a softer Aston, or an Aston with a luxury pack.”

Sources say that Lagonda will build two sedans by 2012. The first will be a variant of the Aston Martin Rapide but with a higher price-rag and will arrive in 2011. The second car is expected to arrive in 2012 and will be a Mercedes-Benz S-Class competitor with a price around $100,000.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

We already know that Aston Martin is reviving the Lagonda marquee to “develop cars which can have a different character than a sportscar.” So, what can we expect from Lagonda?

“With Lagonda offering exclusive, luxurious and truly versatile products with high quality and usability and suitable for both existing and emerging markets,” said Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.

According to CARandDRIVER, expect vehicles that will compete with the likes of Rolls-Royce and Maybach. Lagonda will show its first concept car next year during its 100th birthday. The production version of that model will arrive on the market by 2012.

An Aston Martin spokesperson also hinted to CARandDRIVER that we shouldn’t be surprised to see something along the lines of an SUV from the first vehicles from Lagonda.

Source: CARandDRIVER