The stunning luxury super saloon revives the Lagonda ethos of ‘the finest of fast cars’ is to be built using lengthened VH architecture from the existing Rapide S and will be offered exclusively in the Middle East, apparently as a result of ‘specific market demand’.
The new car, perhaps surprisingly, has drawn inspiration from the William Towns-designed ‘wedge’ Lagonda (1976 – 1990) and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in current Aston Martin sports cars such as the use of carbon fibre in the body panels. These carbonfibre reinforced panels (CFRP) are ideal for cars with short production runs and will use an Aston Martin patented coating to achieve a flawless and highly polished surface.
The engine will almost certainly be the current AM29 spec V12 already being used in the Rapide S and Vanquish. This should allow the new Lagonda to reach a top speed of around 190 mph; 175 has already been recorded during testing in Oman. The Lagonda has a wheel base of 3189 mm with is an increase of 200 mm over the Rapide thus offering rear seat passengers a significant increase in legroom, perhaps as spacious as a Rolls Ghost or S-class Mercedes.
The return of the Lagonda marque and the as yet formally un-named ‘Project Comet’ follows in the wake of other specialist projects such as the One-77, V12 Zagato and the 2013 CC100 Speedster Concept, a car already regarded as the ultimate Q by Aston Martin car.
It will be hand-built by the finest craftsmen and women at Aston Martin’s modern manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire in a dedicated building previously used for building the One-77 and V12 Zagato.
The first official photos of ‘Project Comet’ were of the Jet Black preproduction car whilst undergoing hot weather testing in Oman during late summer 2014.
The new super saloon will be offered for sale by invitation only to discerning customers who are seeking the ultimate in luxury and personalisation. AM have not revelled the potential asking price but have stated that it will be ‘commensurate with the car’s exclusivity, quality and luxurious nature.’ Or using my vocabulary, this is a classic example of ‘if you have to ask the price, you cannot afford it’. It is understood that solid gold switchgear will be a suitably expensive option.
The Lagonda 2015MY ‘Super Saloon’ shows best the direct influence of the 1976 William Towns ‘wedge’ Lagonda in this side view
Deliveries are anticipated to begin in early 2015 and should be completed before the end of the year. Production is anticipated to be no more than 200 or so examples.
