Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

2 2 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I another nod to this car’s performance credentials and an essential element of its aerodynamics, rather then just a stylistic quirk. The Aston Martin design cues continue with the chrome detailing striking through the rear lights and across the car’s impressive tail view. Those evocative exhaust outlets are again unmistakably Aston and no doubt provide a soundtrack that clearly roars that classic car’s name. Taken as a whole, the designers have done a pretty spectacular job of creating a car that, while featuring all the elements to firmly establish it as part of the Aston Martin family, also exists as a truly individual vehicle with an identity that’s all its own. The interior of the Lagonda promises to be something very special too – although, as with the outside, all we have to go on is a selection of high- definition photographs. It all looks fabulous, although I have to admit that at this point, it feels almost as if AstonMartin is teasing us with these mouth- watering hints. As you’d expect from a marque with a reputation for both quality and luxury, real leather stretches as far as the eye can see, covering the seats, enveloping the centre console and embracing the dashboard. The headrests and seat edges feature a beautifully detailed quilted pattern reminiscent of the topmost Bentleys, while their inserts are in a pierced leather that brings to mind the most exciting sports cars of the Sixties. Elsewhere in the car, it’s safe to assume that all the materials used will be up to the exacting standards set by Aston Martin and that all switchgear and instruments will come from the same sources. Combine that with the relatively generous headroom and long, low bodystyling, and the Lagonda offers as much rear space as a long-wheelbase Rolls Royce Ghost or Mercedes S-Class. It all adds up to a vehicle that, rather than fitting into any particular market segment, will be establishing a whole new level of luxury and performance. Did I mention performance? Well rest assured that this Lagonda will have the power to more than match its looks. For under that huge expanse of bonnet sits the 5,935cc, V-12 engine we know and love from the Aston Martin Rapide S, mated to an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission. Producing around 600 horsepower, it’s said that in hot weather testing that motor has already propelled the Lagonda to over 175 mph. And that’s before proper performance validation has even started. Couple that with the familiar Aston Martin VH architecture used in this car and the fact that, uniquely for a saloon, the bodywork is entirely carbon fibre, and you have a recipe that will make the Lagonda not just fast but surprisingly nimble considering its sheer size. Another element of the Lagonda that remains a mystery is its price. Although, with all the features I’ve already mentioned and a whole host more that we’re still yet to discover, it most likely deserves the saying, “If you need to ask the price, you can’t afford it.” Suffice it to say that the car is being built by the AstonMartinQ branch, the same department responsible for the £1m One-77 amongst others. Add to that a specification list that includes such options as solid gold switchgear and badges and maybe we can draw our own conclusions as to the final figure. Whatever it adds up to, though, I can’t help thinking that the cost of this very limited edition Lagonda will be entirely justified. After all, what price can be put on a legend?

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