Aston Martin Lagonda

Our interest in the Lagonda Taraf was recently renewed after Aston Martin reversed a decision to offer the caronly in the Middle East, but make no mistake; the oil-rich states are the British firm's primary target.

At last week's American Express World Luxury Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Aston Marton showcased the luxury sports saloon in a white paint-job. Only four pictures of the car were released from the show, but we've added photos from previous presentations and Aston's own press folder for your clickable-enjoyment. 

Originally conceived as a bespoke model made exclusively for the Middle East, the car is now promoted as the Taraf from the Aston Martin Lagonda sub-brand to Europe and other select global markets such as Singapore and South Africa. 

Technically, the carbon-fiber bodied Lagonda Taraf is based on the Rapide S using the same 552hp (560PS) 5.9-liter atmospheric V12 engine.

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2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition

The 300 Luxury Edition is powered by the regular model's 292HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine matched to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

As with the HEMI-powered Luxury Edition, the V6 model sports a slew of bespoke extras highlighted by the liberal use of leather throughout the interior.

Aside from the Black or two-tone Mochachino seats that are wrapped in Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable front seats with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers, the Luxury model gets the same leather treatment for the dashboard, center console, door panels, armrest and steering wheel.

Furthermore, the interior package includes die-cast paddle shifters, Natural Pore Mocha wood trim in a matte finish, an infotainment and navigation system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable colors, power-adjustable steering wheel column and pedals, chrome door sills, dual heated/cooled cup holders, ambient lit foot well lighting, LED illuminated interior door handles and front and rear map pockets plus premium carpeted trunk mat.

On the outside, the Luxury package adds 20-inch polished face (RWD) or 19-inch (AWD) alloy wheels, plus platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents.

Both the V6- and V8-powered Chrysler 300 Luxury Series models will go on sale next February.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (including $825 destination) of the 300 Luxury models is:

• Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (V6 RWD) $40,145
• Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (V6 AWD) $42,495
• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (V8 RWD) $42,895
• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (V8 AWD) $45,245

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