Aston Martin Confirms Production of First Crossover Model

No, don’t adjust your computer screens, yes, Aston Martin Lagonda has confirmed it will be putting the DBX into series production. The automaker will be expanding its Gaydon production operation (or build an entirely new factory in the US) with a £200- / $300- million investment and seems to have big plans for the future.

Half of that money has already reached the automaker, while the other half will be injected into its accounts over the coming 12 months.

Aston Martin Lagonda CEO, Andy Palmer, said “this additional long-term funding, will enable us to add extra model lines and broaden our presence in the luxury market segment by the end of the decade. The DBX concept, has generated interest far beyond our expectations. The additional investment announced today will allow us to realise the DBX and other new luxury vehicles that will form the strongest and most diverse portfolio in our history”.

He adds that their “shareholders have shown their strong commitment and confidence in the management team to execute the strategic plan.”

We don’t know the specific details (when it’s going to be launched) but we assume it will roughly be a two year wait. Hopefully, it will have an AMG engine under the hood...

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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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Aston Martin DBX Concept

We often see outlandish pick-up or shooting brake renderings of cars that will never be available with these body styles. But a shooting brake interpretation of Aston Martin’s latest concept car, the DBX, makes a lot of sense.

There have been quite a few shooting brake models throughout the British brand’s history, and at this moment in time where all luxury brands want to bring SUVs to the market, a high-riding, all-wheel drive Aston Martin shooting brake would be a great way to bring practicality into the equation without affecting the brand’s styling. If such a model was built, I’m sure it would not go unnoticed.

It I were to choose between the Aston Martin DBX coupe concept and this shooting brake version, I’d say the latter makes much more sense. Regardless of one’s personal preferences, I think it’s safe to say Theophilus Chin really outdone himself with these renderings.

Renderings courtesy of Theophilus Chin

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Aston Martin Vanquish V12 by Henrik Fisker

Henrik Fisker's own automotive company may have gone under, but his love for design persists and after the Galpin 2015 Mustang, he's back to what he knows best with the Thunderbolt study.

It's the former Aston Martin designers one-off coachbuilt take on the Vanquish V12 coupe and it was revealed today at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in Florida. 

"I wanted to create an elegant beautiful GT sports coupe, with pure emotional sculpture, that would stay timeless," said Fisker, who pointed out that the Thunderbolt was "in no way affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Aston Martin". 

The prototype has a completely redesigned body made out of carbon fiber featuring Fisker's signature lines, while the interior was redone with new materials and details, including the world's first application of Panasonic's 11.6-inch Curved Control Screen in a car that is designed to reduce reflections and glare. 

The only performance-related upgrades mentioned are the lowering of standard car's ride height by 15mm and the 21-inch alloy wheels with sport tires.

Fisker said that, while there will be no commercialization of the prototype shown at Amelia, "based on initial response, an extremely limited number of additional cars could be made on a special order basis, available exclusively through Galpin Aston Martin". These cars would not get the prototype Panasonic screen and would features some minor styling adjustments to the front end with a different grille and bumper, as seen in the red rendering.

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Aston Martin Vantage SP10

Aston Martin's Vantage V8 S, which is the more focused and slightly more powerful at 430hp (436PS) sibling of the regular V8 model, is one such example as it is available exclusively with the English brand's Sportshift II 7sp automated manual transmission.

At least it was up until now, as Aston Martin has announced a new special edition version of the Vantage V8S called the SP10, created as part of its centenery celebrations and inspired by its motorsport activities in the GT4 racing series. While keeping the same 430hp V8 engine, it is offered with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional automatic.

Available in both coupe and roadster body styles, the SP10 will be sold exclusively in Continental Europe – meaning the UK will miss out on this special edition model.

The SP10 is finished in a Ceramic Grey Metallic (the Roadster gets a Titan Grey top), and features unique 19-inch cast alloy rims, black brake calipers, a front splitter, carbon rear diffuser and clear rear lamps.

Black is the dominant color in the cabin, which is dressed in a combination of leather and Alcantara with contrast silver stitching, and also gains a center console in Piano Black.

Standard features include a 750W 'Premium Audio Sound System', electrically operated seats, satellite navigation, cruise control and Bluetooth telephone preparation.

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