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Aston Martin has resurfaced the classic ‘Lagonda' moniker for use on a brand new super saloon, this much you already know.
The "finest of fast cars" as Aston calls it has now been named the Lagonda ‘Taraf', and has made its debut in Dubai. This is because the car will be exclusively sold in the Middle East. Or will it?
At the launch of the Lagonda Taraf, Aston's new CEO Andy Palmer noted that global interest in the car was ‘extremely high', which has made the company rethink its sales strategy.
"I can confirm today that we are also evaluating the opportunity to offer this Lagonda in other markets," he added.
So there you have it. Proof that the Lagonda Taraf stands a very strong chance of arriving on British soil. It's based on Aston's VH architecture - the same chassis that underpins all current Aston Martin products - hand-built in Gaydon in a dedicated factory previously used to build the gorgeous One-77.
No word on powertrain, but we can expect Aston's mellifluous 565bhp 6.0-litre V12 up front, with - hopefully - the new eight-speed ZF ‘box used in the new Rapide and Vanquish, driving the rear wheels. Expect then, a 0-62mph time of around (or possibly under) four seconds, and a top speed touching 200mph.
You'll no doubt spot the stylistic references to the original Towns-designed Lagonda from 1976, notably in the C-pillar. Aston has also made extensive use of carbon fibre body panels in the construction of the Taraf, too.
As expected of a luxury saloon, it's a strictly VIP affair: Aston is offering the Taraf on an invitation only basis, with pricing kept under wraps.
Why the Middle East for the car's launch, you might ask? Aston design chief Marek Reichman recently revealed to TopGear.com that many of the original Towns-designed Lagondas found homes in the region, which made the strategy for this new car a no-brainer.
"The Lagonda nameplate has always had a particular appeal for our customers in the Middle East," Palmer confirmed. "I'm sure those who take the opportunity to purchase the new Lagonda will be proud to own what will doubtless go on to become a piece of luxury automotive history."
Have a click through the pics. Though Aston has confirmed to TopGear.com that an SUV 'isn't part of the plan', this Lagonda could well feature in the UK - fancy seeing one over here?
Written By:- Vijay Pattni
More of this article on the Top gear website