Despite dismal new car sales, especially in the luxury car market, Aston Martin has put on a devilishly extravagant exhibit on at the recent Geneva Motor Show. Along with reigniting the fabled Lagonda badge, the boys from Gaydon also showcased the stunning One-77 and V12 Vantage.
Self-described by Aston Martin as representing ‘the most potent production sports car in the marque’s 95-year history’, this latest addition to the Vantage range has been endowed with the well-known 510 hp, 6.0 litre V12. Pushing performance and exclusivity to the next level, the limited edition of 1,000 V12 Vantages will possess the ability to shoot from 0-100 kmh in 4.2 seconds, and top out at a maximum 305 km/h. With the engine placed as far back as possible and a rear-positioned gearbox, this thundering coupe still boasts an almost perfect 51:49 weight distribution. Resting well above the V8 vantage, this new option puts another 50,000 pounds on the less feisty sibling.
Going well beyond ‘typical’ means of engine and model upgrades, Aston Martin have stuck to their promise of providing one of the most enticing automotive art forms yet, the One-77. With a meagre 77 units to be produced, and a price tag that involves a ghastly seven figures, this saintly example of rare, full-fat British automotive superiority seems to laugh in the face of economic crisis. Although orders seem to be thinner than first expected for this rare (albeit expensive) opportunity, Aston Martin has puffed out their chests against the doom and gloom quite valiantly. Don’t think this moving art work is all for show; cutting edge technology, lightweight design and a 7.2 litre 700+ bhp V12 sees to that.
But no, they don’t stop there. The Geneva Motor Show also hosted the revival of Aston Martin’s most luxurious and extravagant badge; the Lagonda. In their most daring decision of them all, these seemingly invincible madmen have also unveiled an ultra-premium four-wheel drive destined to penetrate into new emerging markets, and forge a completely new relation with customers around the globe.
“The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future,” says Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.”
Aston Martin have certainly put their best foot forward to position themselves as an indomitable force in the supercar world. We all must wait and see if these cars will work to keep this historically unstable business in the green.
