Lagonda Taraf
Lagonda Taraf | |
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![]() At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2015 | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Aston Martin |
Production | 2015–2016 120 units |
Assembly | United Kingdom: Gaydon, Warwickshire |
Designer | Marek Reichman (2014) |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Full-size luxury car |
Body style | 4-door saloon |
Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Platform | vertical–horizontal |
Related | Aston Martin DB9 Aston Martin Rapide |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 5.9 L Aston Martin V12 |
Transmission | 8-speed ZF 8HP70 (Touchtronic III) automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 3,189 mm (125.6 in)[1] |
Length | 5,396.5 mm (212.5 in)[1] |
Width | 1,917.5 mm (75.5 in)[2] |
Height | 1,389 mm (54.7 in)[2] |
Kerb weight | 4,398 lb (1,995 kg)[3] |
The Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf is a full-size luxury car that was produced in 2015 and 2016 by the British carmaker Aston Martin under its Lagonda marque. Designed by Marek Reichman and considered "the finest of fast cars" by Aston Martin,[4][5] the vehicle is based upon the same chassis as the DB9 and Rapide, namely the vertical–horizontal platform. The Taraf debuted in Dubai in 2014, with manufacture commencing in the subsequent year at the facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Initially intended for sale exclusively in the Middle Eastern market with a limited run of 100 units, Aston Martin later expanded the car's availability to several other countries and ultimately built 120.
The Taraf has a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time of 4.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 314 km/h (195 mph). The car features Aston Martin's 5.9-litre engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission manufactured by ZF Friedrichshafen. At its launch, the Taraf was the most expensive saloon in the world, priced at over US$1 million. Car critics and reviewers mostly appreciated its handling ability but criticised its steep price.
Background and development
![Purple 1960s four-door parked on grass](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/1964_Lagonda_Rapide_front.jpg/220px-1964_Lagonda_Rapide_front.jpg)
The Lagonda brand was established in 1906 by the businessman Wilbur Gunn.[6][7][8] The 1935 Le Mans 24 Hour race was won with a Lagonda M45R driven by John Stuart Hindmarsh and Luis Fontés.[9][10][11] When the Lagonda Rapide V12 launched in 1939, it was the most expensive car in the United States.[12] In 1947, the entrepreneur and industrialist David Brown acquired both Lagonda and Aston Martin.[13][14][15] In 1961, Lagonda introduced the Rapide,[note 1] the company's earliest four-door automobile.[16][17][18] Its production ended in 1966 after fifty-five units had been manufactured.[19][20] In 1974, Aston Martin introduced its second four-door model, the Lagonda, which was produced until 1990, when 645 units had been made.[21][22][23] The Aston Martin Rapide was revealed in 2009 at the International Motor Show Germany.[24][25] In the same year, Aston Martin chose to revive the Lagonda brand to explore various market segments and commemorate Lagonda's centenary.[26][27][28]
The development of the Taraf began in February 2014 at Aston Martin's design studio in Gaydon, Warwickshire, under the codename "Project Comet".[1] The name "Taraf" means "ultimate luxury" in the Arabic language.[29] The project was carried out by Aston Martin's Q division, which specialises in creating bespoke cars and customising existing models to meet customer specifications. The design studio completed the final full-sized model within eight months of the initial studio sketches. Marek Reichman credited the swift execution to the lessons learned from producing the One-77, which took two years to progress from design to completion.[1]
![Closeup of the rear three-quarters view of the Lagonda Taraf](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Lagonda_Taraf_V12_%2834103224876%29.jpg/220px-Lagonda_Taraf_V12_%2834103224876%29.jpg)
As part of its extensive testing programme, Aston Martin took a nearly production-ready Taraf model to Oman, where it underwent approximately 14,000 miles (23,000 km) of testing for more than four weeks. Most of the test was to assess how the Lagonda's components—primarily the air conditioning system and interior trims—handled the extreme heat, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °C (86 to 122 °F). Aston Martin reported that the car was already performing "beyond expectations".[1][30][31]
The Taraf debuted in Dubai in November 2014.[32] The official manufacture began in the subsequent year at the facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire,[3][33][34] with Aston Martin stating that 100 cars would be built exclusively for the Middle Eastern market.[35][36] However, the chief executive officer of Aston Martin Andy Palmer expanded the potential markets for the car to include Europe, the United States, Singapore and South Africa.[37][38][39] He also had the total production goal increased to 200 units.[40][41][42] In April 2016, the car was called the most expensive four-door saloon in the world, priced at over US$1 million.[43][note 2] The manufacture of the Taraf ceased at the end of 2016;[45] 120 units were ultimately built.[46]
Design and technology
Considered "the finest of fast cars" by Aston Martin,[4][5] the Taraf's "vertical/horizontal" platform—which it shares with the DB9[47] and Rapide[48]—extensively incorporates aluminium.[49][34] Instead of the Rapide's pressed aluminium body, the Taraf features a lightweight carbon fibre exterior; consequently, despite the latter's larger size, both cars are of similar weight.[49][50] The Taraf incorporates anti-roll bars, adaptive dampers, and a double wishbone suspension system supported by coil springs.[36] The interior of the vehicle incorporated elements from other Aston Martin models, including console-mounted push-button transmission controls, an advanced infotainment system, a 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system, and leather upholstery. Buyers could choose from various trims, including wood and carbon fibre. The car's extended wheelbase provided enhanced legroom for the rear-seat passengers.[51]
The Taraf features Aston Martin's 5.9-litre V12 engine, which generates a power output of 547 PS (402 kW; 540 hp) at 6,650 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a torque output of 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) at 5,500 rpm.[52][2] The Taraf has a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time of 4.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 314 km/h (195 mph).[53][54] The engine was assembled at Ford's bespoke engine facility in Niehl, Cologne, Germany.[2] The Taraf is a four-door luxury saloon car[55][2] with a rear-wheel drive layout and front engine placement.[52][49] The vehicle features an eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission developed by ZF Friedrichshafen.[56]
Reception
![The interior of a luxury car. The bronze upholstery is the most prominent colour, but there are hints of brown too.](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/The_Lagonda_Interior_%2829284858981%29.jpg/220px-The_Lagonda_Interior_%2829284858981%29.jpg)
The Taraf has received mixed—but mostly positive—reviews, with most critics noting the steep price as its primary drawback. Jason Barlow of the magazine Top Gear noted that "it [does not] ride as well as its rivals, but despite its size and physical presence, it handles better than [you would] expect".[56] Mike Duff of Car and Driver emphasised the light yet responsive hydraulic steering and the chassis's impressive lateral grip, even in wet conditions. He also noted that "the brakes lack much initial bite but have plenty of stopping power when worked more forcefully," adding that it is "downright hard not to drive at the sort of speeds that would produce complaints from any rear-seat occupants—or possibly a sharp tap from a gold-tipped cane".[52]
Reviewing for Motor Trend, Angus MacKenzie wrote that "this $1 million saloon, hand-built by Aston Martin, costs more than five times as much as a Mercedes-Maybach S600. Yet it matters little to the people who will buy the Taraf that the Maybach is technically the more accomplished ultra-luxury saloon".[1] The Autocar magazine also criticised its price, noting that for the same amount, one could buy a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé, a Bentley Mulsanne and a Range Rover SV Autobiography, but acknowledged the "unmatched exclusivity" of the car.[3]
References
Notes
- ^ Not to be confused with the Aston Martin Rapide from 2010
- ^ £696,000 in the UK[44]
Citations
- ^ a b c d e f Tisshaw, Mark (17 August 2015). "2015 Aston Martin Lagonda priced at £685,000". Autocar. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d e MacKenzie, Angus (18 February 2016). "2016 Lagonda Taraf review: the $1 million hand-built sedan by Aston Martin". Motor Trend. Archived from the original on 4 March 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ a b c Duff, Mike (4 February 2016). "Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf 2015-2016 review". Autocar. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ a b Pattni, Vijay (11 November 2014). "Aston's Lagonda could be sold worldwide". Top Gear. BBC. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ a b Holloway, Hilton (3 March 2015). "Aston Martin unveils a giant limo, but has female buyers in mind". Autocar. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "A drive in the ultimate tourer". The Daily Telegraph. 4 June 1994. p. 65. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Noakes 2019, p. 29.
- ^ "A–Z of marques: Lagonda". The Independent. 2 March 2004. p. 60. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Smale 2023, pp. 42–43.
- ^ Vance, Bill (6 December 2013). "Lagonda made its mark despite chequered history". Times Colonist. p. 61. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Walsh, Nick (September 2013). "Was this the inspiration for the Hirondel?". Classic and Sports Car. Vol. 35, no. 6. pp. 156–161. ISSN 0263-3183.
- ^ Duff, Mike (14 March 2017). "Aston Martin considers turning Lagonda into a range of super-luxury sedans". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ Vale 2022, p. 138.
- ^ "Car of the century". The Daily Telegraph. 24 April 1999. p. 89. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "How a British star was born Aston Martin". The Independent. 18 September 2007. p. 80. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Shaken and stirred by the new Rapide". The Independent. 25 April 2006. p. 90. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 11 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Taylor 2016, p. 47.
- ^ Chapman, Giles (2 August 1997). "Cars that time forgot – the Lagonda Rapide". The Daily Telegraph. p. 95. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Ramey, Jay (8 July 2021). "One of only 55 made, a rare Lagonda Rapide heads to auction". Autoweek. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Tremayne, David (November 1993). "The finest of fast cars?". Motor Sport. p. 48. Archived from the original on 13 January 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ Perkins, Chris (15 December 2016). "The coolest Aston Martin you've never heard of is up for sale". Road and Track. Archived from the original on 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ "A touch of hand-made luxury". The Citizen. 16 November 1993. p. 13. Archived from the original on 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Cotton, Mike (November 1993). "The last Lagonda". Motor Sport. p. 56. Archived from the original on 29 April 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ "Frankfurt Motor Show: Hybrids and horsepower". National Post. 18 September 2009. p. 70. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 11 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Rapide gets ready to rock the market". The Gazette. 7 June 2010. p. 44. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 11 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Hetzner, Christiaan (2 September 2008). "Aston Martin to revive Lagonda brand for growth". Reuters. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ Lewin, Tony (15 September 2008). "Aston will revive Lagonda marque". Automotive News Europe. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ Martinez, Nate (2 September 2008). "Aston Martin to restore classic Lagonda marque by 2012". Motor Trend. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ Preston, Benjamin (14 November 2014). "Wheelies: The parade of Progress Edition". The New York Times: (L)–(L). Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024 – via Gale.
- ^ Pattni, Vijay (8 September 2014). "First look at the new Aston Lagonda". Top Gear. BBC. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
- ^ Neil, Dan (18 August 2016). "Aston Martin's New $1 Million, 195-mph Limousine". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
- ^ Pollard, Tim (11 November 2014). "Aston Martin names Lagonda Taraf, may come to UK". Car. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ Pollard, Tim (28 February 2015). "Lagonda Taraf confirmed for UK, right-hand drive sale". Car. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ a b Duff, Mike (3 February 2015). "Lagonda, not forgotten". Autocar. No. 6188. pp. 44–49. ISSN 1355-8293.
- ^ Allan, Lawerence (21 August 2015). "Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf gets £696,000 price tag". Auto Express. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ a b Dixon, Mark (February 2016). "Made you stare". Octane. No. 152. pp. 74–82. ISSN 1740-0023.
- ^ Atiyeh, Clifford (2 March 2015). "Aston Martin Lagonda availability expanded, car scores new last name". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ Zhang, Benjamin (4 March 2015). "Aston Martin's top-secret Lagonda Taraf super-sedan has arrived and it could cost $1.7 million". Yahoo! Finance. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ "Where motoring meets the Outer Limits". The Vancouver Sun. 5 June 2015. p. 54. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Pattni, Vijay (2 March 2015). "Aston's Lagonda saloon will hit the UK". Top Gear. BBC. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ Ingram, Antony; Sheehan, Sam (18 August 2015). "Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf luxury saloon priced from £696,000". Evo. Archived from the original on 18 February 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ "Export performance for Aston Martin". The Daily Telegraph. 4 April 2015. p. 5.
- ^ Udy, Jason (25 April 2016). "2016 Lagonda Taraf by Aston Martin driven on ignition". Motor Trend. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ "It came from outer space". Autocar. Vol. 297, no. 3. 18 July 2018. pp. 48–51. ISSN 1355-8293.
- ^ Mistry, Hemal (12 February 2016). "Autocar's top five new car reviews". Autocar. Archived from the original on 5 December 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ Hogan, Mack (12 March 2021). "There's an almost-new Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf for sale". Road and Track. Archived from the original on 24 February 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ Noakes 2019, p. 187.
- ^ "Beauty & brawn". Calgary Herald. 21 May 2010. p. 77. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 11 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
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- ^ Askari, Matthew (11 November 2016). "2016 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf first drive: The merely rich need not apply". Motor1. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
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- ^ Mathew, Viju (7 September 2017). "Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf". Robb Report. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
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Books
- Noakes, Andrew (2019) [2017]. Aston Martin DB: 70 Years. Quarto Publishing Group. ISBN 978-1-7813-1928-4.
- Smale, Glen (2023). Le Mans 100: A Century at the World's Greatest Endurance Race. Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-7603-7617-1.
- Taylor, James (2016). British Luxury Cars of the 1950s and '60s. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-7844-2187-8.
- Vale, Matthew (2022). Aston Martin: The Complete Story. Crowood Press. ISBN 978-0-7198-4119-4.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Official website, archived 2 July 2016
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