2018-03-06 10:15
The Lagonda Vision Concept has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, previewing the Aston Martin sub-brand’s autonomous and electric future.
Aston says Lagonda is the “first luxury brand exclusively driven by zero emissions powertrain technologies”. Its first model as a standalone brand, the Vision Concept, is an autonomous all-wheel-drive limousine with space for four adults. Lagonda bosses claim it’ll offer a 400-mile range, and can be fully charged from flat in just 15 minutes.
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By designing the Vision Concept from scratch, Lagonda’s design and engineering teams have been able to craft the car in a way that takes full advantage of the latest advances in electrification and autonomous driving technologies.
Mark Reichman, Aston Martin EVP and Chief Creative Officer, said: “The electrification revolution means there is no longer any need for horse and carriage design.”
The swept-back shape is quite unlike anything currently in series production and very different from the last car to carry the Lagonda badge – the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf. The long and low shape is complimented by a large glasshouse, while sharp creases give it a sporty dynamic. The nose features a large Lagonda badge, and despite the lack of engine there’s a shallow grille with vertical slats. Bright LED lights complete the look.
“Our new concept shows the scope of design opportunities that open up once you no longer need to provide space for a large power source directly in front of the passenger compartment,” said Reichman. “The batteries occupy the floor of the car. Everything above that line belongs to us.”
As such, the Vision Concept is both shorter and lower than traditional limousines like the Bentley Mulsanne or Rolls-Royce Ghost, despite claiming exceptional space inside.
Most of the Concept’s structural rigidity is in the floor, which allows for some creative design details to help ingress and egress. The back doors are rear hinged and open outwards, while separate roof sections open up for “unprecedented” ease of access. Passengers can therefore stand up inside before exiting the vehicle.
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Thanks to level four autonomy, the Vision Concept is capable of driving itself. As such, the front seat passengers can swivel their armchairs 180 degrees to face the rear occupants. The steering wheel not only retracts, but can switch from left to right-hand drive at the press of a button. The interior is laden with tech solutions, and covered in ultra-modern materials like carbon fibre, cashmere and silk.
All Lagonda models will be designed, engineered and built in Britain, supported by the full capabilities of its Aston Martin parent company. While unconfirmed, it’s likely any future Lagondas will be assembled at the firm’s St Athan facility in Wales – the same site expected to build the forthcoming all-electric Aston Martin DBX crossover from 2019.
Also on Lagonda’s Geneva show stand are a pair of 40 per cent scale models, previewing two further vehicles. One is an all-electric SUV, while the other is a sleek coupe. Lagonda suggests two of the three – likely the limo and the SUV – will reach production by 2023.
Aston Martin president and CEO, Andy Palmer, said: “We see no limits for the Lagonda brand. It will a brand for those who are anything but happy with the staus quo.”
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