Lagonda Taraf Explained

Lagonda Taraf
Manufacturer:Aston Martin
Related:Aston Martin DB9
Aston Martin Rapide
Production:2015 - 2016
120 units
Assembly:United Kingdom: Gaydon, Warwickshire
Designer:Marek Reichman (2014)
Class:Full-size luxury car
Body Style:4-door saloon
Layout:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Platform:vertical–horizontal
Engine:5.9 L Aston Martin V12
Transmission:8-speed ZF 8HP70 (Touchtronic III) automatic
Wheelbase:31891NaN1
Length:5396.51NaN1[1]
Width:1917.51NaN1[2]
Height:13891NaN1
Weight:1995kg (4,398lb)[3]
Sp:uk

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, 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 acceleration time of 4.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 195order=flipNaNorder=flip. 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

The Lagonda brand was established in 1906 by the businessman Wilbur Gunn.[4] [5] The 1935 Le Mans 24 Hour race was won with a Lagonda M45R driven by John Stuart Hindmarsh and Luis Fontés.[6] [7] When the Lagonda Rapide V12 launched in 1939, it was the most expensive car in the United States.[8] In 1947, the entrepreneur and industrialist David Brown acquired both Lagonda and Aston Martin.[9] [10] In 1961, Lagonda introduced the Rapide, the company's earliest four-door automobile.[11] [12] Its production ended in 1966 after fifty-five units had been manufactured.[13] [14] In 1974, Aston Martin introduced its second four-door model, the Lagonda, which was produced until 1990, when 645 units had been made.[15] [16] [17] The Aston Martin Rapide was revealed in 2009 at the International Motor Show Germany.[18] [19] In the same year, Aston Martin chose to revive the Lagonda brand to explore various market segments and commemorate Lagonda's centenary.[20] [21] [22]

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.[23] 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]

As part of its extensive testing programme, Aston Martin took a nearly production-ready Taraf model to Oman, where it underwent approximately 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 . During the test, Aston Martin reported that the car was already performing "beyond expectations".[1] [24] [25]

The Taraf debuted in Dubai in November 2014.[26] The official manufacture began in the subsequent year at the facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire,[3] [27] [28] with Aston Martin stating that 100 cars would be built exclusively for the Middle Eastern market.[29] [30] 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.[31] [32] [33] He also had the total production goal increased to 200 units.[34] [35] [36] In April 2016, the car was called the most expensive four-door saloon in the world, priced at over US$1 million.[37] The manufacture of the Taraf ceased at the end of 2016;[38] 120 units were ultimately built.[39]

Design and technology

Considered "the finest of fast cars" by Aston Martin,[40] [41] the Taraf's "vertical/horizontal" platform—which it shares with the DB9 and Rapide[42] —extensively incorporates aluminium.[43] [28] 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.[43] [44] The Taraf incorporates anti-roll bars, adaptive dampers, and a double wishbone suspension system supported by coil springs.[30] 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.[45]

The Taraf features Aston Martin's 5.9-litre V12 engine, which generates a power output of at 6,650 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a torque output of at 5,500 rpm.[46] [2] The Taraf has a acceleration time of 4.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 195order=flipNaNorder=flip.[47] [48] The engine was assembled at Ford's bespoke engine facility in Niehl, Cologne, Germany.[2] The Taraf is a four-door luxury saloon car[49] [2] with a rear-wheel drive layout and front engine placement.[46] [43] The vehicle features an eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission developed by ZF Friedrichshafen.[50]

Reception

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".[50] 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".[46]

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".[2] 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.

References

Books

External links

Notes and References

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  2. 2016 Lagonda Taraf review: the $1 million hand-built sedan by Aston Martin. Motor Trend. 18 February 2016. 25 May 2024. Angus. MacKenzie. 4 March 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240304222738/https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2016-lagonda-taraf-by-aston-martin-review/. live.
  3. Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf 2015-2016 review. Mike. Duff. Autocar. 4 February 2016. 7 July 2023. 6 June 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230606162250/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/aston-martin/lagonda-taraf-2015-2016. live.
  4. News: A drive in the ultimate tourer. The Daily Telegraph. 4 June 1994. 25 May 2024. 65. Newspapers.com. 25 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240525131540/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/148036680/. live.
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  6. News: Lagonda made its mark despite chequered history. Bill. Vance. Times Colonist. 6 December 2013. 25 May 2024. 61. Newspapers.com. 26 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240526111848/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist/148037777/. live.
  7. Was this the inspiration for the Hirondel?. Nick. Walsh. Classic and Sports Car. September 2013. 35. 6. 156–161. 0263-3183.
  8. Aston Martin considers turning Lagonda into a range of super-luxury sedans. Car and Driver. 14 March 2017. 25 May 2024. Mike. Duff. 25 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240525142219/https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15342715/aston-martin-considers-turning-lagonda-into-a-range-of-super-luxury-sedans/. live.
  9. News: Car of the century. The Daily Telegraph. 24 April 1999. 25 May 2024. 89. Newspapers.com. 26 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240526111852/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/148041801/. live.
  10. News: How a British star was born Aston Martin. The Independent. 18 September 2007. 25 May 2024. 80. Newspapers.com. 25 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240525151604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/148041991/. live.
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  12. News: Cars that time forgot – the Lagonda Rapide. The Daily Telegraph. Giles. Chapman. Newspapers.com. 2 August 1997. 25 May 2024. 95. 25 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240525155315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/148043752/. live.
  13. One of only 55 made, a rare Lagonda Rapide heads to auction. Jay. Ramey. 8 July 2021. 28 April 2024. Autoweek. 7 August 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230807005922/https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a36954678/lagonda-rapide-heads-to-auction/. live.
  14. The finest of fast cars?. November 1993. 48. David. Tremayne. David Tremayne. Motor Sport. 26 May 2024. 13 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240113170010/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1993/48/the-finest-of-fast-cars/. live.
  15. The coolest Aston Martin you've never heard of is up for sale. Chris. Road and Track. Perkins. 15 December 2016. 29 April 2024. 29 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240429103649/https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/news/a31934/1974-aston-martin-lagonda-for-sale/. live.
  16. News: A touch of hand-made luxury. The Citizen. Newspapers.com. 16 November 1993. 29 April 2024. 13. 29 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240429111228/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-citizen/146279368/. live.
  17. The last Lagonda. Mike. Cotton. 56. Motor Sport. November 1993. 26 May 2024. 29 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240429111908/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1993/56/the-last-lagonda/. live.
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  19. News: Rapide gets ready to rock the market. The Gazette. Newspapers.com. 7 June 2010. 11 April 2024. 44. 25 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240525164827/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/145163276/. live.
  20. Web site: Aston Martin to revive Lagonda brand for growth. Reuters. 2 September 2008. 25 May 2024. Christiaan. Hetzner.
  21. News: Aston will revive Lagonda marque. Automotive News Europe. 15 September 2008. Tony. Lewin. 26 May 2024. 25 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240525170229/https://europe.autonews.com/article/20080915/ANE03/809149933/aston-will-revive-lagonda-marque. live.
  22. Aston Martin to restore classic Lagonda marque by 2012. Motor Trend. 2 September 2008. 26 May 2024. Nate. Martinez. 25 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240525170236/https://www.motortrend.com/news/aston-martin-to-restore-classic-lagonda-marque-by-2012-2156/. live.
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  25. Web site: Aston Martin's new $1 million, 195-mph limousine . . subscription. 10 December 2016 . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20161220120739/http://www.wsj.com/articles/aston-martins-new-1-million-195-mph-limousine-1471542783 . 20 December 2016. Dan. Neil. Dan Neil (journalist). 18 August 2016.
  26. Aston Martin names Lagonda Taraf, may come to UK. 11 November 2014. 26 May 2024. Tim. Pollard. Car. 27 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231127003130/https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/aston-martin/aston-martin-names-lagonda-taraf-may-come-to-uk/. live.
  27. Lagonda Taraf confirmed for UK, right-hand drive sale. Car. 28 February 2015. 26 May 2024. Tim. Pollard. 29 September 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220929160204/https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/aston-martin/ladonda-taraf-confirmed-for-uk-right-hand-drive-sale/. live.
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  29. Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf gets £696,000 price tag. Lawerence. Allan. Auto Express. 21 August 2015. 26 May 2024. 26 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240526030251/https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/aston-martin/88497/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-gets-696000-price-tag. live.
  30. Made you stare. Octane. February 2016. Mark. Dixon. 1740-0023. 152. 74–82.
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  32. Web site: Aston Martin's top-secret Lagonda Taraf super-sedan has arrived and it could cost $1.7 million. Yahoo! Finance. Benjamin. Zhang. 4 March 2015. 26 May 2024. 26 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240526034247/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/aston-martins-top-secret-lagonda-204846457.html. live.
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  35. Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf luxury saloon priced from £696,000. Antony. Ingram. Sam. Sheehan. 18 August 2015. 26 May 2024. Evo. 18 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230218074447/https://www.evo.co.uk/aston-martin/15394/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-luxury-saloon-priced-from-696000. live.
  36. News: Export performance for Aston Martin. The Daily Telegraph. 4 April 2015. 5.
  37. 2016 Lagonda Taraf by Aston Martin driven on ignition. Motor Trend. 25 April 2016. 26 May 2024. Jason. Udy.
  38. Autocar's top five new car reviews. Autocar. 12 February 2016. Hemal. Mistry. 26 May 2024. 5 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231205214643/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/autocars-top-five-new-car-reviews-19. live.
  39. Hogan . Mack . There's an almost-new Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf for sale . . 12 March 2021 . 25 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224041123/https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a35824012/theres-an-almost-new-aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-for-sale/ . 24 February 2024 . live .
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  41. Aston Martin unveils a giant limo, but has female buyers in mind. Hilton. Holloway. Autocar. 3 March 2015. 27 May 2024. 22 May 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220522003713/https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/motor-shows/aston-martin-unveils-giant-limo-has-female-buyers-mind. live.
  42. News: Beauty & brawn. Calgary Herald. Newspapers.com. 21 May 2010. 11 April 2024. 77. 27 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240427013551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald/145163126/. live.
  43. News: Car review: Lagonda Taraf. The Australian. 8 October 2016. subscription. 26 May 2024.
  44. Web site: The 7 best sports saloons money can buy. Goodwood. 26 May 2024. 26 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240526112351/https://www.goodwood.com/classic-car-insurance/tag/list/. live.
  45. Web site: 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf first drive: The merely rich need not apply. Matthew. Askari. Motor1. 11 November 2016. 7 July 2023. 7 July 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162225/https://www.motor1.com/reviews/128238/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-first-drive-review/. live.
  46. $1-million 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf driven. Mike. Duff. Car and Driver. 4 February 2016. 7 July 2023. 7 July 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162544/https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15102880/2016-aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-first-drive-review/. live.
  47. Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf. Robb Report. 7 September 2017. Viju. Mathew. 26 May 2024. 26 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240526112352/https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/slideshow/future-aston-martin-slideshow/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf/. live.
  48. Web site: Aston Martin's uber-elite super sedan will be limited to 200 examples. CNET. 15 August 2015. 26 May 2024. Antuan. Goodwin. 7 June 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230607214355/https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2015-aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-preview/. live.
  49. Web site: An Aston Martin where the best seat is in the back. Nico. Ylanan. Motor1. 9 September 2019. 26 May 2024. 10 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210510230914/https://uk.motor1.com/news/369634/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-overview/. live.
  50. World exclusive: Aston's £696k Lagonda super-limo driven. Jason. Barlow. BBC. 26 May 2024. Top Gear. 4 December 2015. Jason Barlow. 7 July 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162437/https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/lagonda-taraf/first-drive. live.

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