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Aston may build fewer than 100 Lagonda super saloons

Aston Martin has owned the Lagonda nameplate since the late '40s, but in the roughly 70 years since that acquisition, the use of the name has been kept largely exclusive for four-door models. The two most famous modern Lagondas are the angular, futuristic sedan built in the '70s and '80s and the infamously ugly SUV concept from the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. UK magazine Car claims that the classic name could make its return on a svelte four-door as soon as this summer, which makes sense considering our spy shooters recently caught what looked like a modernized incarnation of the 70s super saloon last month. Interestingly, while Aston Martins are rare birds as-is, Car says that the neo-Lagonda could be even more scarce – its sources suggest that the model could be limited to under 100 units. That's because Aston Martin's Q customization service is reportedly taking up construction duties for the project, and with its small team, that means production is going to be slow, limited and very expensive. Even covered in camo as spied above, there's something special about the new car. The squinting headlights and thin A-pillar echo the '80s model in a modern way and make this four-door look a lot sportier than the Bentley, Maserati and Rolls-Royce models that it will likely compete against. It's rumored to be using composite body panels to keep weight down. The powertrain is said to be an evolution of the Rapide, Aston's sole existing four-door model. The Lagonda would use Aston Martin's 5.9-liter V12 with power tuned to around 600 horsepower, backed by an eight-speed automatic replacing the Rapide's elderly six-speed unit. That would put power just short of an Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, but the composite panels could lend it a weight advantage. The latest rumor only indicates the Lagonda's unveiling sometime later this summer, with no exact date or location. Still given the relative completeness of the test car, it doesn't look like it could be too far away. We can't wait to see it when the camo comes off.

Aston Martin is ready with your submarine, Mr. Bond

Aston Martin and Triton Submarines have teamed to build probably the world's most stylish and luxurious way to dive beneath the waves. Called Project Neptune, this two-passenger mini submarine looks like something designed and developed by Q Branch for James Bond. Though to be fair, the evildoers at Spectre might also appreciate a submersible that works a little Aston flair into its design. First announced last September, the Project Neptune submarine has now been revealed in its final production format. Looking equal parts speedboat and lunar rover, the design is dominated by a clear bubble pressure hull that permits an expansive view of the watery world around you. There is seating for three, with room for a pilot and two passengers. The pilot seat is in the middle, positioned slightly behind the two front passenger seats. Capable of diving to depths of 500 meters, the submarine has a top speed of 5 knots — or not quite 6 miles per hour, for all you non-nautical types. While that's not exactly DB11 territory, Florida-based Triton says the the Project Neptune sub has roughly four times the acceleration of the company's flagship model, the 3300/3 submersible. Triton builds a wide range of subs, ranging from pure utilitarian models that can dive to the deepest depths of the ocean floor, to posh creations that cater to super-wealthy clientele with a spirit of adventure. It goes without saying which customer base Project Neptune is meant to entice. If there is any doubt, simply peek inside. Forget any images you might have had of vinyl seats and a maze of pipes and knobs peppering the cabin. The seats are leather-trimmed with Aston Martin logos on the backrests, while the rest of the interior is finished in lightweight carbon fiber. "The interior is quintessentially Aston Martin," says John Ramsay, chief technical officer at Triton Submarines. "The prototypes look incredible, being simultaneously functional and beautiful." Because you don't want to have the exact same mini-sub as your neighbors — perish the thought — there will be three Designer Specifications available. These have been created by the British automaker's own design team, while further customization can be handled by Aston's bespoke service, fittingly called Q by Aston Martin. With the least expensive Aston Martin costing about $150,000, how much will it take to pair your 2019 Vantage with your own Aston mini-sub?

Best of 2016 | The List

The List hosts Jessi and Patrick spent all of 2016 checking awesome adventures off their automotive bucket list, from escaping a car dangling off a cliff, to taking part in The Great Race road rally. In total, our hosts checked 12 challenges off Autoblog's list of "1,001 car things to do before you die," taking them on travels across the United States and the United Kingdom. Check out some highlights from the season as our hosts drive everything from the super modern to the refreshingly classic, and even take their lives into their own hands all for the sake of completing the ultimate car enthusiast's bucket list. As we look ahead to 2017, be sure to send us your automotive bucket list items. Who knows, maybe your submission will inspire Jessi and Patrick's next escapade. Click here to find more episodes of The List Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick Aston Martin Bentley Land Rover McLaren The List Videos