2010 Aston Martin Vantage on 2040-cars

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Has Aston Martin abandoned plans for a Lagonda SUV?

Aston Martin may possibly (hopefully?) axe plans for a Lagonda-badged SUV, according to a new report from the blokes at Piston Heads. If this is true, it'd serve as proof that the auto gods are good, and want us to be happy. The report is based on statements made by Director of Design Marek Reichman. "We still have plans for the brand. There might be some surprises in the marque's re-establishment into the market place, but as a very unique coachbuilt experience. And that's probably what's most befitting of the brand," Reichman told PH when asked about the Lagonda SUV, which debuted way back in 2009. "That was a different time [when the Lagonda debuted]," Reichman continued. "It was [Dr. Ulrich Bez's] time. And now we're in a very, very different time, with a different plan and with a different projection of what that brand should become." Considering the spy shots we've already seen (inset), PH's conclusion that the Lagonda brand would be reborn as an ultra-exclusive sedan doesn't seem far off. As for the rumors that AM would look to Mercedes-Benz for its SUV architecture, well, it's not looking so good any more. What do you think? Should Aston Martin launch a sedan above the Rapide? What would you expect in terms of price and performance? Let us know in Comments.

Aston Martin shows electric Rapide, production possible in two years

Aston Martin is working with investment firm ChinaEquity to bring an all-electric version of the Rapide to production by the end of 2017. Aston received 50 million British pounds ($77 million) from ChinaEquity for development, according to Automotive News Europe. The model could have as much as 1,000 horsepower, which makes sense because its powertrain will be developed by an affiliate of the Williams Formula One team. Aston Martin also says an electric variant of its DBX SUV may be in the works by 2019. The electric Rapide could also have a 200-mile single-charge range, though the car may be priced at as much as $250,000. Aston Martin first announced plans to build the model earlier this year. The automaker launched the Rapide in 2010. Related Video: The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Aston Martin blacks out new Vanquish Carbon Edition [w/video]

Aston Martin and tuxedos go together like gin and vermouth, but those looking for that extra degree of formality need look no further than the British automaker's Carbon editions. Aston has bestowed the blacked-out treatment on the Vantage, DB9 and DBS, and has now turned its attention to the flagship Vanquish. The new Vanquish Carbon Edition is being offered in coupe or convertible form, in either black or white. Based on the recently upgraded model with its new eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, the Vanquish Carbon Black offers the same 6.0-liter V12 with 568 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, good for a 3.6-second sprint to 60 and a top speed of 201 miles per hour. What sets it apart from other Vanquish models is its special trim, including black window surrounds, blacked-out headlight trim, 10-spoke gloss-black alloys and an interior decked out with herringbone carbon-fiber trim, anodized black speaker grilles for the Bang & Olufsen audio system and available quilted leather upholstery. We're waiting for the full details to be released, so watch this space. In the meantime, you can scope out the microsite and the dramatic video clip for a closer look at Aston's latest flagship in either Darth Vader or Storm Trooper treatment.