Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 31) OCTOBER 6, 2008 • 31 Lagonda’s forte: Luxurious sedans that go very fast CARPIX Aston Martin’s Rapide sedan, to be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, will arrive in the United States in spring 2010. Under new owner, Aston Martin back in the race Mark Rechtin mrechtin@crain.com What once was the plaything of British centimillionaires has become a serious entry in the automotive world. Under the leadership of CEO Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s transition from Ford Motor Co. to Prodrive ownership last year has seen the introduction of the One-77 and completion of the Rapide project, and the rebirth of the Lagonda brand is envisioned (see story at right). Prodrive is a serious player in the racing world. V8 Vantage: Midcycle changes include a new 420-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 co-engineered with Ford, as well as a new interior. The car went on sale this summer. DB9: The racing-inspired DB9R has just arrived in showrooms. This fall, the V-12 engine received a 20-hp bump to 470, as well as interior revisions. The convertible Volante has increased headroom, as well as new sheer panels that increase structural rigidity by 10 percent. Rapide: The sedan concept, shown at the 2006 Detroit auto show, will arrive here in spring 2010. Europe may see it as soon as fall 2009. The sticker price is expected to be around $400,000. Rather than being built at Aston Martin’s Gaydon, England, factory, the Rapide will be assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. One-77: Take the VH platform’s aluminum structure, stick a carbon-fiber body to it and slap in a 7.0-liter V-12 engine, and you have Aston Martin’s most expensive and fastest vehicle. The 77 represents the total number to be built, at $2 million a copy. Production may start by the end of 2009.c Aston Martin is reviving the Lagonda luxury-car brand and will back it up with a pair of cars. The Lagonda models will share Aston’s VH platform, but the ride will be softened. Basically, Aston Martins will be sports cars dripping with luxury, while Lagondas will be luxury cars that go extremely fast. And while Astons tend to be coupes, Lagondas likely will be sedans. “Lagonda will stand as a brand in its own right,” said Julian Jenkins, general manager of Aston Martin North America. “We’re moving into markets where sports cars aren’t the cars of choice, like China and South America. We didn’t want to make Lagonda into a softer Aston, or an Aston with a luxury pack.” Jenkins declined to give details of Lagonda’s products but said there would be more than one product in the line. Sources say two Lagonda sedans will be built. One will be a variant of the Aston Martin Rapide, but with a higher price. It will arrive in 2011. The second car will be a Mercedes Benz S-class fighter with a sticker price around $100,000. That car will arrive in 2012. With Aston Martin’s Gaydon, England, plant nearing capacity, the Lagonda models might join the Rapide on subcontractor Magna Steyr’s assembly line in Graz, Austria. — Mark Rechtin Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan Mark Rechtin mrechtin@crain.com Lamborghini has rarely ventured onto new turf. In the late 1980s, it created the monstrous LM002 SUV, a Hummer-stomper before Hummer even existed. But for the most part, Lamborghini has stayed well within the coupe and convertible corral. Until now, perhaps. A four-door Lamborghini may be in the wings. Estoque: After seeing ultraluxury shoppers show strong interest in the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide sedans, Lamborghini created a four-door concept that was unveiled last week at the Paris auto show. If produced, the Estoque would be Lamborghini’s first sedan. Company executives have hinted at wanting to enter the segment. While the Gallardo and Murcielago have their engines behind the driver, the four-door concept has the engine in front of the driver, mostly behind the front axle. That hasn’t been the orientation with Lamborghini’s models since the LM002. Executives remain undecided whether to use a V-10 or V-12 from their stable. Arrival could be as soon as 2011. Gallardo: The two-passenger, midengine sports car receives a few engineering tweaks this year. The V-10 engine’s power was in- creased to 552 hp from 512, the suspension was reworked, and numerous aerodynamic modifications were made. Murcielago: The two-passenger coupe is due for a redesign in 2012. While rival Ferrari is looking into supercharged V-8 power to replace its V-12 engines, Lamborghini has stated it will not abandon V-12 power for its flagship, despite Europe’s tightening of carbon dioxide regulations in 2012. Reventon: The $1.4 million, superstylized version of the Murcielago is supposed to have a production run of just 20 units. The two-seater is packed with a 6.5-liter, 641-hp V-12. Deliveries take place this year.c If Lamborghini decides to take the Estoque concept into production, the vehicle would be the company’s first sedan. http://www.guidepointsystems.com http://www.guidepointsystems.com
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Many dealers floored by floorplan limits, costs THE GREAT COLLAPSE September was awful, and 2009 looks ugly GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now Versical, Nussel take new Automotive News posts GM to shut Ohio SUV plant 2 years ahead of plan VW commits to minority purchasing goals in Tenn. Chrysler exec to outline EV strategy at green conference Automakers are high on electrics Dealers give mixed reactions to Chrysler incentive program Chrysler boosts 2009 vehicle prices Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores Mazda Kiyora Toyota, Audi mull tiny cars for U.S. Audi to decide next year on U.S. production Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 Coupelike styling is back in a big way Honda Insight target price: Around $19,000 Mercedes plans U.S. sales of hybrids in S, E, C classes BMW is working on 2 small crossovers VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans Let's get clunkers off the road and spur the economy Europe: Still very different from us It could improve Caddy's image Shouldn't Cadillac try something new? A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs Government's a player in Europe, too The Chevy Cruze should be big news Simple steps would revive industry Ford stops buying nonessential factory supplies Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress Automakers find India tough market to conquer Mahle CEO: Most engines will be smaller by 2012 GM begins streamlining purchasing TL stretches factory's flexibility Personnel Study: Dealers gain on independent shops Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles No label Flashes of genius, years of turmoil VW seeks excitement with Routan, CC, Rabbit Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups 2010 redesign planned for Bentley flagship Alfa beyond Competizione Ferrari: Recession-proof and turning ... green? Maserati: Sporty gets even sportier Uncertainty surrounds Volvo's product plan Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? Audi longs to join luxury big-leaguers in U.S. BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons Under new owner, Aston Martin back in the race Lagonda's forte: Luxurious sedans that go very fast Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan 250-mph Bugatti boosts the excitement Mercedes returns to the luxury suite Mini follows BMW's lead Smart ambitions, like car, remain small Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn Driver monitoring systems differ High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains IAC will open first India plant Supplier personnel Engineers call for common electric car standards Land Rover aims to boost the fuel economy of its SUVs Maybach adds open-top 62S Landaulet Saab gets a crossover in 2009; everything else is on hold Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end Dealers Economic winds batter Sept. sales Jaguar Land Rover joins group Ford aids minority suppliers CarMax plans 600 job cuts Ruling could ease disputes Feds seek more time for roof strength rule Suzuki seeks floorplan credit partner for dealers Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans $25 billion: How'd they do that? Peapod: Innovator's little big idea FOR SALE: Heard condos, mansion, jet Is film a flash in the pan? Ford hopes so VW: Next New Beetle will be 'more mature' Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers are high on electrics (Page 3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 7) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 8) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 9) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 10) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 11) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 12) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 13) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 14) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 15) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GM begins streamlining purchasing (Page 16D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 17) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 18) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 19) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles (Page 20) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Flashes of genius, years of turmoil (Page 21) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups (Page 22) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 23) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 24) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 25) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 26) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 27) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 28) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 29) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons (Page 30) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan (Page 31) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Smart ambitions, like car, remain small (Page 32) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn (Page 32A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Driver monitoring systems differ (Page 32B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains (Page 32C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Engineers call for common electric car standards (Page 32D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end (Page 33) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 34) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 35) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 36) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 37) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 38) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 39) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 40) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 41) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 42) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Feds seek more time for roof strength rule (Page 43) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 44) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 45) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 46) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 47) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 48)
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