Lagonda Taraf

File:1964 Lagonda Rapide front.jpg

The Lagonda brand was established in 1906 by the businessman Wilbur Gunn.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/148036680/|title=A drive in the ultimate tourer|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=4 June 1994|access-date=25 May 2024|page=65|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525131540/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/148036680/|url-status=live}}{{sfn|Noakes|2019|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=M_6jDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA29 29]}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/148037227/|title=A–Z of marques: Lagonda|newspaper=The Independent|date=2 March 2004|access-date=25 May 2024|page=60|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525132943/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/148037227/|url-status=live}} The 1935 Le Mans 24 Hour race was won with a Lagonda M45R driven by John Stuart Hindmarsh and Luis Fontés.{{sfn|Smale|2023|pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=aea9EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA42 42–43]}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist/148037777/|title=Lagonda made its mark despite chequered history|first=Bill|last=Vance|newspaper=Times Colonist|date=6 December 2013|access-date=25 May 2024|page=61|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526111848/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist/148037777/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Was this the inspiration for the Hirondel?|first=Nick|last=Walsh|magazine=Classic and Sports Car|date=September 2013|volume=35|issue=6|pages=156–161|issn=0263-3183}} When the Lagonda Rapide V12 launched in 1939, it was the most expensive car in the United States.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15342715/aston-martin-considers-turning-lagonda-into-a-range-of-super-luxury-sedans/|title=Aston Martin considers turning Lagonda into a range of super-luxury sedans|magazine=Car and Driver|date=14 March 2017|access-date=25 May 2024|first=Mike|last=Duff|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525142219/https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15342715/aston-martin-considers-turning-lagonda-into-a-range-of-super-luxury-sedans/|url-status=live}} In 1947, the entrepreneur and industrialist David Brown acquired both Lagonda and Aston Martin.{{sfn|Vale|2022|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=6SCUEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT138 138]}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/148041801/|title=Car of the century|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=24 April 1999|access-date=25 May 2024|page=89|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526111852/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/148041801/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/148041991/|title=How a British star was born Aston Martin|newspaper=The Independent|date=18 September 2007|access-date=25 May 2024|page=80|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525151604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/148041991/|url-status=live}} In 1961, Lagonda introduced the Rapide,{{NoteTag|Not to be confused with the Aston Martin Rapide from 2010}} the company's earliest four-door automobile.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/145163320/|title=Shaken and stirred by the new Rapide|newspaper=The Independent|via=Newspapers.com|date=25 April 2006|access-date=11 April 2024|page=90|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525153640/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/145163320/|url-status=live}}{{sfn|Taylor|2016|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=C1O-DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA47 47]}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/148043752/|title=Cars that time forgot – the Lagonda Rapide|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Giles|last=Chapman|via=Newspapers.com|date=2 August 1997|access-date=25 May 2024|page=95|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525155315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/148043752/|url-status=live}} Its production ended in 1966 after fifty-five units had been manufactured.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a36954678/lagonda-rapide-heads-to-auction/|title=One of only 55 made, a rare Lagonda Rapide heads to auction|first=Jay|last=Ramey|date=8 July 2021|access-date=28 April 2024|magazine=Autoweek|archive-date=7 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807005922/https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a36954678/lagonda-rapide-heads-to-auction/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1993/48/the-finest-of-fast-cars/|title=The finest of fast cars?|date=November 1993|page=48|first=David|last=Tremayne|author-link=David Tremayne|magazine=Motor Sport|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=13 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113170010/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1993/48/the-finest-of-fast-cars/|url-status=live}} In 1974, Aston Martin introduced its second four-door model, the Lagonda, which was produced until 1990, when 645 units had been made.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/news/a31934/1974-aston-martin-lagonda-for-sale/|title=The coolest Aston Martin you've never heard of is up for sale|first=Chris|magazine=Road and Track|last=Perkins|date=15 December 2016|access-date=29 April 2024|archive-date=29 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429103649/https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/news/a31934/1974-aston-martin-lagonda-for-sale/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-citizen/146279368/|title=A touch of hand-made luxury|newspaper=The Citizen|via=Newspapers.com|date=16 November 1993|access-date=29 April 2024|page=13|archive-date=29 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429111228/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-citizen/146279368/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1993/56/the-last-lagonda/|title=The last Lagonda|first=Mike|last=Cotton|page=56|magazine=Motor Sport|date=November 1993|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=29 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429111908/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1993/56/the-last-lagonda/|url-status=live}} The Aston Martin Rapide was revealed in 2009 at the International Motor Show Germany.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post/145163175/|title=Frankfurt Motor Show: Hybrids and horsepower|newspaper=National Post|via=Newspapers.com|date=18 September 2009|access-date=11 April 2024|page=70|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526111848/https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post/145163175/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/145163276/|title=Rapide gets ready to rock the market|newspaper=The Gazette|via=Newspapers.com|date=7 June 2010|access-date=11 April 2024|page=44|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525164827/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/145163276/|url-status=live}} In the same year, Aston Martin chose to revive the Lagonda brand to explore various market segments and commemorate Lagonda's centenary.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL1635287/|title=Aston Martin to revive Lagonda brand for growth|work=Reuters|date=2 September 2008|access-date=25 May 2024|first=Christiaan|last=Hetzner}}{{cite news|url=https://europe.autonews.com/article/20080915/ANE03/809149933/aston-will-revive-lagonda-marque|title=Aston will revive Lagonda marque|newspaper=Automotive News Europe|date=15 September 2008|first=Tony|last=Lewin|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525170229/https://europe.autonews.com/article/20080915/ANE03/809149933/aston-will-revive-lagonda-marque|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/aston-martin-to-restore-classic-lagonda-marque-by-2012-2156/|title=Aston Martin to restore classic Lagonda marque by 2012|magazine=Motor Trend|date=2 September 2008|access-date=26 May 2024|first=Nate|last=Martinez|archive-date=25 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525170236/https://www.motortrend.com/news/aston-martin-to-restore-classic-lagonda-marque-by-2012-2156/|url-status=live}}

The development of the Taraf began in February 2014 at Aston Martin's design studio in Gaydon, Warwickshire, under the codename "Project Comet". The name "Taraf" means "ultimate luxury" in the Arabic language.{{cite journal | last=Preston | first=Benjamin | title=Wheelies: The parade of Progress Edition | journal=The New York Times | via = Gale | date=14 November 2014 | pages=(L)–(L) | url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA390003516&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=03624331&p=AONE&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E82f7411d&aty=open-web-entry | access-date=26 May 2024 | archive-date=26 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526111849/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA390003516&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=03624331&p=AONE&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E82f7411d&aty=open-web-entry | url-status=live }} 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.

File:Lagonda Taraf V12 (34103224876).jpg

As part of its extensive testing programme, Aston Martin took a nearly production-ready Taraf model to Oman, where it underwent approximately {{convert|14000|mi}} 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 {{convert|30 to 50|C}}. During the test, Aston Martin reported that the car was already performing "beyond expectations".{{cite web|url=http://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/first-look-new-aston-lagonda |title=First look at the new Aston Lagonda |magazine=Top Gear|publisher=BBC|access-date=10 December 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816060250/http://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/first-look-new-aston-lagonda |archive-date=16 August 2016|date=8 September 2014|first=Vijay|last=Pattni}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/aston-martins-new-1-million-195-mph-limousine-1471542783 |title=Aston Martin's new $1 million, 195-mph limousine |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription|accessdate=10 December 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220120739/http://www.wsj.com/articles/aston-martins-new-1-million-195-mph-limousine-1471542783 |archive-date=20 December 2016|first=Dan|last=Neil|author-link=Dan Neil (journalist)|date=18 August 2016}}

The Taraf debuted in Dubai in November 2014.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/aston-martin/aston-martin-names-lagonda-taraf-may-come-to-uk/|title=Aston Martin names Lagonda Taraf, may come to UK|date=11 November 2014|access-date=26 May 2024|first=Tim|last=Pollard|magazine=Car|archive-date=27 November 2023|archive-url=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/|url-status=live}} The official manufacture began in the subsequent year at the facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/aston-martin/ladonda-taraf-confirmed-for-uk-right-hand-drive-sale/|title=Lagonda Taraf confirmed for UK, right-hand drive sale|magazine=Car|date=28 February 2015|access-date=26 May 2024|first=Tim|last=Pollard|archive-date=29 September 2022|archive-url=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/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Lagonda, not forgotten|magazine=Autocar|first=Mike|last=Duff|issn=1355-8293|issue=6188|pages=44–49|date=3 February 2015}} with Aston Martin stating that 100 cars would be built exclusively for the Middle Eastern market.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/aston-martin/88497/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-gets-696000-price-tag|title=Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf gets £696,000 price tag|first=Lawerence|last=Allan|magazine=Auto Express|date=21 August 2015|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526030251/https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/aston-martin/88497/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-gets-696000-price-tag|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Made you stare|magazine=Octane|date=February 2016|first=Mark|last=Dixon|issn=1740-0023|issue=152|pages=74–82}} 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.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15353944/aston-martin-lagonda-availability-expanded-car-scores-new-last-name/|title=Aston Martin Lagonda availability expanded, car scores new last name|magazine=Car and Driver|date=2 March 2015|access-date=26 May 2024|first=Clifford|last=Atiyeh|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201133801/https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15353944/aston-martin-lagonda-availability-expanded-car-scores-new-last-name/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/aston-martins-top-secret-lagonda-204846457.html|title=Aston Martin's top-secret Lagonda Taraf super-sedan has arrived and it could cost $1.7 million|publisher=Yahoo! Finance|first=Benjamin|last=Zhang|date=4 March 2015|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526034247/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/aston-martins-top-secret-lagonda-204846457.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun/148090857/|title=Where motoring meets the Outer Limits|newspaper=The Vancouver Sun|date=5 June 2015|access-date=26 May 2024|page=54|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526111849/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun/148090857/|url-status=live}} He also had the total production goal increased to 200 units.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/aston%E2%80%99s-lagonda-saloon-will-hit-uk|title=Aston's Lagonda saloon will hit the UK|first=Vijay|last=Pattni|publisher=BBC|date=2 March 2015|access-date=26 May 2024|magazine=Top Gear|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526035221/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/aston%E2%80%99s-lagonda-saloon-will-hit-uk|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.evo.co.uk/aston-martin/15394/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-luxury-saloon-priced-from-696000|title=Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf luxury saloon priced from £696,000|first1=Antony|last1=Ingram|first2=Sam|last2=Sheehan|date=18 August 2015|access-date=26 May 2024|magazine=Evo|archive-date=18 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218074447/https://www.evo.co.uk/aston-martin/15394/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-luxury-saloon-priced-from-696000|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Export performance for Aston Martin|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=4 April 2015|page=5}} In April 2016, the car was called the most expensive four-door saloon in the world, priced at over US$1 million.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/2016-lagonda-taraf-aston-martin-driven-ignition-wvideo/|title=2016 Lagonda Taraf by Aston Martin driven on ignition|magazine=Motor Trend|date=25 April 2016|access-date=26 May 2024|first=Jason|last=Udy}}{{NoteTag|£696,000 in the UK{{cite magazine|title=It came from outer space |magazine=Autocar|issn=1355-8293|date=18 July 2018|volume=297|issue=3|pages=48–51}}}} The manufacture of the Taraf ceased at the end of 2016;{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/autocars-top-five-new-car-reviews-19|title=Autocar's top five new car reviews|magazine=Autocar|date=12 February 2016|first=Hemal|last=Mistry|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205214643/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/autocars-top-five-new-car-reviews-19|url-status=live}} 120 units were ultimately built.{{cite magazine | last=Hogan | first=Mack | title=There's an almost-new Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf for sale | magazine=Road and Track | date=12 March 2021 | url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a35824012/theres-an-almost-new-aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-for-sale/ | access-date=25 June 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240224041123/https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a35824012/theres-an-almost-new-aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-for-sale/ | archive-date = 24 February 2024 | url-status = live }}

Considered "the finest of fast cars" by Aston Martin,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/aston%E2%80%99s-lagonda-could-be-sold-worldwide|title=Aston's Lagonda could be sold worldwide|first=Vijay|last=Pattni|publisher=BBC|date=11 November 2014|access-date=26 May 2024|magazine=Top Gear|archive-date=7 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507094215/http://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/aston%E2%80%99s-lagonda-could-be-sold-worldwide|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/motor-shows/aston-martin-unveils-giant-limo-has-female-buyers-mind|title=Aston Martin unveils a giant limo, but has female buyers in mind|first=Hilton|last=Holloway|magazine=Autocar|date=3 March 2015|access-date=27 May 2024|archive-date=22 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522003713/https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/motor-shows/aston-martin-unveils-giant-limo-has-female-buyers-mind|url-status=live}} the Taraf's "vertical/horizontal" platform—which it shares with the DB9{{sfn|Noakes|2019|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=M_6jDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA187 187]}} and Rapide{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald/145163126/|title=Beauty & brawn|newspaper=Calgary Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=21 May 2010|access-date=11 April 2024|page=77|archive-date=27 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427013551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald/145163126/|url-status=live}}—extensively incorporates aluminium.{{cite news|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-australian-magazine/instant-classic/news-story/9545a15659f40aa537d1ac0a6cfa4804|title=Car review: Lagonda Taraf|newspaper=The Australian|date=8 October 2016|url-access=subscription|access-date=26 May 2024}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.goodwood.com/classic-car-insurance/tag/list/|title=The 7 best sports saloons money can buy|website=Goodwood|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526112351/https://www.goodwood.com/classic-car-insurance/tag/list/|url-status=live}} The Taraf incorporates anti-roll bars, adaptive dampers, and a double wishbone suspension system supported by coil springs. 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.motor1.com/reviews/128238/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-first-drive-review/|title=2016 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf first drive: The merely rich need not apply|first=Matthew|last=Askari|website=Motor1|date=11 November 2016|access-date=7 July 2023|archive-date=7 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162225/https://www.motor1.com/reviews/128238/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-first-drive-review/|url-status=live}}

The Taraf features Aston Martin's 5.9-litre V12 engine, which generates a power output of {{cvt|547|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,650 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a torque output of {{cvt|465|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} at 5,500 rpm.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15102880/2016-aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-first-drive-review/|title=$1-million 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf driven|first=Mike|last=Duff|magazine=Car and Driver|date=4 February 2016|access-date=7 July 2023|archive-date=7 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162544/https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15102880/2016-aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-first-drive-review/|url-status=live}} The Taraf has a {{cvt|0-100|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} acceleration time of 4.4 seconds and a maximum speed of {{convert|195|mph|kph|order=flip|abbr=on}}.{{cite magazine|url=https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/slideshow/future-aston-martin-slideshow/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf/|title=Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf|magazine=Robb Report|date=7 September 2017|first=Viju|last=Mathew|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526112352/https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/slideshow/future-aston-martin-slideshow/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2015-aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-preview/|title=Aston Martin's uber-elite super sedan will be limited to 200 examples|website=CNET|date=15 August 2015|access-date=26 May 2024|first=Antuan|last=Goodwin|archive-date=7 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607214355/https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2015-aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-preview/|url-status=live}} The engine was assembled at Ford's bespoke engine facility in Niehl, Cologne, Germany. The Taraf is a four-door luxury saloon car{{cite web|url=https://uk.motor1.com/news/369634/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-overview/|title=An Aston Martin where the best seat is in the back|first=Nico|last=Ylanan|website=Motor1|date=9 September 2019|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510230914/https://uk.motor1.com/news/369634/aston-martin-lagonda-taraf-overview/|url-status=live}} with a rear-wheel drive layout and front engine placement. The vehicle features an eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission developed by ZF Friedrichshafen.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/lagonda-taraf/first-drive|title=World exclusive: Aston's £696k Lagonda super-limo driven|first=Jason|last=Barlow|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 May 2024|magazine=Top Gear|date=4 December 2015|author-link=Jason Barlow|archive-date=7 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162437/https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/lagonda-taraf/first-drive|url-status=live}}

File:The Lagonda Interior (29284858981).jpg

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 "[i]t doesn't ride as well as its rivals, but despite its size and physical presence, it handles better than you'd expect". 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 "[t]he 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".

Reviewing for Motor Trend, Angus MacKenzie wrote that "[t]his $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". 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.

{{NoteFoot}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book|title=Aston Martin DB: 70 Years|first=Andrew|last=Noakes|author-link=Andrew Noakes|date=2019|orig-year=2017|isbn=978-1-7813-1928-4|publisher=Quarto Publishing Group}}
• {{cite book|title=Le Mans 100: A Century at the World's Greatest Endurance Race|first=Glen|last=Smale|date=2023|isbn=978-0-7603-7617-1|publisher=Motorbooks}}
• {{cite book|title=British Luxury Cars of the 1950s and '60s|first=James|last=Taylor|date=2016|isbn=978-1-7844-2187-8|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing}}
• {{cite book|title=Aston Martin: The Complete Story|first=Matthew|last=Vale|date=2022|isbn=978-0-7198-4119-4|publisher=Crowood Press}}

{{Commons category|Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160702043356/https://www.astonmartin.com/en/cars/lagonda Official website], archived 2 July 2016

{{Aston Martin timeline 2000 to date}}

Taraf

Category:Flagship vehicles

Category:Cars introduced in 2014

Category:Cars discontinued in 2016