Aston Martin today confirmed the Taraf name for its new sports saloon – and that it is evaluating sales outside the Middle East.
The company had said the luxury four-door was being produced solely for the Middle East markets, but it has subsequently bowed to pressure and admitted it could be sold globally.
See the full set of photos of the new carbonfibre-bodied Lagonda sports saloon here.
Lagonda Taraf? What does that mean?
Taraf means ‘ultimate luxury’ in Arabic, according to Aston Martin. A fitting name for a car which is hand-built in limited numbers at an undisclosed price.
However, the small print in Aston’s announcement says the Lagonda ‘will be known as the Lagonda Taraf in that market,’ suggesting it could be renamed for sales elsewhere in the world.
The limo is based on Aston’s VH aluminium architecture and design chief Marek Reichman openly admits seeking inspiration in 1976’s William Towns original.
Andy Palmer’s first official appearance as CEO
New CEO Andy Palmer was at the car’s official naming ceremony in Dubai.
‘The Lagonda nameplate has always had a particular appeal for our customers in the Middle East, and I’m sure those who take the opportunity to purchase the new Lagonda will be proud to own what will doubtless go on to become a piece of luxury automotive history,’ he said.
‘It is clear from the initial reaction to the car that interest from around the world is extremely high and I can confirm today that we are also evaluating the opportunity to offer this Lagonda in other markets.’
For now, the car is only being sold ‘by invitation’. Which explains why a lot of high net-worth individuals were on hand at last night’s launch in the Al Qasr Hotel.