Intrepidation

Geneva 2009: Aston Martin revives Lagonda to questionable effect Comebacks are a tough racket, so when Aston Martin announced plans to revive the Lagonda nameplate, we tempered our high hopes with a fair amount of skepticism. Perhaps that's a good thing. These first images of the Lagonda caused a collective sigh from the Autoblog crew here in Geneva, perhaps largely because it takes the form of a crossover – something we weren't really expecting (and something we don't typically associate with either Lagonda or Aston). The Lagonda's return marks the 100th anniversary of the brand, best known for stately sedans and luxurious grand-tourers. Aston wanted an outlet to expand beyond sports cars and GTs (pay no attention to the Rapide in the corner), and the Lagonda's designers took that mandate and ran with it – some might say into a bluff-faced wall. At its core, the Lagonda Concept is an avant-garde approach to the crossover we've come to know in seemingly thousands of variations. The front grille and swage lines are an obvious nod to modern Astons, but its near vertical nose, stretched headlamps and bulbous backside attempts to convey a mix of luxury and masculinity. The rear end strikes us as very Bentley, but considering the Lagonda's intended audience, that might not be a bad thing. All four 22-inch wheels are powered by a V12 powerplant of undisclosed displacement and output, and Aston envisions the Lagonda as a long-distance cruiser that offers its occupants a lavish, functional and tech-rich environment. Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulirch Bez wants to see the Lagona sold in more than 100 countries (versus the 32 A-M is currently offered in), with a focus on emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, China, India and Russia. While we have no problem envisioning the Lagonda rolling down the streets of Moscow, we're not sure that its reception will be as warm in Europe and North America. But then again, there's not much playing in this space, and that's the nature of comebacks. Source: Autoblog

Grammatical errors FTL (sorry). I was agreeing with you that it didn't jump out immediately, bud.

If he was mentally aware enough to kill an innocent man, and then cut him up, he's mentally aware to be Bubba's bitch for the rest of his life. Instead he has the opportunity to be released?!

Great, so another psychopath gets off the hook. His ass should be permanently locked away.

I would say mainly the Ion, because when it was introduced it was so bad that it is to this day regarded as the worst car to be sold in the states in recent history. Runner up goes to the Relay, for not only being badge engineered (a sign of things to come) but the first Saturn to not have polymer panels, thereby loosing the only thing that made Saturn special.

The torque steer, it'll snap my arms off!

Oops.

Maybe this clears up what he was referring to about the gearing...? Maybe I'm looking at this wrong...perhaps what he means is that the 2.7 transmissions had better gear ratios than the 3.2/3.5? Honestly, I'm not that good with the understanding of how gear ratios work....I should look it up so I understand it better. Or and expert here can explain it.

I see that too now, although It's not like the Vette's not the only car to have them. It didn't scream "Corvette knockoff", like you said.

I don't know, but the timing chains are definitely at the point where they need to be replaced. I'm just going to drive it around locally end enjoy it until I find donor engine. I miss driving it, plus it needs to get some miles on it to be inspected.

I made a mistake, sue me.

Tacky is EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!!!! (and it's been Pontiac's forte for years).

I can see how one might see Aston Martin or even Jaguar XK in the shape, but I see no Corvette in there whatsoever. Where the heck do you see Corvette cues?

I love the C-pillar, it connects to character lines in a very fluid way.

Wow, that's beautiful. I think the front could use some work, but besides that I love it. Interior is very neat too. Looks awesome from this angle:

Yeah, but even as is my car still runs better....until the engine craps the bed.

I think I would fall under BV's category.

Kill Joy.

Hmm... Been a while since I looked at the photos.

That is the problem. You spend money on a half assed rebadge...which is what GM has been criticized for for years AND on a niche product. Neither will save Pontiac. I would rather see the money spend on fixing the Solstice's flaws and on actual adverting for the Solstice and G8 than on a rebadge of a car only diehard fans will care about. If Pontiac (and GM) were to survive and make a profit again, then put the money down for a unique Firebird.

Kingston makes nice products, along with Corsair. Corsair's customer support is superb.

Of course if I wanted to be insane and had the know-how, I could do a RWD, V8 conversion. Apparently it's been done....crap load of work though. I'm looking for something more economical.

Yeah, Chrysler's transmissions tend to be hit or miss, although I hear less about the 42LE having problems. I've had no issues with mine thus far, and it's still good...so I could reuse it if need be. But yeah, "all options are on the table."

bolded part = :rotflmao: