2023 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition 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 GT12 Roadster is a one-off convertible from Q Division

The Aston Martin GT12 is already the most track-focused, hardcore variant in the Vantage lineup. Q by Aston Martin has made the GT12 a little more special by unveiling a one-off GT12 Roadster at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today. Thanks to a naturally-aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, the brute puts down 592 hp and 461 lb.-ft. of torque. And thanks to a weight savings of 330 lbs. over the road-going Vantage V12 S, it's blisteringly quick around a track. Chopping the roof off of a hardcore track car seems a little odd, but Q by Aston Martin received a request from a customer and delivered the vehicle in a nine-month period. The roadster may share a lot of the same components as the GT12 it's based off of, but it's a bespoke machine that most likely won't be repeated. While the GT12 Roadster utilizes the same V12 engine and seven-speed Sportshift transmission, changes have been made to the car's body. New carbon-fiber body panels give the GT12 Roadster a menacing look, while changes to the suspension ensure the lucky owner receives the same cornering ability as drivers in the coupe variant. Thanks to a folding fabric roof and titanium exhaust system, the GT12 Roadster's V12 will provide a marvelous soundtrack that can't be rivaled by today's turbocharged cars. Pricing for the vehicle hasn't been announced, but it's surely a lot more than the base price of roughly $343,000 for the hard top. As a one off, the GT12 Roadster will most likely be garaged for the majority of its life. However, the vehicle will make its first - and perhaps only – appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today. Related Video: Featured Gallery Aston Marting Vantage GT12 Roadster By Q Division View 19 Photos Aston Martin Convertible Luxury Special and Limited Editions Supercars roadster vantage

Listen to the Aston Martin Vulcan do what it was meant to

What happens when a world-class sports car manufacturer and racing team is permitted to design a vehicle from the ground up with no rules to follow? Something along the lines of the Aston Martin Vulcan, that's what. Built neither for the road nor for any racing series, the Vulcan is part of a new class of dedicated track cars. And as you can see from this latest video, it's all but completely unhinged. The Vulcan represents Gaydon's answer to the likes of the Ferrari FXX K and McLaren P1 GTR. It packs a 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 at the front of an aluminum chassis with carbon-fiber bodywork. It weighs less than 3,000 pounds, but packs 800 horsepower – without a hybrid system or turbo spool in sight. In short, it's takes the best from Aston's road cars and its race cars, amps them up to 11, and abides by none of the rules they need to. Apart from some preliminary teasers, a run up the hill at Goodwood, and a brief (but static) encounter with its Cold War, airborne namesake, this represents a rare opportunity to see – and most importantly hear – the Vulcan do what it's designed to do. With only 24 to be made and each priced at over $2 million, this may be the closest you'll ever get. So go full-screen and crank the speakers to enjoy the unbridled show.