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Weekly Recap: Aston Martin to add another sports car, new Lagonda sedan, EVs

Aston Martin will revamp and expand its lineup as part of a five-year plan laid out by the company's new executives. If it succeeds, the strategy will position Aston for growth as an independent automaker with a more stable future in its second century. Aston will replace all of the cars in its current lineup and add a fourth sports car to its stable. It currently has three: the DB9, Vanquish and Vantage. The unnamed sports car will be joined by a production version of the DBX concept – an all-wheel-drive electric car that treads near crossover territory – that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. Aston's electric strategy also includes a potential electric-powered Rapide. Eventually, Aston plans to build a new four-door Lagonda. Though Aston will diversify its portfolio and the range could expand to seven vehicles, it will limit production to around 7,000 units annually, said Aston Martin marketing and communications director Simon Sproule, who described the company's strategy in an interview with Autoblog. CEO Andy Palmer, who joined Aston last year from Infiniti, has also spoken recently about remaking the company for the future. EVs are a major part of Aston's future, Sproule stressed, because they allow the automaker to "balance" its portfolio. Aston is studying the feasibility of an electric Rapide and is working with an undisclosed engineering firm. It's likely to use a plug-in setup and would cost $200,000 to $250,000 or more. It could use either a rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive configuration. View 14 Photos "It's a study, but we're serious about it," Sproule said. He added for emphasis: "If not this, there will be an electric Aston Martin in the future." Aston has taken note of what Tesla has done with the brisk-driving Model S and decided that's the dynamic it wants for some of its own cars. Even though EVs don't emit the same sonorous note as a V12 – they're better than the alternative, Sproule said. "The sound of silence is much more preferable than the sound of a four-cylinder whining away under the hood of an Aston Martin," he said. Speaking of V12s, they're not going away. Aston will continue to make its own V12 engine, but will source its V8 from Mercedes-AMG (whose parent, Daimler, owns a small stake in Aston). While the V12 is sure to please the faithful, Aston admits EVs and the crossover-like DBX will rankle many. Sproule argues those are the moves that will keep Aston relevant.

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso rights the FF's wrongs

Enamored as we may be with the idea, there's a good reason that more automakers aren't making shooting brakes these days. A three-door wagon (or elongated hatchback) is tricky to get right, stylistically speaking. The Ferrari FF might have come closer than most, but even the most dedicated of tifosi would have to admit it was a little awkward. The new GTC4 Lusso goes a long way towards setting that right. Sixteen feet long, to be exact. Unveiled here at the Geneva Motor Show, the GTC4 Lusso is not only better looking than its predecessor, but is more powerful and technologically advanced as well. Though Maranello is working on supplementing its V12s with hybrid assists and its V8s with turbos, the new Lusso still packs an old school atmospheric twelve. 6.3 liters now produce 680 horsepower and 514 pound-feet of torque (up from 651 hp and 504 lb-ft). The muscle is channeled to all four wheels, helping it reach 62 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds and top out at 208 mph with privileged disregard for the conditions. There may be some compelling competition vying for the kind of money Ferrari will charge for the new Lusso, considering that the previous FF commanded a princely $300k. But nothing else (since the Jenson Interceptor) can offer the same combination of space and pace – and dare we say, grace. Beauty being in the eye of the beholder and all, choosing to take home a new GTC4 Lusso will still be a matter of personal taste – but that's a choice we wouldn't mind having to make. View 14 Photos This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The Ferrari GTC4Lusso debuts at the Geneva Show: class-leading performance, versatility in all driving conditions, sublime elegance. Geneva, 1 March 2016 – The new Ferrari GTC4Lusso is Maranello's latest interpretation of the four-seater concept, which combines extraordinary performance in all driving conditions with sporty elegance and luxurious comfort for both driver and passengers alike. The GTC4Lusso's name references several illustrious predecessors, not least the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT, as well as the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which married extreme performance with stylish design and sophisticated materials and craftsmanship.

Touring's rebodied Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Lusso leaks ahead of Geneva debut

The F12 Berlinetta is, in this writer's estimation, one of the best-looking Ferraris and among the most striking automobiles on the road. But its aggressive lines, even the most die-hard fan would have to admit, may not be to everyone's taste. Like that of the customer who likely commissioned Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera to rebody this particular example. Called the Berlinetta Lusso, this coachbuilt F12 recalls a time when the 250 GT – ostensibly the F12's progenitor – was offered in performance-focused SWB guise and as the more elegant Lusso model. It bears certain obvious links to the stock version – particularly the headlights and front air vents – but takes a decidedly more graceful approach that starts to remind us more of a two-seat version of the 612 Scaglietti, especially in that shade of blue and with those wheels. As these images just surfaced, we'll have to hold on for its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week to delve into the full details. But chances are that Touring didn't find it necessary to tinker much with the F12's 6.3-liter V12 and its 730 horsepower, much as it has apparently left the interior largely in tact.