While luxury division...
While luxury division Lexus is concentrating on refinement, Toyota is going all out to improve its reputation for building high-performance cars - helped by this Lexus-badged LF-A concept. According to latest rumours, the V10-engined sports model, first seen at January"s Detroit Motor Show, could make its debut as a production car at the Tokyo show - controversially badged as a Toyota.
Exclusive shots in this...
Exclusive shots in this week"s mag show how the sleek four-door, which is based on the forthcoming V8 coup탩, combines traditional elements such as the distinctive front grille and high-waisted shape, but incorporates two doors on each side.
It could give Aston a fourth model in its range, and open up the brand to a new group of buyers. Based on the coup탩"s platform, the saloon would offer similarly impressive ride and handling, while the 380bhp 4.3-litre V8 would make it faster than its Maserati Quattroporte main rival. The saloon retains the two-door"s stunning looks, yet a longer wheelbase means improved rear legroom, making the car a true four-seater.
The last Lagonda was the square-cut 1976 luxury saloon. With radical styling and hi-tech instrumentation, it was considered pioneering, but reliability problems and low sales made it a rare sight. However, under the stewardship of parent company Ford, it"s unlikely any new Lagonda would suffer the same fate.