The offroader will be inspired by the controversial Lagonda SUV concept that Aston Martin displayed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show but it will be completely redesigned inside and out.
Speaking with Britain's Autocar, Aston Martin head Ulrich Bez revealed that the SUV is scheduled to make its debut "in the coming year." No word was spoken about whether it will wear an Aston Martin badge or if it will revive the storied Lagonda nameplate.
The SUV will play a critical role in Aston Martin's attempt to get a stronger foothold in the ever-important Chinese market. Sales of high-dollar sports cars are still relatively limited due to the global economy, with the Chinese market no exception.
"The traditional markets for supercars "" the US and Europe "" are still depressed," "¨said IHS Automotive analyst Colin Couchman. "Although the Chinese market remains buoyant, that won't feed through to Aston because the Chinese don't yet see the value of displaying their wealth through owning an expensive sports car."Â
However, Chinese buyers are willing to spend large amounts of money on utility vehicles like the Lagonda. In fact, that is the exact reason companies like Lamborghini and Bentley have recently unveiled SUVs of their own.
