Aston Martin Lagonda will be relaunched in 2014 - and this is our first glimpse of the new Lagonda super-saloon.

The new July 2014 issue of CAR magazine, out today, spills the details on the Lagonda relaunch. Click here for a free digital preview of the latest edition.

This artist's impression shows the anticipated direction of the Lagonda limo, based on the spy photos published by CAR in May 2014.

Our photographs captured a wedgy four-door saloon testing on the roads around Aston Martin's Gaydon HQ in Warwickshire, UK. The prototype was believed to use the running gear of the Rapide limo but clothed in composite body panels.

Aston Martin Lagonda: a special by Q

Aston Martin first mooted relaunching Lagonda back at the 2009 Geneva motor show, when it showed the controversial Lagonda SUV concept.

Five years on, CAR understands Aston is finally ready to make a formal launch this summer.

And instead of a lumbering 4x4, Aston is preparing this secret sports saloon, which will be built by Q branch, the company's personalisation department.

The Lagonda super-saloon: what we know

The new July 2014 issue of CAR magazine reveals the lowdown on what we know about the new Lagonda.

It is tipped to use the 600bhp 5.9-litre V12 seen elsewhere in the Aston firmament, mated to an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission.

If Q department is responsible for the new Lagonda saloon, it seems certain that only lower volume production is likely. Fewer than 100 units are mooted.

Why is Aston Martin reviving Lagonda?

Aston Martin is talking to Daimler about collaborating on future projects. It has been busy trying to fill every niche possible with special editions and spin-off models, and Lagonda is a further brand extension allowing it to appeal to new clients and new territories. Limousines and SUVs suddenly sound quite achievable, capturing extra sales and revenue to build more breathing space to engineer the next generation of Aston Martins.

Read more on the Lagonda in the July issue of CAR magazine.

Aston Martin confirms bespoke super saloon: the finest of fast cars

- Exclusive super saloon sees return of evocative Lagonda nameplate
- Innovative special project champions exclusivity
- Strictly limited series production from early 2015

25 July 2014, Gaydon: Aston Martin is today confirming a bespoke product programme for a new super saloon that will see the revival of the historic Lagonda nameplate in a strictly limited series.
As has traditionally been the case, the Lagonda badge will once again sit proudly on a luxurious and exclusive super saloon.

The stunning luxury super saloon revives the Lagonda ethos of 'the finest of fast cars' and will be offered exclusively in the Middle East, as a result of specific market demand.

The return of Lagonda follows in the wake of other headline-grabbing projects such as the One-77 hypercar, V12 Zagato and last year's CC100 Speedster Concept – then seen as the ultimate Q by Aston Martin car – which started out simply as a centenary celebration design concept and, as a result of exceptional demand, later turned into two customer commissions.

Based on the brand's existing flexible VH architecture, the new car draws inspiration from the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976 and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports cars such as the use of carbon fibre in the body panels.

It will be hand-built by the finest craftsmen and women at Aston Martin's modern manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 hypercar.

The new super saloon will be offered for sale by invitation only and, while precise pricing details remain confidential, the asking price will be commensurate with the car's exclusivity, quality and luxurious nature.

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman said: "The debut of this luxury super saloon in the Middle East market will be an exciting moment not only for Aston Martin, but for discerning customers who are seeking the ultimate in luxury and personalisation.

"The new model, like its exclusive siblings the One-77 and V12 Zagato, has been created as a piece of exceptional automotive art. It has been designed and developed entirely in keeping with the spirit and ethos of previous Lagonda super saloons – notably the William Towns Lagonda – and as a tribute to this car it proudly bears the Lagonda nameplate.

With the help of Oman Air, Aston Martin flew a pre-production version of its upcoming Lagonda over to Oman in the Middle East, affording us a first real-life look at the exotic-saloon.

Why Oman? For hot-weather testing purposes, as the Lagonda will be sold exclusively in the Middle East to select customers on an invitation-only basis – and yes, you can add us to those who suspect that we'll be seeing these cars roaming the streets of London…

Created by Aston Martin's "Q" special project division, which brought us the CC100 Speedster, V12 Zagato and One-77, the Lagonda is based on the British firm's VH platform architecture that underpins the Rapide saloon.

Aston Martin has not been very open with details, but we anticipate that the Lagonda will employ the Rapide S’ 5.9-liter V12, in which it delivers 552hp (560PS) and 630Nm for a 0-60mph (100km/h) in 4.2 sec, paired to an 8-speed automatic turning the rear axle.

The Lagonda will be built in a limited production run with the first cars to arrive in the hands of wealthy Middle Easters clients next year.