We somehow knew it wouldn't stay Middle East-only for long, but this comes as a very pleasant shocker. The British carmaker has announced a slew of countries that the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf (this is probably its final production name) is now available in - and Malaysia is one of them!
Yup, the super-luxury saloon has been re-engineered for right-hand drive, and will be offered to clients through Aston Martin's VIP sales programme, "with precise pricing details remaining confidential." The prices are likely to vary significantly anyway, due to almost-limitless customisation options via the 'Q by Aston Martin' bespoke service.
The Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf launched in Dubai late last year, and was initially a Middle East-only model. The series is "strictly limited" to 200 cars. A 550 hp 6.0 litre V12 and a six-speed ZF auto bestow the carbon fibre-bodied vehicle with a top whack of 280 km/h.
Like William Towns' controversial 1976 original (right), the Lagonda Taraf features slim headlamps that are 'connected' to the front grille – although obviously interpreted in a much less angular way. The thick C-pillars and sweep-up lower rear overhang are also clear nods to the old car.
Based on the Rapide's flexible VH platform, the super saloon is hand-built in Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK by Aston's Q division (which also gave us the Vulcan, Vantage GT3, CC100 Speedster, V12 Zagato and One-77), in the same building the One-77 supercar was conceived.
"Opening up the Lagonda Taraf to an increased number of customers around the world was a high priority for me as soon as I joined Aston Martin late last year," said CEO Andy Palmer.
"I wanted to be able to offer this exceptional saloon to the potential owners from around the globe who have been enquiring about it, and I'm very happy that we have been able to expand the Lagonda proposition," he added.
If, by chance, you're thinking of getting one and wondering how it'll stand up to the Malaysian heat, Aston has tested a prototype in Muscat, Oman, where it covered 22,500 km in temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 degrees Celsius. And because it was painted black, cabin surface temperatures soared to a sweltering 80 degrees Celsius.
A taraf above the rest? You bet.
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