The Lagonda name, previously used by Aston Martin->ke13 for a hand-built, ultra-expensive sedan->ke142 built between 1976 - 1990, returned under the spotlight about five years ago when the Brits introduced the Lagonda Concept.

Oddly enough, that concept had nothing to do with the four-door grand tourer, but rather a sporty SUV->ke145 proclaimed to be a more luxurious alternative to the popular Porsche Cayenne->ke212. Rumors about a production version went back and forth with no relevant outcome, although the consensus was the vehicle might arrive in 2016.

But now we have to put the Lagonda SUV behind us, because it appears Aston Martin is actually planning to revive the iconic nameplate for a brand new sedan. Such a vehicle was spotted testing in the United Kingdom covered in camouflage. Our friends over at Autoblog think the Brits will slap a Lagonda badge on its trunk.

Details are scarce right now, but it's safe to assume the four-door will be based on the Rapide S and ride on a stretched version of its wheelbase. Power is likely to come from the same 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivers 558 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. More details should become available later this year, so stay tuned to TopSpeed for all the updates.

Updated 10/01/2014: Aston Martin unveiled a new set of images, including the first interior pictures for its future Lagonda super sedan. Check them out in the picture gallery.

Updated 11/13/2014: Aston Martin announced that the new Lagonda sedan will be known as the "Lagonda Taraf." The model will be initially offered on the Middle East market, with details on the worldwide availability to be announced at a later date.

Click past the jump to read more about the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf.

Update History

Updated 06/20/2014: According to the British magazine CAR, the future Lagonda sedan will be developed by Q by Aston Martin and should be unveiled in a concept form in the summer of 2014. The magazine claims it will carry a 5,935-cc, V-12 engine with an output of about 600 horsepower and mated to an upgraded, eight-speed automatic transmission. Production will be limited to about 100 units.

Updated 07/25/2014: Aston Martin officially confirmed a bespoke product program for a new super sedan that will revive the Lagonda nameplate. The model will be put into production in 2015 and will be built in a strictly limited series, like the the One-77 hypercar and the V12 Zagato.

Exterior

Though we have images of the new Lagonda Taraf, the exact details on the exterior are still unknown. From the images that Aston released, you can see that the Lagonda Taraf carries distinct Aston Martin design elements, including its signature grille and the ridges on the hood. The headlights seem to stray from the traditional Aston style and the lower lip on the bumper adds a touch of sportiness to the luxo-sedan.

On the front fenders the Aston Martin signatures continue with heat extractors that feature the staple Aston strikethrough. Down the sides, the Lagonda Taraf's doors have flush door handles and plenty of shimmering chrome surrounding the side windows.

Around back Aston's newest sedan gains a slick spoiler that looks quite similar to those on the automaker's sports cars. The Aston signatures continue with the chrome appliqué that strikes through the taillights. The exhaust outlets and insert on the lower part of the rear bumper also are reminiscent of Aston's sports cars.

Altogether, Aston Martin did a rather spectacular job at creating a luxurious sedan that also carries plenty of the automaker's signature cues, while creating its own identity.

Interior

On the inside, the Lagonda Taraf is simply incredible. It features light-brown, high-end leather all over the place. The seats feature a diamond-quilted design on the outer edges of the seats and headrests, while the seat inserts appear to have perforated leather.

The 2+2 setup of this saloon shows off the sporting DNA of this model, while the acres of leather and metal surround you in pure luxury.

Unfortunately, Aston Martin only tossed us these images and left any details out, so all we can do is look and speculate.

Drivetrain

According to a report from CAR, the new Lagonda Taraf sedan will carry a 5,935-cc, V-12 engine that produces around 600 horsepower. If that engine sounds familiar, it should; it is the same engine found in the Rapide S. In fact, the Lagonda Taraf sedan will ride atop the same VH platform as the Rapide that is properly stretched to fit the longer body.

Price and Availability

Aston Martin confirmed that the Lagonda Taraf will be built in limited numbers and only offered for sale in the Middle East. Only buyers that Aston Martin invites can purchase the Lagonda Taraf, and the price will remain confidential. Look s like we are looking at one expensive slab of metal, possibly in excess of $500k.

Competitors

Porsche Panamera

Not large enough to compete against other British-built luxury vehicles such as the Bentley Mulsanne->ke3495, the Aston Martin Lagonda is more suited to take on the Turbo version of the Porsche Panamera.

Depending on what engine it will get under the hood, the new sedan will go against either the Panamera Turbo or the Turbo S. Both are motivated by a 4.8-liter V-8 unit with outputs rated at 520 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and 570 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque respectively. The Turbo can hit 60 mph from a standing start in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 189 mph, while the mighty Turbo S needs just 3.6 seconds to sprint to 60 mph before going all the way up to 192 mph.

As far as fuel economy goes, both are estimated to return 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Pricing-wise, the Panamera Turbo retails from $141,300, while the Panamera Turbo S fetches at least $180,300.

2016 Aston Martin Lagonda SUV

Introduced in 2009, the Lagonda SUV was received with mixed results, mainly being criticized for its unattractive looks. The concept was dubbed "the luxury->ke505 car of the future" by Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez, but a production version has yet to be shown since the study debuted at the Geneva Motor Show->ke228 five years ago.