Quattro-Porte - Four Door Sport Saloons » 2nd series

Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2

Roel Polllen — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 22:00:12 +0000

Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2

A car that looked like directly from the set of Startrek, in 1976 launched at the London Motor Show. Just 2 years later than the must more traditional Series 1 Lagonda. Both press and public were very enthusiastic and orders started pouring in. It however took Aston Martin another one and a half years to start delivering the UFO Lagonda to its first owners. The new and innovative digital LED dashboard and touch pad controls were the main reason for this postponed delivery. Development cost for the electronics alone on the Lagonda came to four times as much as the budget for the whole car. The first cars got the full monthy of all car-of-the-future electronics and controls, but the innovative steering wheel controls and gas plasma display were abandoned in 1980. The car was ready for USA delivery in 1982. The design of this car is of a ‘hate it or love it’ type, there are no in-betweens. It was fast enough, luxurious and hugly expensive in 1980 e.g. more expensive than the in-period Ferrari 400 or a Maserati Kyalami.

Technical specification Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2:

Engine: 5.3 Liter (326 CU) DOHC V8

Transmission: 3-speed automatic transmission (optional 5-speed manual)

Power: 280HP

Wheelbase: 292cm (114.8 in)

Length: 528 cm (208 in)

Width: 179 cm (70.5 in)

Height: 130 cm (51.3 in)

Weight: 2,023 kg (4,460 lb)

Top speed: 230 KM/h (143 MPH)

0-100 KM/h: 8.8 seconds

Production number: 645 (all series)

Designer: William Towns

Maserati Quattroporte I Series 2

Roel Polllen — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 18:32:58 +0000

Maserati Quattroporte I Series 2
In 1966 the headlights were replaced with the (US-spec) twin-headlights on each side. From 1968 an even stronger powerplant was offered: the Maserati 4700 cc engine with nearly 300 HP! With the new engine (4100 cc was still an option) the car was faster, but for the rest was very much similar to the 1st series. The interior in the Quattroporte I 2nd series was more luxurois with much more wood detailing. Production stopped officially in 1969, but a few were manufactured until 1971 as special orders.

Technical specification Maserati Quattroporte I Series 2:

Engine: Maserati 4,1 Liter V8 / from 1968 a 4,7 Liter V8

Transmission: 3-speed automatic or 5-speed ZF manual

Power: 256HP / 295HP

Wheelbase: 275 cm (108 in)

Length: 500 cm (200 in)

Width: 169 cm (67 in)

Height: 152.5 cm (60 in)

Weight: 1,650 kg (3,600 lb)

Top speed: 230 KM/h (143 MPH) / 255 KM/h (160 MPH)

0-100 KM/h: 8 seconds / 7 seconds

(more than 500 of 2st series)

Designer: Pietro Frua

Facel Vega Excellence Series 2

Roel Polllen — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 09:50:00 +0000

Facel Vega Excellence Series 2
In 1961 the Excellence got it’s first and only considerable facelift in which the car was modernised according to the periods fashion. One can argue whether this was for the best. Again the engine was replaced with another Chrysler version: the 6.3 Liter V8 with a staggering 390HP. Besides some technical updates, there were significant cosmetical updates as the changed rear without the distinct tailfins and removal of the typical Facel Vega panoramic windshield. Although the EX2 was offered from 1961 to 1964, only eight cars have been sold until the demise of the Facel Vega Company.

Technical specification Facel Vega Excellence Series 2:

Engine: Chrysler V8 6.3 Liter

Transmission: 4 speed manual by Pont-à-Mousson or 3-speed automatic Chrysler Torqueflite

Power: 390HP

Wheelbase: 318 cm (125 in)

Length: 528 cm (208 in)

Width: 183 cm (72 in)

Height: 138 cm (54 in)

Weight: 1,920 kg (4,200 lb)

Top speed: 225 KM/h (140 MPH)

estimate

Production number: 156 (8 of which EX2)

Designer: Jean Daninos

Lancia Thema 8.32 Series 2

Roel Polllen — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 06:34:33 +0000

Lancia Thema 8.32 Series 2
In 1989 the Thema model recieved a facelift after being in the market for 5 years. The Thema 8.32 got the same treatment and look a bit sleeker and modern. Technically the car was identical to the 8.32 Series 1, same goes for the interior. The second series got a catalyst and therefore a little less power and performance. After another 5 years the production of the Lancia Thema seized, two years before the 8.32′s production came to an end. Less than 4,000 Tema 8.32 cars were delivered to their owners in which 64 limited editions. This special 8.32 was delivered in original Ferrari red paint and was only made as 32 cars of the 1st series and 32 cars of the 2nd series.

Technical specification Lancia Thema 8.32 Series 2:

Engine: Ferrari 2.9 Liter V8

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Power: 205 HP

Wheelbase: 266 cm (104.7 in)

Length: 459 cm (180.7 in)

Width: 176 cm (69.1 in)

Height: 144 cm (56.7 in)

Weight: 1,400 kg (3,086 lb)

Top speed: 235 KM/h (146 MPH)

0-100 KM/h: 7.2 seconds

Production number: 1,602

Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro (Italdesign)