Aston Martin's hot Lagonda

ASTON Martin has offered a first official look at its ultra-exclusive and strictly limited Lagonda, with pictures of the prototype super-sedan undergoing development in the Middle East – the only region it will be sold in.

Before these most recent pictures, the only full images of Aston Martin's latest flagship were taken during its transportation from the UK to Oman for hot-weather testing.

The four-week program of hot-climate development is of particular importance, with the limited 100 Lagondas destined for the United Arab Emirates only.

Oman's desert temperatures frequently hit 35 degrees during September but highs of 40 are not uncommon, and the hot and strong Shamal dust-carrying winds will also create problems for the team of Aston engineers.

It is unlikely moisture of any description will pose additional challenges during the testing, however.

Its styling is more than just a nod to the past with heavy suggestions of the original 1970s love-or-hate Lagonda from the equal length front and rear doors, near bonnet-height front wheel-arches, widely flared C-pillar and sharp angles.

Exact paint and trim specifications are yet to be announced but the desert prototype was deliberately painted black to maximise the punishment from the searing temperatures, while its interior is upholstered in classic tan leather.

Technical details are still thin on the ground but Aston Martin's newest model will share the VH platform of the Rapide, will be dressed in carbon-fibre panels and power is likely to come from a version of the 6.0-litre Rapide S V12 or Mercedes sourced V8 turbo.