It is rare that the arrival of a new car could cause so much excitement, but the new Aston Martin Zagato is doing just that. The British car manufacturer has once again collaborated with the Zagato Italian design house, to produce a car that is truly sensational. The new Zagato Concept was recently unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como, Italy on 21 and 22 May 2016
This is not the first time that Aston Martin and Zagato have worked together. Their partnership started way back in 1960, when the DB4 GT Zagato was born. The new design of the Zagato Concept takes some influences from more recent collaborations, such as the One 77, the Vulcan and the most recent DB11.
Designed In Warwickshire Not Milan
The new concept car was actually designed in Warwickshire, England and not Milan. The new car has the same small "Z" logo as with previous collaborations, but Aston Martin's studio in Gaydon, Warwickshire was responsible this time. It has already been named the most beautiful car of 2016.
Bodywork on the new Zagato Concept is made entirely of carbon fiber, and it has a real aggressive design to it. The front of the car has been transformed with a cascading roofline and wraparound glasshouse.
The traditional side strake structure extends from the wheel arch to the door, and this was first used on the CC100 Concept Roadster, and can be seen on current DB11 models. The side mirrors and the windshield are part of the same glass frame, and this gives the appearance of wrapping around the Zagato Concept. The wing mirrors are modelled on those found on the One 77 model.
The classic Zagato "double bubble" roof concept has been used, which is a throwback to the early days of motor racing where additional roof space was required to accommodate racing helmets. This creates a subtle indentation into the rear window which looks amazing.
The Zagato Concept is very well sculptured at the back, which is similar to the profile of the DB11. It is very aerodynamic, and there is a retractable spoiler and a hatch which provides access to the compartment for luggage. The car has four exhausts, and these can be seen exiting from the carbon fiber sills. Bladed, LED round tail lights, are also to be found similar to the Vulcan model
The interior has a "Z" pattern quilted in the seats, and this is also embossed on the headrests and the door sections, and it is stitched into the center console. A cool mixture of aniline leather, carbon fiber and anodised bronze can be found on the rotary dials, facia and air vents. The carbon fiber has a herringbone pattern.
The Engine And Other Improvements
The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept has a 5.9 liter V12, naturally aspirated engine which has been given a power boost to 592 hp (600 ps). The engine systems have been enhanced, and the dynamics of the chassis improved to create a very exciting driving experience. Sharper handling will be experienced with the return to an adaptive damping system.
The engine is an improved version of the same V12 engine that has been used since 1999 in the DB7 Vantage. It makes a fantastic noise when it is fired up, as you would expect an Aston Martin Vanquish to do. The older DB7 Vantage engine always sounded good, but the new Zagato Concept sounds a bit more aggressive than the old engine.
What Will The New Zagato Cost?
Aston Martin has yet to confirm that it will produce the Zagato in any quantity, so there is no information currently about the pricing. As a guide, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato was around the $450,000 mark in 2013, so if they do make sufficient numbers of the new Zagato Concept, then expect to pay north of this amount.
You Know That You Want One!
The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept is a triumph in design and desire. It has been designed so that those that want it will simply fall in love with it. The details on this car have been given the finest attention, and the end result is a machine that is simply stunning!