Aston Martin confirms production plans for the V12 Zagato
The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato has been given the green light for production. Unveiled in May at the Villa D’Este Concours, the V12 Vantage-based special will be limited to a run of 150 examples, assembled at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ. Customer deliveries will start in the second half of 2012.
Aston fans wanting a slice of coachbuilt exclusivity will have to part with £330,000 (plus local taxes) for the privilege – around £200k more than a standard V12 Vantage. Zagatos have always majored on bespoke handcrafted bodywork, and the V12 Zagato continues that theme. Its aluminium panels are hand-formed using the traditional English wheel-and-buck method that once prevailed at Newport Pagnell. Marking the 50th anniversary of the DB4GT Zagato, the V12 Zagato also features the iconic double bubble roof, which is formed from five seperate pieces.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Director of Design said: “The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style.
“The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car’s racing credentials.”
Aston has already demonstrated the latest car’s racing credentials, having successfully campaigned a pair of V12 Zagatos at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race a few weeks back.This, combined with the ‘overwhelmingly encouraging’ interest from customers, has led to the decision to sign-off a limited run for production. It’ll get the 6.0-litre V12 powerplant which has seen service in the DBS, and in this application develops a heady 510bhp and 570Nm of torque.
The Italian coachbuilder has a history of turning Aston Martins into ‘marmite’ cars. Designs which to some Aston afficionados, plumb the depths of hideousness, and to others represent the zenith of automotive haute couture – they tend to divide opinion. There can be no doubt about the investment potential of a Zagato though – and on the balance of probabilities, you can bet most of these will spend more time in de-humidified garages than turning a wheel in anger.
Aston Martin V12 Zagato Nurburgring video
V12 Zagato picture gallery
