Aston Martin confirmed a limited series production of the exhilarating Vanquish Zagato Coupe
Prestigious British car maker Aston Martin has announced that 99 fortunate – and wealthy – customers will have the chance to own a piece of concept design turned into performance reality, with the confirmation that a new limited edition model of its Vanquish range will be delivered in 2017.
Built in collaboration with distinguished Italian design firm Zagato, the new coupe combines the traditional strengths of the two marques, matching British luxury and precision automotive engineering with Italian flair and style. The car has already set car enthusiasts’ mouths watering even at its show-stopping price of just under half a million British pounds ($740,000).
This is the fifth car that the pair have produced together, since the DB4 GT Zagato racing car was released in 1960, followed by three Vantage Zagato variants of steadily increasing power in the years up to 2011, all of which have achieved classic status along with hefty collectors’ price tags.
The latest car in the partnership was unveiled as a pure concept at the illustrious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este classic and vintage car show near Lake Como, northern Italy. As well as sporting cutting edge technology, the looks were immediately impressive, marrying vintage elements such as a prominent radiator grille to a thoroughly modern curved shape that’s obviously seen plenty of wind tunnel action.
Such was the immediate acclaim of the Vanquish Zagato that only 33 days later the maker announced that a slightly modified model would go into production, although on a highly restricted basis, with just 99 vehicles being built to order at the Gaydon plant in Britain.
This limited edition version of the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato is very close in specification to the concept model, with a sleek design achieved using custom single-sheet carbon fiber panels. The distinctive ‘double bubble’ roof, which has been a feature of Zagato designs since the 1950s, also adds to the curvaceous profile.
The large carbon sheets have reduced split lines in the bodywork to a minimum, improving both the aerodynamic performance and visual appeal, while curving sills around the lower body enhance the impression of aggressive yet smooth lines.
The aston Martin Vanquish Zagato looks equally striking from the rear, with the bladed LED technology rear lights housed in circular reflectors to recall a fighter jet’s afterburners, while the retractable rear spoiler adds downforce during driving without restricting access to the luggage compartment. Finally, the rear view is rounded off by four throaty exhaust outlets which leave no doubt that this is first and foremost a high performance sports car.
The Vanquish’s engine, an Aston Martin 6L V12 ‘Powertrain’ design, has been enhanced to deliver a weighty 600 bhp capable of accelerating the car from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, with an upgraded suspension system claimed to provide a smooth handling experience unique to the Zagato model.
If all this leaves you wondering how to possibly scrape together the asking price, there’s no need to worry any further. All 99 production cars have already been pre-ordered, adding an instant $74m to the combined balance books of the makers, and leaving thousands of very envious enthusiasts in their wake.
