(continued from above)
The 2013 Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the latest expression of a successful
creative collaboration that has given rise to a series of striking GT cars over
the last half-century, the original and most iconic of which being the DB4GT
Zagato. Not only does this masterpiece rank amongst the most desirable,
collectable and valuable cars in history, its 50th anniversary provided the
inspiration for the V12 Zagato.
Though commemorating a great Aston Martin of the past the V12 Zagato could be no
mere pastiche of the original. Instead the project was seen as the perfect
opportunity to take Aston Martin's ethos of technology and tradition to a new
and exciting level. To this end the V12 Zagato combines the modern ideas,
materials, processes and technology pioneered on One-77, while remaining true to
the purity and craftsmanship of its illustrious forebear.
"The V12 Zagato Captures the Spirit of the DB4GT Zagato"
For Aston Martin's CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V12 Zagato is "a celebration of both
Aston Martin's heritage and its future". He continues: "Our relationship with
Zagato stretches back more than 50 years. Together in that time we have created
a series of very special cars. The first - the DB4GT Zagato - is a true icon:
fast, beautiful and incredibly desirable. In the V12 Zagato I believe we have
captured the spirit of that car and combined it with a confident twist of
modernity to give it a character all of its own."
Initial design concepts for the V12 Zagato were explored in early 2010. Inspired
by Zagato's bold and individual styling signatures Aston Martin's Director of
Design, Marek Reichman, and his Gaydon-based design team relished the challenge
of shaping the V12 Zagato, creating a car that pushes the boundaries of Aston
Martin's design language, yet pays tribute to the DB4GT Zagato. Demonstrating
Aston Martin's ability to rapidly bring ideas to fruition the Zagato program
quickly gained momentum, the design team working hand-in-hand with engineers and
artisans to complete the build of a pair of concept cars in the spring of 2011.
May 2011 saw the V12 Zagato make its world debut at the prestigious Villa d'Este
concours. Entered in the Concept Cars and Prototypes class, the V12 Zagato wowed
the judges and the crowd, taking first place against impressive opposition. In
June the Villa d'Este winner - along with the second prototype car - made the
V12 Zagato's world racing debut at the grueling 24 hour endurance race held at
the Nurburgring. Both cars completed the ultimate durability test, continuing
Aston Martin's 100 per cent finishing record in this notoriously tough race.
After an overwhelmingly positive response from customers, the decision was made
in July 2011 to build a strictly limited run of V12 Zagatos. Since then, Aston
Martin's design team have worked to refine the sports car's detailing and
aerodynamic performance while staying faithful to the original design concept.
At the same time engineers based at Gaydon have been putting prototypes through
the company's rigorous development program to ensure the V12 Zagato performs as
well as it looks.
Aston Martin V12 Zagato, rear view.
Aston Martin V12 Zagato: Review (2/2)
