What are your thoughts on the Aston Martin V12 Zagato?

What are your thoughts on the Aston Martin V12 Zagato? I see a lot of Aston Martin DB9's and Vanquish's around town but I seldom see the Zagato. Most likely it's a rare sight because only 150 of these sports cars will be produced.

The inspiration for this car was the 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato and based on the DB4 GT. These cars are rare with only 20 car produced between 1960 and 1963. Several of these 1960's cars were entered into racing competition including the 1961 DB4 GT Zagato raced by Stirling Moss.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famed DB4 GT Zagato. It was first unveiled as a prototype during the 2011 Villa d'Este Concours d'Elegance. The first time that I saw one of the production cars was last year at Pebble Beach where I joined several of my fellow Moderators for a private test drive event.

The Aston Martin representative that was my co-driver during the event mentioned that the V12 Zagato is available in 5 unique colors that were specially created for this car: Alba blue (which is what on display at the event), Diavolo red, carbon black, alloro green, and scintilla silver. Most of the V12 Zagato's exterior panels are hand-made with the fenders and the rear wing in carbon fiber.

Underneath the hood is a 6 liter V12 powerplant producing 510hp and 420 ft/lbs of torque which is a engine shared with the Aston Martin V12 Vantage. Only a 6 speed manual transmission is offered. Huge carbon ceramic Brembo six piston caliper brakes and 19" forged aluminum wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires keep the V12 Zagato planted to the ground.

I didn't have a chance to test drive the V12 Zagato, but did have a quick peek inside behind the drivers seat. Inside was primarily covered in carbon fiber and I could see the attention to detail on how the weave of the carbon fiber was laid in a specific direction.
The Zagato 'Z' emblem is stitched on the headrests with deviating color stitching. Even the stitching was special, it has unique wave pattern. Even the headliner felt plush and had the same wave pattern stitching to match the seating surfaces. Overall a beautiful and luxurious interior that is expected from Aston Martin. The gear shift knob was gorgeous and seemed to be made out of solid billet polished aluminum.

For me personally the exterior was not attractive when compared to the Vanquish and the One-77. But I can definitely see the resemblance to the original 1960's DB4 GT. The front fascia has the distinctive front grill but with a new Z pattern. The roof has the well known double bubble' bulges. The hood has two curved areas just like the original but modernized with engine intakes like the Vanquish. Front headlights have a single module on each side with modern LED lighting systems. The rear fenders are beautiful and reminiscent of the original DB4 GT. I think the only part of the V12 Zagato that I didn't care for is the giant carbon fiber wing. I understand that it's there for aerodynamic performance, but it screams rice rocket to me. I think it looks worse than the Mercedes CLK DTM. I wish Aston Martin would have considered a pop-up wing like on the Porsche Cayman or Boxster because the Zagato would have a more streamlined look. But other than that the overall shape of the V12 Zagato is very pleasing and a modern evolution of the DB4 GT.

So what do my fellow PuristS think of this V12 Zagato? If you had to choose one of the cars from Aston Martin would this be the top choice or would you consider another model?

Regards,
ED-209

This message has been edited by ED209 on 2014-08-01 14:23:32

Any pic of the front, Ed?

By: amanico : July 31st, 2014-20:59

I quite like the body, to tell the truth, but the rear lights are not my taste at all... While the body is very sensual, I find. I would love to see some pics of the front part of the car, to have a definitive opinion... Best, Ed. Nicolas.

pics of the front

By: ED209 : August 1st, 2014-22:33

Hi Nicolas, Here's a better picture of the front of the V12 Zagato (from Aston Martin's website). Regards, ED-209 ...

Not bad, from the front! Zagato has a strong design, which is not always...

By: amanico : August 1st, 2014-23:34

Everybody's taste! Best, Ed. Nicolas

that color is cool [nt]

By: DRMW : July 31st, 2014-21:43

If only one Aston allowed ...

By: bimbeano : August 1st, 2014-02:52

.. i don't think i would go for this one .. i'd rather choose a 'pure' Aston a la DB7 or something else ... But this Zagato is simply gorgeous ... hmmm .. i'd go for a One 77 :-) Filip

Any picture of the 77? [nt]

By: amanico : August 1st, 2014-06:12

No .. but ...

By: bimbeano : August 1st, 2014-10:46

.... <iframe width="560" height="315" src="/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> :-)

DRMW posted an extensive report on the One-77

By: ED209 : August 1st, 2014-22:38

Check out an awesome full coverage report by DRMW on the One-77 that he posted on ThePuristS original auto forum: ...

I will read it, definitely! [nt]

By: amanico : August 1st, 2014-23:35

I hope I am forgiven for saying this...

By: veblen_goods : August 1st, 2014-05:56

But I'm just not feeling it. The rear looks like a TVR to me; not a bad thing... Just not signature AM to me. From the profile, the roofline to C pillar looks very Nissan GT-R. Front fenders forward, it looks like... A Hyundai (gasp)! Granted, impressions...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this AM

By: ED209 : August 1st, 2014-22:41

No worries, thanks for sharing your honest opinions. Now that you mention it, I agree with you that the rear does look like a TVR. If you could pick any current car from the Aston Martin line, which would be your first choice? Regards, ED-209

If I had to choose...

By: veblen_goods : August 4th, 2014-07:16

:) Hmmmm... Great question! I think I'd pick the V12 Vantage S as it's a small, nimble package with a killer motor :) One thing about AM motors... They have such amazing exhaust notes; quite seductive and visceral. I think I prefer the Aston audio track t...

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