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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
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?
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
Hi Nicolas,
Here's a better picture of the front of the V12 Zagato (from Aston Martin's website).
Regards,
ED-209
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...
Everybody's taste!
Best, Ed.
Nicolas
If only one Aston allowed ...
.. 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
DRMW posted an extensive report on the One-77
Check out an awesome full coverage report by DRMW on the One-77 that he posted on ThePuristS original auto forum:
www.network54.com
This message has been edited by ED209 on 2014-08-01 22:40:17
www.network54.com
This message has been edited by ED209 on 2014-08-01 22:40:17
I hope I am forgiven for saying this...
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 from images alone don't tell the whole story, I should probably bite my tongue until I see one in person. But given that I only see a standard Aston where I live maybe once every 2 or 3 months, I doubt I'd ever see one of the Zagatos in a live situation ever.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this AM
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 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...
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 to even Ferrari or Lamborghini.
I'm not feeling this car either. I feel it has a more Jaguar-ish feel to it
than an Aston Martin.
- AT
I've checked and unfortunately, none of these are headed for Singapore... :-( [nt]
No message body
I wonder why?
Hi, I wonder why none are headed for Singapore. Maybe other sports cars are preferred by drivers in Singapore?
Regards,
ED-209
Regards,
ED-209
Beautiful Pics Ed...
Its a very striking design and car, I got up close and personal with it over 2 years ago
S
I think its a fantastic design and car, well executed by AM. However I don't think I will ever be able to afford one unfortunately and I am partial to roadsters and spyders when it comes to sports cars and exotics. I know hardcore racers and track heros look down upon them but in the real world on a nice sunny day nothing is better than driving a drop top with a beautiful engine sound so I would be partial to this AM
S
I still remember your post on the V12 Zagato
Hi Salman,
I remember your post on the V12 Zagato, excellent pics and write up on it.
Regards,
ED-209
I remember your post on the V12 Zagato, excellent pics and write up on it.
Regards,
ED-209
Too much carbon fiber for AM
Totally agree with you about wing
Destroys the car
If Am the One and only One-77
Cheers
D