Unveiling the Past: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept
Revitalizing an iconic collaboration, the 2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept is not merely a car; it's an homage to its glorious ancestors, a fusion of nostalgia and innovation. Unveiled in the enchanting Lake Como, Italy, this striking concept car is more than just another chapter in the Aston Martin-Zagato saga; it's a love letter to the illustrious heritage of the two marques.
The Harmony of Heritage and Modernity
The V12 Zagato is a contemporary descendent of design marvels such as the DB4GT Zagato, V8 Vantage Zagato, and DB7 Zagato. Rooted in Aston Martin’s ultimate performance interpretation, the V12 Vantage, it intertwines the artistic mastery of Zagato and Aston Martin's engineering prowess in a union that has yielded some of the most awe-inspiring cars in history.
Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, articulates this synthesis as a natural progression rather than a mere mimicry of the past. The concept is a testament to their in-house design ability, further enhanced through this partnership with Zagato. The shared objective was to create a concept that lives up to its iconic predecessors while harmoniously merging the technological advancements of today.
Design Process: The Alchemy of Art and Science
The V12 Zagato Concept's journey started in 2010 with a series of meetings between Aston Martin and Zagato. Marek Reichman, Director of Design, revealed that the team at Gaydon painstakingly used a blend of the latest computer-based modeling techniques and traditional clay models to bring the V12 Zagato to life.
Regarded as an "elegant yet brutal" design, the V12 Zagato is a stunning manifestation of Aston Martin's iconic style and race performance. It draws its spirit from the original DB4GT Zagato, offering a modern interpretation that retains the original's powerful and graceful essence.
Engineering Excellence: The Making of a Legend
The engineering of the V12 Zagato, spearheaded by Chris Porritt, who had previously worked on the One-77, features a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Boasting a handcrafted aluminium body, this beauty showcases an exquisite design only possible through bespoke craftsmanship. The intricately designed front wing is a combination of seven separate pieces of aluminium, hand-finished to ensure a seamless, flowing form. The iconic double bubble roof, a hallmark of Zagato design, is crafted from five separate pieces, further emphasizing the painstaking attention to detail involved in its creation.
Performance: A Beast Within
Underneath its exquisite exterior, the V12 Zagato is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine, capable of producing 510 bhp and 570 Nm of torque. This raw power, coupled with Aston Martin's most dynamic bonded aluminium platform, ensures an exhilarating driving experience. With roots in the proven V12 Vantage, which earned a class win in its debut race at the Nürburgring 24 hour race in 2009, the V12 Zagato is a testament to Aston Martin's prowess in creating cars that excel both on the road and the race track.
On the Track: The Test of Time
The V12 Zagato isn't just a showpiece; it's a warrior ready to prove itself on the race track. Its first showdown was at the four-hour VLN race at Nürburgring in May 2011, leading up to the 24-hour race the following month. Adhering to Aston Martin’s philosophy of racing close-to-production cars, the V12 Zagato demonstrated its race credentials in an environment that is the true test of endurance and performance.
A Resurgence of Elegance
Indeed, the 2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept isn't simply a car; it's a symphony of history and innovation, of aesthetics and performance. A harmonious blend of Zagato's design language with Aston Martin's engineering expertise, it offers a tantalizing taste of the future while paying tribute to its past. The V12 Zagato is a testament to the enduring elegance of its lineage, a captivating symphony that resonates with the spirit of the iconic cars that came before it.
-Ed
2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept
