The Aston Martin V12 Zagato: A Carving in Metal and Carbon Fibre
As the aesthetic manifestation of an intricate dance between innovation and tradition, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato emerges as a model of striking beauty and remarkable performance. This enticing machine encapsulates the best of Aston Martin's century-old ethos, exuding both nostalgia and futurism.
A Reverence for Heritage, A Vision for the Future
Unveiling the V12 Zagato brings forth the climax of the Vantage line, a monumental testament to Aston Martin's successful and creative partnerships over the years. Notably, the collaboration with Zagato has borne a succession of impressive GT cars, the first and most iconic of which being the DB4GT Zagato. The V12 Zagato, however, far from being a mere pastiche of its predecessor, strides forth as a unique expression of Aston Martin's vision.
A Journey of Crafting Excellence
Aston Martin's process of creating the V12 Zagato is no less intriguing than the end product itself. Taking approximately 2,000 painstaking man-hours to complete, the construction involves a harmonious blend of hand-crafted aluminium and carbon fibre. From the distinctive 'double-bubble' roof to the elegantly sculpted doors and the sensually curved bonnet, the V12 Zagato is a symphony of metal and carbon.
A Palette of Exquisite Colours
The V12 Zagato comes painted in one of four unique hues: Scintilla Silver, Alloro Green, Alba Blue, and Diavolo Red. The 100-hour long painting process ends with the marriage of the body and drivetrain, after which the car is transferred to the standalone facility, an epitome of tranquillity and meticulous craftsmanship.
The Interior: Where Luxury Meets Comfort
Inside the V12 Zagato, the artistry continues. Semi-aniline finished hides from the Bridge of Weir envelop the interior, creating an environment of sophistication and comfort. The flowing pattern of hand-stitched quilting across the seats and headlining imparts a dynamic sense of movement. Furthermore, the Zagato’s famous ‘Z’ moniker etched into the headrests and rear parcel shelf add a subtle touch of elegance.
Distinctive Exterior Details
As for the exterior, carbon fibre elements reveal themselves on the front splitter, A-pillars, rear lamp pods, diffuser, door mirror cases, and rear wing, all sporting a perfectly symmetrical weave and smooth resin finish. The new grille, bearing the unique three-dimensional composite material mesh, echoes the Zagato’s famous ‘Z’ moniker.
Performance Meets Artistry
The V12 Zagato doesn’t just please the eyes; it also ensures an outstanding performance. Aston Martin's engineers have strived to enhance the sports car's detailing and aerodynamic performance while remaining faithful to the original design concept. Thus, the V12 Zagato stands as a testament to Aston Martin’s capacity to fuse aesthetics with performance.
The Next Chapter of Aesthetic Engineering
The V12 Zagato, with a price tag of £330,000, offers an enthralling blend of tradition, innovation, craftsmanship, and technology. It brings together the past, present, and future of Aston Martin under one stylish, carbon-fibre roof. Despite its modernity, it doesn’t forget its roots. It is, as Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, put it, “a celebration of both Aston Martin’s heritage and its future.”
