Aston V12 Zagato a winner 24 | 05 | 2011
ASTON MARTIN IS preparing a race debut for its new V12 Zagato, which has already won the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes at the Villa d’Este Concours in Italy.
The V12 Zagato, designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Aston’s first collaboration with the Italian company, is based on a V12 Vantage. But beneath the skin of the concept lies a true racing sportscar.
While the Zagato's V12 motor is in standard tune, producing 510bhp, beneath the surface lies a stripped-out bodyshell complete with roll cage which means the car's 0-62mph sprint is expected to be sub-4secs.
The chassis — engineered by a Chris Porritt-led team including veterans of Astons’ One-77 project — features a retuned version of the regular V12 Vantage’s double-wishbone suspension.
Featuring an even more extreme aerodynamic packag, the V12 Zagato will make its racing debut at the VLN four-hour race at the Nürburgring. Two examples, including one driven by Aston CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, will tackle the Nürburgring 24 Hours at the end of June.
According to one Aston source, the car will be made eligible for national-level race series — “gentleman’s racing” — but that there are no plans for the Zagato to go up to FIA GT level.
"The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before,” explained Bez, who confirmed the car will go into production with first deliveries due next year. “Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of roadgoing V12 Zagatos.”
It's understood the rhe roadgoing model will do away with the huge rear wing and — perhaps not surprisingly — the roll cage, and introduce more creature comforts in the cabin. Don't be surprised though if the car does still retain some of the racer’s motorsport-influenced materials, including the anti-glare dashboard top made from Alcantara.
It's also not unlikely that Aston could actually offer the car in two versions — a race spec and a plusher version without the rear wing. One thing's for sure though; the V12 Zagato will cost more than £200,000.
CLICK HERE to see more images of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill