Celebrating 50 years of the DB4GT Zagato.
In 1960 Aston Martin unveiled the DB4GT, a car built along with Italian coachbuilder, Zagato, to compete against the mighty Ferrari GT race cars of the time. The car was produced for two years with a planned production of 25 units, but due to a lack of interest, was limited to just 19 cars. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the classic DB4GT, Aston Martin and Zagato have again collaborated, this time with the Aston Martin V12 Vantage to create a modern interpretation of the 1960s race car.
“The Zagato design language is a perfect complement to our design and engineering expertise. After 50 years of the two companies being associated with each other the partnership has produced some of the world’s most iconic cars,” said Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin. “The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. 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 road going V12 Zagatos.”
Aston Martin and Zagato began working on the V12 Vantage in 2010 with numerous designs that incorporated the styling of both companies. “The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style,” said Marek Reichman, Director of Design. “The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car’s racing credentials.”
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato wears a new handmade aluminium body. Every aluminium panel was formed by an English wheel and crafted body blocks by skilled craftsmen. Seven pieces of aluminium are used for each of the front fenders, and are hand finished to create a smooth figure. Five separate pieces are used to create the distinct Zagato “double bubble” roof design that gracefully flows to the rear of the V12.
Just as the famous Zagato DB4GTs successfully raced in the 1960s, the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato will be built and used as an endurance racer for the 24 Hour Nürburgring race on June 25th-26th, 2011. The cars will utilize a version of the Aston Martin 6.0-liter V-12 engine producing 510 bhp and 420 lb-ft. of torque. Power will be sent to the rear wheels via rear mid-mounted six-speed automated manual transmission and magnesium alloy torque tube with carbon fiber propeller shaft. Each of the V12 Vantages will feature a bespoke steel roll cage, independent double wishbone suspension with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV dampers, and 120 liter endurance racing fuel tank.
The Aston Martin Zagato V12 Zagato will be unveiled at the Villa D’Este Concours on Saturday, May 21st, 2011. Pricing for the special Aston Martin Zagato V12model has not been released.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-12
Compression Ratio: 10.9:1
Maximum Horsepower: 510 bhp (380 kW)
Maximum Torque: 420 lb-ft. (570 Nm)
Transmission:
Type: Rear mid-mounted six-speed automated manual
Drive: Rear-wheel
Clutch: Twin-plate competition
Drivetrain: Magnesium alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft, limited slip differential
Suspension and Brakes:
Suspension: All round independent double wishbone with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV dampers
Front Brakes: Ventilated floating grooved discs with 6 piston callipers
Rear Brakes: Ventilated floating grooved discs with 4 piston callipers
Body:
-Two door, two seat coupe body
-Bonded aluminium structure
-Bespoke steel roll cage.
-Hand crafted Aluminium body
-120 liter endurance racing fuel tank
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato Gallery
Source: Aston Martin and Zagato
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