Zagato – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

Alfa Romeo Zagato Stradale TZ3 Set To Debut At The Amelia Island Concours d’ELEGANCE

Alfa-Romeo Zagato Stradale TZ3 will make a debut at the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on 10th of March. It will be the last of only nine custom built models, known as the Italian sports car with “the heart of a Viper and the soul of an ALFA”.

These nine cars were constructed in order to celebrate the centenary of Carrozzeria Zagato in 2010. And this Azzurro California hued example is the final car in the exclusive series. As a matter of fact, the model was built by Carrozzeria Zagato as a design study.

The Stradale TZ3 wears the traditional Alfa-Romeo badge of the serpent and the 1925 world grand prix champion’s wreath. Under its carbon fiber bodywork, the model hides a 8.3 liter 600 hp (441 kW) V-10 engine, known from the SRT Viper. At last, it is good to mention that this supercar accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds.

Another interesting fact is that Zagato calls the Stradale TZ3 “the first American ALFA in automotive history” that combines “unbridled American power and Italian grace”. The astonishing model was inspired by the motto “bellazza necessaria”, which means “beautiful necessity”. This is proven by the Kamm tail, “double bubble roof” and round taillights.

Source: Alfa Romeo

February 28, 2013

Vilner Teases The Resurgence Of Alfa Romeo Zagato Roadster [VIDEO]

It’s definitely becoming hotter but not because the winter time slowly passes away, but because the Bulgarian luxurious tuning specialists from Vilner have just released their latest teaser footage. And with it we aren’t to see an “ordinary” car that has just come out of the factory, but instead – a very classy collectible.

We are speaking here about the extraordinary Alfa Romeo Zagato Roadster. The two-seater convertible was produced from 1992 until December 1994. More interesting however is the fact that only 350 units were planned for production, but eventually only 284 cars were made.

This makes the RZ the lowest production Alfa Romeo in automotive history. Now, the owner of this unique car is seeking help at Vilner’s studio. Despite that details weren’t revealed so far, it is rumored that the vehicle has received full treatment.

Still, ahead of its official reveal which we are expecting next week, we can enjoy this exclusive video:

httpv://youtu.be/2rVEsALBtFs

Video Source: YouTube

February 21, 2013

BMW Teases New Zagato Concept

One of the most awaited debuts at Pebble Beach will be the new BMW Zagato Concept. The super car will make there its first world appearance.

The first collaboration between those two legendary car companies was the BMW Zagato Coupe, which was officially unveiled earlier this year.

2012 BMW Zagato Coupé made its premiere at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, and showed that it is an embodiment of high-quality hand-craftsmanship, sportiness and luxury.

The body of this model has been built entirely by hand. Its skin was tailored to fit the car’s mechanical architecture. The hand shaped aluminum sheets of metal were meticulously molded to give the car its unique form.

The same expectations of greatness are set to be seen on the new concept model. Although there are no additional images released, we are to see something extraordinary, which will make us stand in awe.

More details and images of the newest car of the collaboration between BMW and Zagato will be available closer to the official debut.

Source: BMW

August 17, 2012

Icon Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Volante: a modern interpretation

Icon Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Volante is a unique vehicle which is going to enrich the portfolio of Icon 4×4. And although the designers from the company mainly focus on recreating cars seen in the past, this project aims something different. Still, the motto of the company stays the same: Classic styling, modern performance, and timeless utility.

The California based Icon 4×4 decides with this latest project to recreate the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. The model dates back from the sixties and has special characteristics. The original Zagato was equipped with 3.7-litre aluminum twin-spark straight six-cylinder engine with a powerful 9.7:1 compression ratio.

Hence, it was able to produce 314 hp (234 kW) and had an acceleration time of 6.1 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint. Its top speed number approximately 154 mph (246 km/h).

Unlike the original car however, the California team will build the iconic model in Volante-style. This basically means that it is going to be without a roof. Moreover, Zagato coupe’s original designer Ercole Spada will join the process and will help with the “recreation” of the car.

Of course, all the mechanicals included in the new reimagined DB4 GT Zagato Volante will be modern and will include Aston Martin’s AM V12 engine.

The Reimagined Icon Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Volante

Source: Icon 4×4 via Autoblog

June 8, 2012

2012 BMW Zagato Coupe officially unveiled

2012 BMW Zagato Coupé will make its premiere at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. BMW Zagato Coupé is embodiment of high-quality hand-craftsmanship, sportiness and luxury.

The body of the new BMW model has been built entirely by hand. Its skin was tailored to fit the car’s mechanical architecture. The hand shaped aluminum sheets of metal were meticulously molded to give the car its unique form.

The BMW Zagato Coupé is a BMW seen through the eyes of Zagato. This can be seen easily through the design of the car, due to the iconic design cues from both companies.

The initial aim for the Zagato Coupe was to be road-registered, aerodynamically optimized machine, which is able to achieve high speeds but meet all legal requirements.

The proportions of the BMW Zagato Coupé include extremely long bonnet, greenhouse set well back and double bubble roof and Kamm Tail. It looks very dynamic, doesn’t it? The roofline is flowing and ends into the compact, muscular rear.

The car’s dynamic silhouette underlines its sporting characteristics as well. In addition to that the three-dimensionality the car offers combined with the very wide and powerfully contoured front, gives the car an agile sense of purpose.

The front fascia of this vehicle has twin circular headlights, kidney-shaped radiator grille and the extremely low, width-emphasising elements give the front end a sporty appearance.

Observed from one side, the 2012 BMW Zagato Coupé shows its long, sweeping bonnet. The rear end itself is cut almost vertically in another Zagato cue, which enhances aerodynamics. At the same time the flanks has the classical BMW Roadster lines, imbues them with extra tautness and extends them into the muscular rear end with a compelling swing of the hips.

The attractive interplay of lines here draws attention to the rear wheels and the car’s rear-wheel-drive configuration. The powerful flourish above the rear wheels is picked up and passed on by the spoiler, injecting the whole area with additional dynamic impetus.

In fact, the rear end of the car is so distinctive that it provides the clearest evidence of Zagato’s influence in this project. It was formed almost without a single joint and thus appearing as if formed from a single mould. The rear of the BMW Zagato Coupé has a very broad, low-slung appearance, which lends it powerful and solid stance on the road.

Moreover, a matt edging brings the attention to the diffuser, then draws the focus to the wheels and underlines the sporty stance of the BMW Zagato Coupé. The exhaust tailpipes are situated towards the outer edges of the rear and also have matt finish.

Other highlight is the 19-inch light-alloy wheels on which this beautiful machine runs. They are made in classically sporty five-spoke design. Next, some attention must be put on the paintwork of the car. It features exclusive exterior paint finish named Rosso Vivace. As you can see, this is an expressive shade of red.

Its secret is that depending on how the light hits the body, the color spectrum ranges from something close to black all the way to a brilliant red. This was possible thanks to sophisticated paint application technology featuring several coats.

How about the interior of the Zagato? It is structured in customary BMW style and the when you first see it your immediate reaction will be willingness to drive it.

In the interior were used exclusive colour and materials, which are blended into exceptional details, which at their turn provide luxurious style and sporting flair.

There are also additional elements in the vehicle, which were fitted by hand. Such are for example the horizontal lines in the instrument panel and doors. The base colours used for the exclusive leather are a light and dark shade of grey.

In the interior is featured also red decorative stitching in the instrument panel, doors and seats. They all lend the car more sporting presence. The luggage compartment has two shades of grey and the red accents as well.

Source: BMW

May 28, 2012

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Price £84 995

Aston Martin has announced its range for this year. It includes V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models, Vantage S, V12 Vantage and the exclusive V12 Zagato, which will join the range later this year.

The entry-level V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7 liter naturally aspirated engine with 426PS (313 kW) mated to a 6-speed manual, but 7-speed Sportshift™ II automated manual is available as an option. With an additional gear, closer ratios, lower final drive and a quicker, refined shift quality, this new gearbox – designed and manufactured specifically for Aston Martin – provides faster and more precise shifts, optimises acceleration and delivers a sporting driving experience. The starting price is 84 995 or €108 500 in Germany.

The powerful Vantage S has a price tag of £99 995 or €128 500 in Germany. It has the same engine, which is slightly boosted to 436PS (321 kW) at 7300RPM and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) at 5000RPM. It also has Sportshift™ II close-ratio 7-speed automated manual transmission as standard, a sports exhaust system and carbon fibre detailing.

The V12 Vantage has a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft). Top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph) and 0-100 kp/h time of 4.2 seconds.

The exotic V12 Zagato, created in 2011 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, will be delivered later this year.

Combining iconic styling, thrilling performance, true craftsmanship and exclusivity the revitalised Vantage range boasts unprecedented breadth and appeal. The revised V8 Vantage together with the rest of the range is available to order now from Aston Martin’s global dealer network.

Source: Aston Martin

February 20, 2012

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Behold a finished product – images of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato are here. Geneva Motor Show goers next month will witness the debut while production is set to start later this year. But this not much of a car as it is a blend of complex emotions and passion on wheels.

The V12 Zagato has two tasks to fulfill – 1. it is basically purpose built to honor a generation of magnificent GT cars and the historic DB4GT Zagato in particuliar. 2. it also needs a perspective – setting new boundaries with innovative technology and style is a must if the V12 were to be a success. That’s why it shares so many components with the stunning One-77. In all essence, the V12 is an advanced HP printer in vintage overalls.

Looking at the V12 Zagato we see the exposed elements of carbon fiber on the front splitter, A-pillars, rear lamp pods, diffuser, door mirror cases and rear wing and we get that instant sense of modernity and purposefulness. Yet the bold new grille formed in a unique three-dimensional composite material mesh brings back the Zagato’s famous ‘Z’ moniker.

A pleasant place to be (a wild guess) would be also the inside of the Aston. Satin-finish carbon fibre on the dashboard and center stack is perfectly set next to piano black accents and satin black rotary switchgear. Carbon fiber sill plaques with ’V12 Zagato’ inlaid metal script provide a distinctive finishing touch.

It all sounds rally delightful but there are two problems with it: Price stands at £330,000 ($522,258) so it is pricy. Also it will be extremely rare – no more than 150 will be commissioned.

But when we see how much ‘Soul, Beauty, Power’ goes into making one the steep price kind of makes sense. The process of creating a V12 Zagato takes approximately 2,000 man-hours to complete. Hand-crafted aluminum and carbon fiber are the main composites that form the whole of the car. Hand-stitched quilting adds to the time and effort but it does leave that feel of passion and luxury usually felt with Italian cars. The Aston Martin V12 Zagato however, is all British and it will worth its every penny.

Source: Aston Martin

February 10, 2012

Aston Martin V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours D’Elegance

Aston Martin will exhibit the V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance. This is the only event of its type in the Middle East and plays host to some of the world’s finest automotive art from over 19 countries.

“We are excited to show the new V12 Zagato for the first time in production form at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance. Over 50 years since the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the original focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity.”, commented Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin .

Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be run in limited edition series of just 150 units. The sports car comes with the company’s acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine – 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft).

The price for this masterpiece is £330 000, excluding local taxes.

Source: Aston Martin

January 27, 2012

2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be appearing in September at the 64th IAA International Motor Show at Frankfurt. Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nurburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.

Hand assembled at the company’s global headquarters in Gaydon, England, the V12 Zagato is based on the highly acclaimed V12 Vantage and features a beautiful ’handcrafted‘ aluminium and carbon fibre body. Combining traditional craftsmanship and high technology, the V12 Zagato also boasts Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform and the power of the company’s acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

Following extremely positive initial customer reaction, the V12 Zagato is being offered for sale at £330,000 GBP (excluding local taxes) and will go into strictly limited production of up to 150 cars in summer 2012. 50 years on from the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity which underpinned the original collaboration.

Launched successfully in late May at the famous Villa D’Este Concours on Lake Como, Italy, the V12 Zagato saw off tough competition to be awarded the coveted Design Award for the concept and prototypes class. Just a week later, the V12 Zagato made its racing debut at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the historic Nurburgring racetrack in Germany. Following other appearances in the series, both prototypes of the V12 Zagato were entered into the gruelling 39th ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hour on 25/26 June, successfully amassing a combined 230 laps and over 3,700 miles of intense durability testing – both taking the chequered flag to maintain Aston Martin’s 100% finish record in the race.

The first of the two V12 Zagatos being shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, finished in its distinctive green livery is the full endurance race car concept specification as campaigned at the Nurburgring. The car, nicknamed ‘Zig’ by the factory team features a full aerodynamic package including front splitter, dive planes, large rear diffuser and spoiler designed to make the most of the Nurburgring’s multitude of corners and lengthy straights.

The second of the cars, nicknamed ‘Zag’, was originally shown at the Villa D’Este before being converted into the same full racing specification as the sister car. Since the 24 hour race, Zag, has been returned to its original show specification which, although showing a racing car interior, has an exterior more representative of the exclusive road car currently offered for order. In addition to this, Aston Martin today releases the first conceptual illustrations of the road car variant that will go into production from mid 2012.

The pair of V12 Zagatos will join the Aston Martin stand at Frankfurt in September alongside the stunning One-77 supercar and the recently launched Virage and Vantage S.

Source: Aston Martin

August 25, 2011

Aston Martin V12 Zagato at the Nurburgring

Aston Martin is putting the final touches to its race preparations for the toughest 24 hour race of them all – the annual ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hours on 25 and 26 June. Two V12 Zagato cars will compete in this challenge.

The first one is the show car from Concorso D’Eleganza at Villa D’Este, which has been transformed into the number 3 race car, nicknamed “Zag” (red). It will be piloted by Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, the company’s Nurburgring Test Centre Director, Wolfgang Schuhbauer and automotive journalists Horst von Saurma and Matthew Marsh.

The second V12 Zagato is a green race car – nicknamed “Zig” with number 5, which will be raced by One-77 Chief Engineer Chris Porritt, experienced sports car driver Oliver Mathai, automotive journalist Richard Meaden and experienced amateur racer Peter Cate.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato - Zag — Aston Martin V12 Zagato – Zag

Furthermore, at the race track will be a V8 Vantage GT4 nicknamed “Smurf” – which will be driven by Aston Martin Racing works driver, Darren Turner, journalist and experienced 24 hour driver, Shinichi Katsura, Australian racer Rob Thomson and seasoned Nürburgring pilot Jurgen Stumpf.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato Nurburgring - Zig — Aston Martin V12 Zagato Nurburgring – Zig

“Our entries this year extend our Nürburgring racing philosophy. For five years now we have signed-off our new products by entering a car which is as close to the road car as possible and subjecting it to the toughest 24 hour test on what best simulates the extremities of public roads. This year we go a step further by testing a car at prototype stage.”, commented Aston Martin’s Head of Motorsport, David King.

“As ever, the race will present an enormous challenge in a vast and increasingly competitive field which will be fraught with all the unpredictable elements associated with racing at the Nürburgring. However, we are excited by the potential we have seen from the V12 Zagato in the testing we’ve completed and that gives us great hope for the task ahead. We look forward to a safe, successful and enjoyable race for our teams and customers.”, he added.

V12 Zagato has a new handcrafted aluminium body and is powered by a smooth 6.0 liter V12 with 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. It also has a specially developed chassis for maximum performance.

Source: Aston Martin

June 22, 2011

Aston Martin V12 Zagato Nurburgring

Aston Martin has prepared two endurance race car concepts, which will return to the Nurburgring this weekend for final tests before the 24-hour race.

This warm-up race – used as a test session ahead of the Nürburgring 24-hour race which takes place between 25^th – 26^th June – will be the first time two new V12 Zagato race cars have been in action together after one of the pair enjoyed its first running under race conditions at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race last month. This weekend will be used to refine race setup and allow further driver familiarisation with the new cars on the 25.378km circuit.

Introduced as a modern interpretation of the famous Aston Martin and Zagato collaboration in the 50^th anniversary year of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, the V12 Zagato revives a collaboration which has produced some of the most beautiful and sought-after cars in the world. The partnership takes inspiration from the past to create a modern interpretation based on Aston Martin’s ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range: the V12 Vantage.

The 51st ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen VLN5 four-hour race starts at noon Central European Time on Saturday 11th June with live updates on the progress of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato available by following @astonmartin – the company’s official Twitter feed.

Source: Aston Martin

June 9, 2011

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin has revealed the new V12 Zagato endurance racer concept. The car will make its official debut at the Villa D’Este Concours in Italy.

“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.”, commented Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.

“Of course, fifty years ago Italian design houses were widely seen as leading the way with new designs but now and supported by our independency, Aston Martin has its own in-house design ability so this new venture with Zagato is more collaborative than it perhaps would have been in the past.”, he added.

“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.”, Mr. Bez fisnished.

The project started in 2010, when Aston Martin and Zagato had initial meetings and took the decision to proceed with the project.

V12 Zagato features a new handcrafted aluminium body, a mighty 6.0 liter V12 with 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, and specially developed chassis for maximum performance.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the 53. ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN round at the Nurburgring on 28^th May with a view to two cars racing at the 24 hour race on 25/26 June. The cars will be driven by an experienced driver team, led for the sixth year by Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be exhibited for the first time at the Villa D’Este Concours on Saturday 21st May 2011.

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Source: Aston Martin

May 20, 2011

Tag: Zagato