ASTON MARTIN ZAGATO VANQUISH

The latest collaboration between Aston Martin and storied Italian automotive design house Zagato started off as a concept. However, it was so well-received when unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy in May that it’s gone from idea to limited edition reality in 30 days.

It keeps the original GT car’s basic outline and underpinnings, but the sculpted shell that now adorns it is unmistakably the work of Zagato, featuring all of the company’s trademark details and flourishes, but presented in a way that works in concert with rather than in opposition against the Aston’s own characteristics.











So, the grille is wider and deeper and sports two circular driving lights. The roof slopes to the tail even more aggressively yet boasts that signature “double bubble” — the contoured bulges that are theoretically meant to increase headroom in the cabin when driver and navigator are wearing helmets without impacting on aerodynamics.

The windscreen appears to wrap around the whole car thanks to blacking out the A pillars and there are also clever visual touches that were designed to bring the Vanquish in line with the standout aesthetic features on the upcoming DB11, such as the new “air strike” side vents and the dramatic rear end complete with a retractable spoiler and a hatchback hood for more practicality.

Perhaps best of all, the two companies have decided that clients may want more than simply sharper looks and limited availability and so the V12 has been retuned to output a very generous 600PS (591hp) whenever one of the lucky 99 owners buries his or her right foot into the deep pile carpet. Acceleration is also improved — 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds — and Aston has significantly tweaked the chassis and suspension to make the most of the output upgrade.









However, simply sitting in the cabin with the engine off will fill owners with a sense of drama and excitement. The console and fascia are dressed in herringbone carbon fiber and anodized bronze. The seats boast a unique “Z” pattern leather quilting and of course there are elements like Zagato badges and customised doorsills.

Order books for the new car open today and Aston says the first deliveries will start in early 2017.

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