2016 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept

Introduced in 2001 as a successor to the aging Virage, the V12 Vanquish received an extensive redesign in 2012. Previewed by the Project AM310 Concept, the second-gen Vanquish’s exterior design is an evolution of the DBS with many styling cues inspired by the limited-edition One-77. The grand tourer also gained a new interior based on the one found in the supercar with hand-stitched leather and an updated infotainment system as standard equipment. Under the hood, the 5.9-liter V-12 was uprated from the first-generation’s 520 to 565 horsepower and later to 568 horses. In 2016, the second-gen Vanquish is celebrating four years on the market and Aston Martin is introducing the Vanquish Zagato Concept at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

The fifth car to emerge from a collaboration that goes back to the early 1960s, the Vanquish Zagato Concept brings together classic Aston Martin styling cues and design features seen on previous limited-edition and concept models such as the One-77 and CC100 Speedster. The grand tourer also borrows some elements from the brand-new DB11, which suggests that it might preview the third-generation Vanquish that’s set to arrive by the end of the decade.

"Over the years, we have developed and refined our own design language and we have always gone that little bit further with our special series cars like CC100, One-77 and Aston Martin Vulcan. The Vanquish Zagato Concept shows how our two companies can come together and push the definition of Aston Martin design," said Marek Reichman, executive vice president and chief creative officer of the British brand.

"We pride ourselves on our strong partnership and the creation of the Vanquish Zagato Concept was a true shared experience," added Zagato CEO Andrea Zagato, "it represents the essence of an important design relationship that dates back over fifty years."

Set to break cover at Lake Como in Italy, the Vanquish Zagato Concept joins iconic Zagato-designed Aston Martins such as the DB4 GT Zagato of 1960 and the V12 Vantage Zagato of 2011Exterior

 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept
Although still recognizable as a Vanquish, the Zagato Concept is significantly different than the standard production model, bringing together a wide range of cues borrowed from previous Zagato designs, the One-77 limited-edition supercar, and even the CC100 Speedster show car.

The front fascia is one of the very few elements that remind us of the regular Vanquish. The headlamps appear to be identical to the production model, while the hood is very similar save for the revised creases and nose section. Things change dramatically below, where the trademark Vanquish grille has been replaced by a massive grille with integrated LED fog lamps at each corner. Below, the grand tourer has an aggressive, vented splitter made from carbon fiber.

Onto the sides, the Vanquish Zagato concept gained new body panels and sculpted side skirts, lower body section, and beltline. A new evolution of the classic Aston Martin side strake runs from the wheel arch to the door. This feature is similar to the one seen on the new DB11 and it is based on the CC100 concept’s. The side mirrors are inspired by the One-77’s and feature long posts and an aerodynamically optimized design. The glasshouse wraps around the bodywork like a visor and seems inspired from the V12 Vantage Zagato concept of 2011. The rear quarter windows are also different from the standard Vanquish’s and the straight upper line of the glasshouse gives the roof sportier, supercar-like stance. The feature seems very similar to Nissan GT-R’s, but the angle is different and continues into the sloping rear section of the roof.

The Vanquish Zagato is a concept that blends some of the best features we've seen on recent Aston Martin production models, as well as cues from the company's new styling language

Speaking of the roof, it features the iconic ’double-bubble’, a Zagato trademark since the early 1950s. The bubble-top was originally conceived to accommodate racing helmets with a minimum impact on the aerodynamic profile. Notable cars that used the design include Le Mans-winning Ford GT40.

Toward the rear, the Zagato concept showcases muscular haunches that replicate the curvature of the wheel arches. The cue is borrowed from the new DB11, as are both the clean rear fascia and the big diffuser-like bumper element. The round taillights are yet another feature you don’t usually see on an Aston Martin. These were chosen to evoke the classic Zagato design and fitted with a blade LED lighting pattern similar to the track-only Vulcan supercar. The concept also sports a retractable spoiler and a hatch instead of the traditional trunk lid. Down below there’s a massive, trapezoidal grille that mimics the shape of the front element and a quad-exhaust pipe layout for a more aggressive stance.

All told, the Vanquish Zagato is a concept that blends some of the best features we’ve seen on recent Aston Martin production models, as well as cues from the company’s new styling language. It looks like no other Aston Martin, yet it remains recognizable as a product from Gaydon and the Zagato touches give it a sporty and elegant appearance. The Zagato Concept is without doubt one of the prettiest Aston Martins ever created and probably the most exciting modern-day grand tourer to wear the wing logo.

Interior

 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept
Inside, the Zagato Concept is pretty much a standard Vanquish as far as design goes, but the cabin was enhanced by means of exclusive materials and features that can’t be had on regular Aston Martins. Highlights include "Herringbone" carbon-fiber painted with anodized bronze detailing on the center stack, and aniline leather. The interior is also defined by the unique "Z" quilt pattern stitch on the seats and door panels, "Z" embossed headrests and center console, and double contrast stitching on the upper door panels. The "Z" stitch was also incorporated into the headliner, providing a stunning contrast with the black background. It might not sound like a lot for a vehicle that has the word "Concept" in its name, but the Vanquish Zagato is indeed unique and embodies the fine tradition of Aston Martin craftsmanship.

Drivetrain

 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept
The Vanquish Zagato Concept gets its juice from the same naturally aspirated, 5.9-liter V-12 as the standard grand tourer. However, to enable the show car to stand out compared to its regular sibling, Aston Martin increased the output from 576 to 600 PS (568 to 592 horsepower). Torque remained unchanged at 465 pound-feet, as did the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Aston Martin says that the Zagato Concept also benefits from "enhanced driving dynamics," but gives no additional details about what that may mean. Most likely the chassis and suspension system received minor tweaks for better cornering and ride.

Conclusion

 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept
Unlike the DB9, which soldiered on unchanged for about 12 years, the Vanquish received a comprehensive update in 2012, which means that the grand tourer won’t see a redesign anytime soon. On the other hand, with the new DB11 having introduced Aston Martin’s new architecture, the VH-based Vanquish will likely receive a replacement by 2018 and the Zagato Concept might just preview the third-generation model. Granted, the concept’s stunning exterior design won’t hit the assembly line with the same specifications, but most styling cues seem to be in line with Aston’s new styling language and this gives us hope that the upcoming Vanquish will be based on this show car. If this proves to be the case, Aston Martin will roll out one of the sexiest grand tourers on the market.Press Release

Aston Martin and Italian design-house Zagato are proud to announce the Vanquish Zagato Concept, the latest creation from their long-standing partnership. The Vanquish Zagato Concept will make its global debut at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, held at Lake Como in Italy from 21 – 22 May 2016

 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept
The Vanquish Zagato Concept is the fifth car to emerge from a collaboration that stretches back over five decades, pairing Aston Martin’s acclaimed sporting, dynamic and material qualities with Zagato’s signature design language.

From the iconic DB4 GT Zagato of 1960 through to the V12 Vantage Zagato of 2011, every collaboration has accentuated key aspects of Aston Martin’s design journey and brought them together with Zagato’s own race-inspired design language. The result is a group of four sports cars that represent some of Aston Martin’s most avant-garde expressions.

The Vanquish Zagato Concept was designed in close colaboration between the Aston Martin Design team led by Marek Reichman and Andrea Zagato and his dedicated design team in Milan. Developed and engineered at Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, England the concept features proportions that remain quintessentially Aston Martin and emphasises a dynamic, forward-looking stance. The new bodywork is entirely shaped from carbon fibre, with the split lines on the body reduced by the use of large one-piece panels. New lights include round tail light reflectors that evoke the classic rear view of a Zagato design, incorporating the same ’bladed’ LED technology as the Aston Martin Vulcan track-only supercar.

Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said ’Over the years, we have developed and refined our own design language and we have always gone that little bit further with our special series cars like CC-100, One-77 and Aston Martin Vulcan. The Vanquish Zagato Concept shows how our two companies can come together and push the definition of Aston Martin design.’

 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept
’We pride ourselves on our strong partnership and the creation of the Vanquish Zagato Concept was a true shared experience,’ says Zagato’s CEO, Andrea Zagato, ’it represents the essence of an important design relationship that dates back over fifty years.’

Referencing elements of the brand’s contemporary design language, Vanquish Zagato Concept features One-77 inspired wing mirrors and a sculptural rear end similar to DB11’s aerodynamic profile, complete with retractable spoiler and rear hatch for access to the luggage compartment. A quad-exhaust nestles in the rippling carbon fibre sills that run around the lower body, creating a pronounced line from front to rear.

The Vanquish Zagato Concept’s glasshouse wraps around the bodywork like a visor, enhancing its aggressive stance. A new evolution of the classic side strake runs from wheel arch to door just like the new DB11 and a detail originally showcased on the celebratory CC-100. A sharp crease on the rear wheel arch transforms into the re