Just 150 Aston V12 Zagatos to be built

ASTON Martin has revealed the obvious conclusion to one of the most drawn-out model introductions in recent times: the V12 Zagato will enter production.

Just 150 examples will be produced at the British sportscar maker’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire and strong interest has been expressed in Australia, despite a £330,000 ($A489,000) starting price excluding local taxes.

Aston Martin’s Asia Pacific marketing and communications manager Marcel Fabris confirmed the V12 Zagato will be built in both right and left-hand drive configuration and certified for road registration in Australia.

“With the V12 Zagato having been awarded top honours in the recent Concorso d'Eleganza’s design award for concept cars and prototypes on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, and its very strong performance proving the vehicle’s dynamic pedigree and reliability at last month’s Nurburgring 24-hour race, our dealers are receiving strong interest from enthusiasts looking to secure an example of this very limited and unique Aston Martin,” he told GoAuto.

So far no firm Australian orders have been placed for the V12 Vantage-based coupe, which was designed by Italian styling studio Zagato and should top the $506,091 DBS Volante as Aston’s most expensive model in Australia.

First deliveries of the hand-assembled super-coupe are expected to take place in late 2012 following “overwhelmingly encouraging” from potential customers during the exclusive new Aston’s long-running launch campaign.

The V12 Zagato was first revealed in a teaser image in May, before making its global debut at the Villa d’Este Concours later that month and placing a creditable fourth overall in racing guise at the 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour endurance race in June.

Basic specifications revealed by Aston Martin reveal the V12 Zagato will be powered by the same 380kW/570Nm 6.0-litre V12 that powers the Vantage and DBS, matched exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.

Combined with a selectable ‘Sport’ mode, it is enough to accelerate the exclusive coupe – which will be available in just four unique Zagato exterior paint colours – to 100km/h in an official estimate of 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 305km/h.

Wrapped in a hand-crafted aluminium and carbon-fibre body featuring Zagato’s trademark double-bubble roof, Aston’s newest V12 will ride on unique 19-inch lightweight forged aluminium wheels wearing 255/35 front and 295/30 rear Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.

Inside, Aston says its newest model – development of which it now admits began in mid-2010 - will feature a V12 Vantage cabin with Zagato stitched logos and plaques.

“Such style, exclusivity and fastidious craftsmanship ensures it will be one of the most highly coveted models in Aston Martin’s 98-year history,” said Aston Martin chief executive Dr Ulrich Bez.

“A fabulous celebration of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the V12 Zagato is the perfect inspiration for the next 50 years of Aston Martin.”