Click above to view high-res gallery of Bentley Continental GTZ
This may come as a bit of a surprise to anyone who's been following the agonizing bit-by-bit release of a number of concept cars in advance of the Geneva Motor Show, but one Italian design studio has chosen to forgo the teasing and release all the details of its show car all at once. In fact, we hadn't heard anything about Zagato's coachbuilt Bentley since the initial report from last December, but the famed Milanese carrozzeria has revealed that it will be unveiling the car at the show now only days away.
Called the Bentley Continental GTZ, following the familiar nomenclature last seen on the 2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ, Zagato's interpretation on the stately grand tourer manages to be instantly recognizable as both a Bentley and a Zagato design. Based on the effortlessly fast Continental GT Speed, the latest Zagato retains, to the best of our knowledge at this point, the donor car's considerable mechanics, over which the Zagato Atelier has fitted unique two-tone coachwork in classic British racing green with Zagato's signature subtle double-bubble contrasting roof in medium silver. Other typically Zagato touches include the sharply-creased fenders, elegant tail and curvy rear window. We have a feeling this is going to be one of those cars that looks even better in person than it does in images, which you can see for yourself in the gallery below, and we're looking forward to getting up close and personal with this custom Anglo-Italian creation on the show floor. Thanks to Claudio for the tip!
[Source: OmniAuto]
Saleen makes new value-oriented Racecraft brand official
Officially Official: 2009 BMW 7 Series
Officially Official: 2009 Ford Focus RS
I want my FPV: Super sedans hit the desert in new TV spot
Happy Independence Day from Autoblog
Track Test: 2008 Roush 427R Trak Pak Mustang
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S
First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top
In The Autoblog Garage: BMW 128i Convertible
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Avinash machado @ Feb 29th 2008 10:30AM
Cone?
Sam @ Feb 29th 2008 10:38AM
every time i see a zagato design, i throw up a little in my mouth. they need to hire to new blood because there recent stuff is horrible!
Nick @ Feb 29th 2008 10:40AM
NO way - I love this. I also love the Aston Martin DB7 by Zagato. Their designs tend to be hit or miss, but I think this is a hit!
The Doctor @ Feb 29th 2008 10:41AM
No, no, no and no. It looks like those hideous Japanese bonsai Mark II Jaguars.
Dev @ Feb 29th 2008 10:42AM
RIP - the original Bentley (which was murdered for this exercise)
John P. @ Feb 29th 2008 10:43AM
except for the grille, this is one of the best looking bentley's I've ever seen.
Rick @ Feb 29th 2008 10:58AM
That is one mean looking car. Very aggressive, I love it.
Pdexter @ Feb 29th 2008 11:08AM
Stunner
Guenther @ Feb 29th 2008 11:09AM
Yes, Cone- 'a solid with an ovaloid cross section that tapers at one end.
Aside from the slots in the hood, I have to say that Italian styling houses still turn out the most beautiful designs.
dewfish @ Feb 29th 2008 11:24AM
that is awesome....
Alex Nunez @ Feb 29th 2008 12:05PM
Count me in with the "No" contingent. This is a horror show.
Jason Bird @ Feb 29th 2008 3:27PM
Every Zagato car I have ever seen looks better in person than in a photo. They are far too complex to come across two dimensionally. Except for the Lancia Beta Zagato...they don't come across at all.
Dave @ Feb 29th 2008 12:57PM
It looks like a very ugly 300C. And the 300C isn't that hot to begin with, but it's not cringe worthy like this! Yikes!
almost Dr. G.. @ Mar 2nd 2008 10:34AM
this does look like the 300c.
although i like the 300c it puts bentley to shame to say that it looks like a 300c.
ugg.tryptophan @ Feb 29th 2008 1:26PM
its kind of a showoff vehicle, a shame because the Continental is a very tasteful car
Iridium @ Feb 29th 2008 1:43PM
It looks like Bentley's evil demented stepsister. If it wasn't based on a Bentley it could be an alright design but when you base a car on a mark that has such history like Bentley, and then through away all the details that makes it a distinctive British design, it just fails.
The sketch looks a lot better than the actual car. Which is the case a lot of times.
Reminds me of the Giaguaro Mustang. It is a very cool overall design but in the end really didn't look like a Mustang anymore. There was nothing American about it.
JM @ Feb 29th 2008 4:59PM
Wasn't the Continental GT designed by a German (or Belgian)? I think of it as a Teutonic design with some traditional Bentley styling cues thrown in.
Emeka Diribe @ Feb 29th 2008 3:17PM
The epitome of beauty
mk @ Feb 29th 2008 4:00PM
Gorgeous.
This is the closest thing yet to re-creating the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato.
The DB7 Zagatos were not as good looking.
This bentley looks great, and I always love the double-bubble roofline, to reduce the roof's frontal area in the center, where it would normally be the highest.
I'd not have gone two-tone on the paint, though. Brooklands green monotone would be fine.
A WELL-turned british car with an italian coach-built body... a thing of beauty.
Fooman @ Feb 29th 2008 7:58PM
Why mess with perfection....