Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Perana Z-One [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/2013-perana-z-one-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/2013-perana-z-one-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/2013-perana-z-one-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A Red In Tooth And Claw Throwback

2013 Perana Z-One - front three-quarter view at sunset

Regardless of whether or not one considers its physical appearance attractive, the Perana Z-One breaks necks everywhere it goes.

I piloted this metallic burgundy coupe down a main thoroughfare in car-centric Orange County - these are people who see exotics daily - and everyone gawked as if the two-seater were covered in blinking high-intensity strobe lights. While the exhaust is loud enough to disturb those driving with mobile phones stuck to their faces, it's not just the acoustic concussion drawing their attention; the Perana's extraordinarily long nose, aggressive wide stance and massive rear clip tell everyone that this is something special.

After less than an hour behind the wheel, I had interacted with more than a dozen strangers about the alluring Z-One. Some yelled to me at traffic lights, more than a few waved from the curb, and then there was a car full of high school kids who chased me down and encircled me in a parking lot. The attention the Perana commanded was nothing short of astounding.

Continue reading 2013 Perana Z-One [w/video]

2013 Perana Z-One [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 perana z one2013peranazoneac 378 gt zagatoac zagatofeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveHillbankhillbank motor corporationperanaperana z-onez-onezagatoTue, 22 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20434512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/2013-perana-z-one-first-drive-review/20434512/article-detail.xml 20434512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-zagato-perana-z-one-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-zagato-perana-z-one-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Are the best days behind the Italian carrozzeria?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Museums, Not Motor Shows, Take Center Stage In 2012



Two museum exhibitions, one opening and the other just closed, that recognize a pair of leading design houses, Pininfarina and Bertone, are celebrating iconic car designs that have come from their studios. At the same time, these events underscore the uncertain future faced by the independent Italian design community at large.

Pininfarina is being commemorated in an exhibition at Museo Ferrari in Maranello, which runs through next January, while Bertone, celebrating its 100th anniversary, was the subject of a display that closed last month at the Italian National Car Museum in Turin.

These two firms, along with many others including Italdesign Giugiaro, Ghia, Zagato and Touring, were the go-to guys when manufacturers the world over needed design and engineering services to create everything from concept cars to limited production runs. But changes in the industry, including massive consolidation of brands and tough economic times, raise the question of whether these carrozzeria are relevant or not.

It wasn't always so as both the Pininfarina and Bertone museum displays testify.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Are the best days behind the Italian carrozzeria?

Are the best days behind the Italian carrozzeria? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonecarrozzeriafeaturedghiamatt delorenzopininfarinatouringzagatoTue, 13 Nov 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20377418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/20377418/article-detail.xml 20377418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/museoferrari-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/museoferrari-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Zagato Roadster lurks on the Concept Lawn of Pebble Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/bmw-zagato-roadster-lurks-on-the-concept-lawn-of-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/bmw-zagato-roadster-lurks-on-the-concept-lawn-of-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/bmw-zagato-roadster-lurks-on-the-concept-lawn-of-pebble-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

BMW Zagato Roadster

Never underestimate what at an automaker can accomplish with a little determination. We spotted the BMW Zagato Roadster sulking on the lawn at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance among the various other concept cars on display in front of the lodge. Built in just six weeks, BMW executed the roadster as an encore to the delectable Zagato Coupe, and the two share plenty of hand-hammered aluminum body panels. There are a few notable differences, however. The roadster boasts a completely unique hindquarters befitting a soft top. We aren't entirely smitten with the blacked-out tail lamp treatment, though the angular exhaust, flowing haunches and sculpted rear deck are straight winners in our book.

A quick stroll around the convertible revealed a number of clever details, including the Z-mesh grille, beautiful two-tone interior and leather-clad roll hoops. Do love. You can take a closer look yourself by jumping into the full gallery above.

BMW Zagato Roadster lurks on the Concept Lawn of Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW and Zagato decided that their initial collaboration on the Zagato Coupe, which debuted just three months ago at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, was so successful that an encore was called for. The result is this, the Zagato Roadster, which was conceived, designed and produced in the remarkably short time of six weeks to be ready for its debut this weekend at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Perhaps the haste with which the Z4-based Zagato Roadster came into being doesn't impress you because it is, after all, a droptop version of the Coupe, most of which has been carried over intact. There are, however, differences, particularly out back where the entire rear end required a redesign.

Truth be told, we favor the Roadster's design a little more than the Coupe's, which places so much of its visual mass over the rear axle. The Roadster looks more balanced between its wheels, and those brown leather-wrapped roll bars are simply to die for. BMW says that Zagato's trademark double-bubble roof has even been preserved in the car's silhouette with the roof in place, though has failed to supply us with any images as proof. No matter, as we're planning to run across the Zagato Coupe on the greens of Pebble Beach soon enough, and will be back with our own live gallery.

Continue reading BMW Zagato Roadster breaks cover in Pebble Beach

BMW Zagato Roadster breaks cover in Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The pageant of global automotive finery that is Pebble Beach weekend is under way, and among the many automakers with big plans is BMW. Its prize pony will be the unveiling of the BMW Zagato concept (click the photo above to enlarge) - a different BMW-Zagato collaboration than what was revealed at Villa d'Este earlier this year (see gallery below). This one to be debuted at Pebble Beach has familiar lines, but is a roadster.

Elsewhere on the lawns of Pebble, the 2013 7 Series and Alpina B7 will plant their tires on American soil for the first time and get the 650i Gran Coupe, M5 and M6 for a cheering section. Beyond the grass, a 1986 BMW-March GTP, 1980 BMW M1 Procar and 1975 BMW 3.5 CSL will be heating up the asphalt at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and the 40th anniversary of the M division will be one of the subplots at Legends of the Autobahn.

Have a read of the press release below for the official details, and stay tuned for our live coverage from these hallowed links.

Continue reading BMW outlines plans at Pebble, teases new Zagato concept

BMW outlines plans at Pebble, teases new Zagato concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6 series6 series gran coupe7 seriesbmwm5m6pebble beachpebble beach 2012zagatozagato conceptzagato roadsterThu, 16 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/16/bmw-outlines-plans-at-pebble-teases-new-zagato-concept/20302201/article-detail.xml 20302201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/teaserzagato-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/teaserzagato-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Zagato Coupe clears its throat for the crowds at Villa d'Este]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/bmw-zagato-coupe-clears-its-throat-for-the-crowds-at-villa-dest/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/bmw-zagato-coupe-clears-its-throat-for-the-crowds-at-villa-dest/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/bmw-zagato-coupe-clears-its-throat-for-the-crowds-at-villa-dest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

BMW Zagato Coupe

Goodbye Bangle, hello Zagato. While the BMW design ethos may be best known for the aggressive flame-surfacing language, it took a decidedly different approach at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este this weekend when it unveiled the Zagato Coupé concept.

Deduced to be based on the current Z4, the Zagato Coupé was coachbuilt by the famed Milanese design studio into the swoopy Kamm-tailed prototype you see here. Word on the Italian lakeshore is that, along with the new shape, BMW has also increased the coupe's output to 400 horsepower - presumably from the 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six that produces 340 horsepower in the top-of-the-line Z4 sDrive35is.

But don't take our word for it - watch the video below to listen to the fully functional concept car kick over as Andrea Zagato drives his latest creation from the lawn across the judging booth at Villa d'Este.

Continue reading BMW Zagato Coupe clears its throat for the crowds at Villa d'Este

BMW Zagato Coupe clears its throat for the crowds at Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw z4bmw zagato coupébmw zagato coupeconcorso deleganza villa destevideovilla destez4zagatoTue, 29 May 2012 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246522/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/bmw-zagato-coupe-clears-its-throat-for-the-crowds-at-villa-dest/20246522/article-detail.xml 20246522 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zagato-bmw-vidcap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zagato-bmw-vidcap.jpg <![CDATA[Evanta reimagines Aston Martin DB7 as retro DB4 GT Zagato]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/evanta-reimagines-aston-martin-db7-as-retro-db4-gt-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/evanta-reimagines-aston-martin-db7-as-retro-db4-gt-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/evanta-reimagines-aston-martin-db7-as-retro-db4-gt-zagato/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Evanta Aston Martin DB7/DB4 GT Zagato Evocation

In love with the classic DB4 GT? You're in good company. The first of a series of collaborations between Aston Martin and Zagato is one of the most beautiful automobiles ever made. But getting your hands on one would not be a cheap proposition.

After initially unveiling the DB4 GT at the 1960 London Motor Show, Aston Martin built 19 examples through 1963. In 1991 an additional four examples were built, followed by another pair in 2000. But no matter which batch you're looking at, prices still exceed the million-dollar mark whenever one goes up for auction. In fact, a Sanction II coupe recently sold at the Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell for a record $1.9 million. So what's a fan to do?

British coachbuilder Evanta Motor Company claims to have the solution. The company has a background in creating modern replicas of the DB4 GT, among other classic Astons, but for this example, it didn't start from the ground up. Instead it took a DB7 - of which Aston produced some 7,000 examples in its ten-year production run - and rebodied it to look like a classic Zagato.

This particular conversion is based on the DB7 V12 Vantage model, with an earlier version of the same 6.0-liter V12 still employed in the latest Astons producing 420 horsepower. That's considerably more than the 314 hp offered by the 3.7-liter straight six in the original DB4 GT, and it is mated to an automatic gearbox and all the modern accoutrements, from air conditioning to air bags.

The blueish-silver bodywork hides a red leather interior complete with full rollcage and retrofitted dashboard and seats. While all the details surely didn't come cheap, you can bet it cost less for Evanta to create than an original DB4 GT - or for that matter, a 2002 DB7 Zagato.

Evanta reimagines Aston Martin DB7 as retro DB4 GT Zagato originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin db4aston martin db4 gtaston martin db4 gt zagatoaston martin db7aston martin db7 vantage zagatoaston martin db7 zagatodb4db4 gtdb4 gt zagatodb7evantaevanta motor companyzagatoTue, 29 May 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/evanta-reimagines-aston-martin-db7-as-retro-db4-gt-zagato/20246115/article-detail.xml 20246115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/aston-martin-db7-conversion3web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/aston-martin-db7-conversion3web.jpg <![CDATA[$1.9M Zagato coupe highlights Bonhams sale at Aston Martin Works]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/27/1-9m-zagato-coupe-highlights-bonhams-sale-at-aston-martin-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/27/1-9m-zagato-coupe-highlights-bonhams-sale-at-aston-martin-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/27/1-9m-zagato-coupe-highlights-bonhams-sale-at-aston-martin-works/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato

Every year Bonhams holds an auction in the hallowed halls of Aston Martin Works, the restoration shop on the site of the company's old Newport Pagnell factory. A number of rare and significant Astons crossed the block at the recently expanded facility.

At the top of the list was a DB4GT Zagato "Sanction II" coupe (pictured above). While the original collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato netted nineteen DB4 GTs between 1961 and 1963, the two firms had planned for 23. Thirty years later, Aston revived the project and sent four unfinished chassis down to Zagato's headquarters in Milan and had the series completed. It was the fourth and last of these "Sanction II" coupes - previously owned by music industry manager Tony Smith - that was sold this week at Newport Pagnell, fetching a record £1.2 million - just under $1.9 million at today's rates.

Alongside the pristine Zagato coupe, Bonhams auctioned off a 1962 DB4 Vantage convertible for £611,900 ($960k) and a 1963 DBS convertible for £488,700 ($767k). A one-of-a-kind 1971 DBS shooting brake commissioned by a Scottish nobleman and outfitted for fishing went for £345,000 ($540k) - considerably more than its £60k pre-sale estimate. Other highlights included a 1994 Virage Volante once used by the Prince of Wales and a 1994 Virage owned by boxing champ Lennox Lewis.

Overall, the event brought in £6.5 million - equivalent to over ten million dead presidents. You can read the press release below for more details from both Aston Martin Works and Bonhams.

Continue reading $1.9M Zagato coupe highlights Bonhams sale at Aston Martin Works

$1.9M Zagato coupe highlights Bonhams sale at Aston Martin Works originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 May 2012 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin db4 gt zagatoaston martin db4 gt zagato sanction iiaston martin worksauctionbonhamszagatoSun, 27 May 2012 14:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/27/1-9m-zagato-coupe-highlights-bonhams-sale-at-aston-martin-works/20243863/article-detail.xml 20243863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/astonmartindb4-gtz01web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/astonmartindb4-gtz01web.jpg <![CDATA[BMW reveals stunning Zagato Coupe at Villa d'Este]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/bmw-reveals-stunning-zagato-coupe-at-villa-deste/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/bmw-reveals-stunning-zagato-coupe-at-villa-deste/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/bmw-reveals-stunning-zagato-coupe-at-villa-deste/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW Zagato Coupe

It could be said that no auto show is as glamorous as the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Held on the picturesque shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, the annual concours is sponsored by BMW. So it only stands to reason that the Bavarian automaker wouldn't let the show come and go without making a splash on its own.

Previous years saw BMW roll into Cernobbio with such show-stopping concepts as the M1 Hommage and the 328 Hommage, but this year it's not looking back on its history to draw its inspiration. Instead it's teamed up with celebrated Italian coachbuilder Zagato to dream up the concept you see here.

A rare instance of Munich reaching beyond its own design department, the BMW Zagato Coupé is a one-off concept, but is far from a fragile show car. The shape is aerodynamically optimized and the car is fully road registered in Germany, and has already undergone high-speed testing at BMW's own test facility. The Bavarian automaker remains tight-lipped on its underpinnings and running gear, but the obvious conclusion - whether ultimately correct or not - is that it's based on the Z4 roadster.

Whatever lies beneath the hand-crafted aluminum shape, however, is of less consequence than its design. Reinvigorating a tradition of collaboration that goes back to the 1959 BMW 3200 Michelotti Vignale through to the Giugiaro-designed M1 of 1978, the Zagato Coupé concept aptly embodies design cues attributable to both BMW and Zagato - from the twin-kidney grille (whose mesh is made up of little Zs), over the double-bubble roof (a hallmark of Zagato styling originally intended to accommodate a racing helmet in early designs) to the Kamm tail that BMW and Zagato both claim as common heritage.

The greenhouse is set way back and the hood is longer than it took us to put together the immense gallery of high-resolution images BMW has released of the show-stopping concept, which you'll want to check out in detail along with the full press release below.

Continue reading BMW reveals stunning Zagato Coupe at Villa d'Este

BMW reveals stunning Zagato Coupe at Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw zagatobmw zagato coupébmw zagato coupecernobbioconcorso deleganzaconcorso deleganza villa destevilla destez4zagatozagato coupézagato coupeFri, 25 May 2012 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245501/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/bmw-reveals-stunning-zagato-coupe-at-villa-deste/20245501/article-detail.xml 20245501 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-zagato-coupe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-zagato-coupe.jpg <![CDATA[Private showing gives us a closer look at the Aston Martin V12 Zagato]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/private-showing-gives-us-a-closer-look-at-the-aston-martin-v12-z/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/private-showing-gives-us-a-closer-look-at-the-aston-martin-v12-z/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/private-showing-gives-us-a-closer-look-at-the-aston-martin-v12-z/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Zagato in red - front three-quarter view

We last saw the Aston Martin V12 Zagato on the floor at the Geneva Motor Show in March. It was hardly an opportune moment to relish the automaker's stunning new two-seater, however, as we were forced to dodge the crowds while shooting images for our live gallery. Wanting to get a closer second look at the exceedingly rare exotic and shoot a more detailed photo montage, we visited Galpin Aston Martin in Southern California for a private viewing (astute readers may recall that several years ago we visted Galpin's exclusive "vault room" to check out the Aston Martin One-77).

Beneath this example's glossy Diavolo Red paint, mounted within the all-alloy aluminum monocoque platform, is the powerful running gear of a V12 Vantage (a car we called "an intoxicating machine masterfully engineered to gratify every emotion in a car enthusiast's soul" in our V12 Vantage review). In a nutshell, the rear-wheel drive V12 Zagato features a naturally-aspirated 6.0-liter V12 (rated at 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque), a rear mid-mounted transaxle and a traditional six-speed manual gearbox. Ever so slightly lighter than the V12 Vantage, the V12 Zagato will crack the 60 mph benchmark in about four seconds and not run out of steam until about 190 mph. Scroll down to continue reading.

Continue reading Private showing gives us a closer look at the Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Private showing gives us a closer look at the Aston Martin V12 Zagato originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 aston martin v12 zagatoaston martinaston martin v12aston martin v12 zagatoaston martin zagatov12 zagatozagatozagato galleryFri, 20 Apr 2012 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20220059/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/private-showing-gives-us-a-closer-look-at-the-aston-martin-v12-z/20220059/article-detail.xml 20220059 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/aston-martin-v12-zagato-galpin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/aston-martin-v12-zagato-galpin.jpg <![CDATA[Perana Z-One resurfaces with AC badge as 378 GT Zagato]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/perana-z-one-resurfaces-with-ac-badge-as-378-gt-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/perana-z-one-resurfaces-with-ac-badge-as-378-gt-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/perana-z-one-resurfaces-with-ac-badge-as-378-gt-zagato/#commentsFiled under: , ,

AC 378 GT Zagato

We haven't heard much about Perana in quite some time, but not nearly as long as it's been since the name AC last came up on our radar screen. The progenitor of the iconic Shelby Cobra, AC Cars is one of those great many British sportscar manufacturers that has long since disappeared into obscurity. There has been talk here and there of reviving the marque with a new model, but none of that seems to have materialized. Until now. Sort of.

Perana, as you may recall, is (or was) the name of an upstart automaker producing a devastatingly beautiful sportscar called the Z-One penned by no less accomplished a design house than Zagato. Now, the design (or, at least, what appears to be the same design) has resurfaced under the AC badge.

Called the 378 GT Zagato, the AC-ified Z-One is apparently being produced on the same line in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where the Perana was, and where, incidentally, some Noble models are, as well. The numeric nameplate is taken from the cubic-inch displacement of the 6.2-liter V8 engine.

It's certainly not the first time Zagato has designed for an established British marque, the production version of the V12 Zagato it designed for Aston Martin having been unveiled as this one was being announced at the other end of the Geneva Palexpo. AC and Zagato also collaborated on a one-off Bristol variant back in 1957, a model that is scheduled to be showcased alongside the new 378 GT at Pebble Beach later this year where AC will be the featured marque two years after the Z-One made its U.S. debut on the very same manicured lawns.

That's not where the collaboration is expected to end, however, as a roadster based on the same platform but featuring more Cobra-like bodywork is next in the pipeline. We're not sure where that leaves Perana, but we'll be watching to see where this goes. In the meantime you can see the full press release and spec sheet below, with high-res images (including some deliciously retro color schemes) in the gallery above.

Continue reading Perana Z-One resurfaces with AC badge as 378 GT Zagato

Perana Z-One resurfaces with AC badge as 378 GT Zagato originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>378378 gtacac 378 gtac 378 gt zagatoac carsperanaperana z-onez-onezagatoWed, 14 Mar 2012 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20191930/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/14/perana-z-one-resurfaces-with-ac-badge-as-378-gt-zagato/20191930/article-detail.xml 20191930 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/webac378gtc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/webac378gtc.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the Red Baron of coupes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Aston Martin showed off a few photos of the production version of the V12 Zagato last month, and then a video recently. If you're one of the no-more-than 150 customers who manages to take one home, then here are detailed views of what you can expect. The rear end is particularly striking, even with a wing that's the least stylized object on the entire car.

The £330,000 aluminum and carbon fiber coupe hides 510 horsepower and production tricks borrowed from the One-77. Deliveries will begin toward the end of this year, but you can explore its glory now in the gallery of high-res photos from the Geneva Motor Show floor.

Continue reading Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the Red Baron of coupes

Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the Red Baron of coupes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin v12 zagatogenevageneva 2012geneva motor showv12 vantagev12 zagatovantagevantage v12zagatoTue, 06 Mar 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186648/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva-2012/20186648/article-detail.xml 20186648 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin releases first footage of V12 Zagato]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/aston-martin-releases-first-footage-of-v12-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/aston-martin-releases-first-footage-of-v12-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/aston-martin-releases-first-footage-of-v12-zagato/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Aston Martin has never had a problem making its cars look and sound glorious. A contributing hand from Zagato has only made the pointy end of its capabilities that much sharper. The V12 Zagato, built with a slew of extra man-hours on top of a V12 Vantage, will deliver 510 horsepower of twelve-cylinder, limited-edition happiness to 150 buyers.

We'll see the production version of the V12 Zagato on the Geneva Motor Show floor, but you can check it out in motion in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Aston Martin releases first footage of V12 Zagato

Aston Martin releases first footage of V12 Zagato originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin zagatogenevageneva 2012geneva motor showv12 vantagev12 zagatovideosyoutubezagatoMon, 05 Mar 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20185790/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/aston-martin-releases-first-footage-of-v12-zagato/20185790/article-detail.xml 20185790 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/zagatovideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/zagatovideo.jpg <![CDATA[Zagato sketches out its history with Aston Martin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/zagato-sketches-out-its-history-with-aston-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/zagato-sketches-out-its-history-with-aston-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/zagato-sketches-out-its-history-with-aston-martin/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aston Martin by Zagato sketches

The name Zagato may be most closely associated in the minds of many with other Italian marques - names like Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari. But the truest of connoisseurs wouldn't make the mistake of excluding Aston Martin from the list.

When the two stoic names teamed up for the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, it came as only the latest fruits of a collaboration that stretches back for decades. The classically curvaceous DB4 GT Zagato started it all in 1960, followed by the pugnacious V8 Vantage Zagato and V8 Volante Zagato of the mid-80s and the DB7 V12 Zagato and DB AR1 of the new millennium.

To highlight the lineage, Zagato released the renderings pictured above and a brief history of the bonds that tie it to Aston Martin. Click above to view in extra high resolution and follow the jump to delve into the text.

Continue reading Zagato sketches out its history with Aston Martin

Zagato sketches out its history with Aston Martin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin db ar1aston martin db ar1 zagatoaston martin db4 gtaston martin db4 gt zagatoaston martin db7 gtaston martin db7 gt zagatoaston martin v12 zagatoaston martin v8 vantage zagatoaston martin v8 volante zagatodb4 gtzagatoTue, 21 Feb 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20175020/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/zagato-sketches-out-its-history-with-aston-martin/20175020/article-detail.xml 20175020 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/astonszagatosketchesweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/astonszagatosketchesweb.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin debuts production V12 Zagato]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/aston-martin-debuts-production-v12-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/aston-martin-debuts-production-v12-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/aston-martin-debuts-production-v12-zagato/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin has pulled back the sheets on the first images of its production V12 Zagato. The road car is headed for an official debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March.

Following in the tradition of the automaker's ultra exclusive One-77, the V12 Zagato will take more than 2,000 man-hours to manufacture thanks to hand-hewn body panels, including the hood, roof and doors. Not surprisingly, Aston Martin has committed to building just 150 examples. The V12 Zagato will also make extensive use of carbon fiber, with the front and rear fenders, trunk lid and door sills all constructed from the composite.

Aston Martin created four new colors especially for the V12 Zagato, and paint alone takes 100 hours to complete. Indoors, it takes a full seven hides to cover the cabin in hand-stitched, quilted leather.

The V12 Zagato effectively rides on the same underpinnings as the V12 Vantage, which means buyers can look forward to a 6.0-liter V12 engine with 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, while a six-speed manual transmission puts the power to the ground. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Aston Martin debuts production V12 Zagato

Aston Martin debuts production V12 Zagato originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva motor showaston martinaston martin v12 zagatogenevageneva 2012geneva motor showv12v12 vantagev12 zagatovantagezagatoThu, 09 Feb 2012 10:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168047/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/aston-martin-debuts-production-v12-zagato/20168047/article-detail.xml 20168047 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/zagato-front-3-4-mid-low-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/zagato-front-3-4-mid-low-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Production Aston Martin V12 Zagato headed for Kuwait reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/production-aston-martin-v12-zagato-headed-for-kuwait-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/production-aston-martin-v12-zagato-headed-for-kuwait-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/production-aston-martin-v12-zagato-headed-for-kuwait-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



A howling red prototype of the Aston Martin's V12 Zagato made the international rounds last year, and now the first production example is headed for a Middle East reveal at the Kuwait Concours d' Elegance (running February 15-18). Only 150 of the super-exclusive Astons will be made for worldwide consumption.

Aston Martin hasn't released any new photos so we don't know how the 510-horsepower, £330,000 (that's $550,000 U.S., before taxes), aluminum-and-carbon-bodied coupe will differ from its progenitor. If the model on display at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show is an indicator, though, future owners have much to look forward to.

We'll know more in a few weeks, so until then, feast your eyes on the attached photo galleries and read the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Production Aston Martin V12 Zagato headed for Kuwait reveal

Production Aston Martin V12 Zagato headed for Kuwait reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martin v12 zagatokuwaitkuwait concoursv12 zagatozagatoSun, 29 Jan 2012 15:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/29/production-aston-martin-v12-zagato-headed-for-kuwait-reveal/20159073/article-detail.xml 20159073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/02aston-martin-v12-zagatoiaa11628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/02aston-martin-v12-zagatoiaa11628.jpg <![CDATA[Online Find of the Day: Zagato 575 GTZ puts the rare in Ferrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/online-find-of-the-day-zagato-575-gtz-puts-the-rare-in-ferrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/online-find-of-the-day-zagato-575-gtz-puts-the-rare-in-ferrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/online-find-of-the-day-zagato-575-gtz-puts-the-rare-in-ferrari/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2005 Ferrari 575 GTZ

There was a golden era of coachbuilding Ferrari models, and there is the modern era of coachbuilding Ferraris. In between there was very little such activity, but its rebirth was heralded largely by the coupe you see here.

As the story goes, the inspiration for this car dates back to the original Ferrari 250 GTZ, which Zagato built in the late 1950s. One such example landed in the collection of a noted Japanese collector by the name of Hayashi, who sought to celebrate the original's 50th anniversary. So in 2005, Hayashi contracted Zagato to build a modern interpretation of the original based on the 575 M. Ferrari gave its blessing, but since the new 599 GTB Fiorano was set to debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, they asked Zagato to delay their unveiling until Villa d'Este two months later.

The reaction to the 575 GTZ was so positive that Zagato put it into production, albeit in extremely small numbers. Only six examples were made, with the first two going to Mr. Hayashi - and this is one of them. Whereas the first example received a two-tone silver paint job, this second example was painted black with a green interior. And now it has come onto the market.

Although the one Bentley Continental GTZ ever built recently went up for sale, the opportunity to get your hands on an original Zagato limited edition as exclusive as this car is a rare one indeed. It's on sale at Symbolic Motor Car Company of La Jolla with just 2,800 miles on the clock, though there's no asking price listed and it isn't street legal in California. Check it out in the high-res image gallery for a closer look.

Online Find of the Day: Zagato 575 GTZ puts the rare in Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2005 ferrari 575 gtz575575 gtz575 mferrariferrari 575 gtzhayashizagatoWed, 21 Dec 2011 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20132330/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/21/online-find-of-the-day-zagato-575-gtz-puts-the-rare-in-ferrari/20132330/article-detail.xml 20132330 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web01-575-gtz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web01-575-gtz.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Zagato's 2008 Bentley Continental GTZ show car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-zagatos-2008-bentley-continental-gtz-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-zagatos-2008-bentley-continental-gtz-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-zagatos-2008-bentley-continental-gtz-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2008 Bentley Continental GTZ by Zagato

Back in 2008, Milanese design studio Zagato got together with Bentley to create the Continental GTZ, a coachbuilt version of Crewe's prolific luxury coupe. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the design had some beautiful elements, but the GTZ wasn't supposed to be a one-and-done affair. For a handsome fee, Zagato offered to rebody anyone's Continental GT to mirror the show car; no more than nine examples were to be built. Unfortunately, it looks like nobody was willing to shell out the €800,000 asking price (a bit over $1M USD - plus the donor car's MSRP) to have theirs converted.

As a result, it seems that only the one example was made. But - good news, everyone! - that solitary example, in two-tone silver and green - is now in the United States and available for sale. This is said to be the actual show car, based on a Continental GT Speed, that debuted at the Geneva Palexpo two and a half years ago. The one-of-a-kind creation has just 870 miles on the odometer and promises to endure as a unique collectable. However, that uniqueness carries an insane price tag: Bentley San Francisco, the seller, is looking for a $1.1 million starting bid (on a $1.45 million Buy It Now price). No bids have been registered thus far.

Have a closer look at the auction images from Bentley San Francisco in the gallery above, scope out our original images in the high-res gallery below and follow the link to the auction page for more.

eBay Find of the Day: Zagato's 2008 Bentley Continental GTZ show car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continentalbentley continental gtzcontinental gtcontinental gtzgtzzagatoSat, 10 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20122537/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-zagatos-2008-bentley-continental-gtz-show/20122537/article-detail.xml 20122537 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/zagato-conti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/zagato-conti.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin V12 Zagato is modern mobile art]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/aston-martin-v12-zagato-is-modern-mobile-art/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/aston-martin-v12-zagato-is-modern-mobile-art/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/aston-martin-v12-zagato-is-modern-mobile-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

aston martin v12 zagato

Aston Martin makes beautiful cars. There's no argument there as this is an automotive fact. The Milan, Italy-based Zagato design house, however, can take any car and make it mobile art. It's done just that with the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, a limited-edition show stopper that makes our hearts hurt here in Frankfurt.

Why the heartache? We don't have the necessary £330,000 to buy one. That figure works out to roughly $522,000 U.S. greenbacks, and once you hear the noise this car makes you'll feel a bit better about the pricetag. It also helps that Aston Martin and Zagato will only build 150 examples in total. Production is slated to start in the summer of 2012, which means we have an awful lot of lawns to mow to get ready.

We were expecting that the show car displayed here in Frankfurt would be the production-ready model, but what we had instead was the same example that was shown at Villa d'Este and Pebble Beach, and raced at the Nurburgring. Only this one did away with the spoiler in favor of a new trunk lid. And maybe some new wheels. Check it out for yourself in our gallery of live shots for a closer look.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato is modern mobile art originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtaston martinaston martin v12 zagatofrankfurtfrankfurt motor showv12 zagatozagatoTue, 13 Sep 2011 21:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041658/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/aston-martin-v12-zagato-is-modern-mobile-art/20041658/article-detail.xml 20041658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01aston-martin-v12-zagatoiaa11-1315944918_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01aston-martin-v12-zagatoiaa11-1315944918.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin to present roadgoing production V12 Zagato in Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/aston-martin-to-present-roadgoing-production-v12-zagato-in-frank/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/aston-martin-to-present-roadgoing-production-v12-zagato-in-frank/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/aston-martin-to-present-roadgoing-production-v12-zagato-in-frank/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

When Aston Martin rolls in to Frankfurt next month for the first auto show of the season, it will have the largest display the company has ever mounted at a car show. And among them will be a roadgoing version of the V12 Zagato that will see production.

Well, almost, but not quite. Aston will actually be displaying two examples of the coachbuilt special in Frankfurt, which are, as best we can tell, the only two it's built to date. They're called Zig and Zag, and they're the two vehicles it raced at the Nürburgring to show what they were made of. Zig was built specifically to race and will be displayed in its full competition trim. Zag is the vehicle that wowed the crowds and the judges at Villa d'Este and was then converted to full race spec as well.

That second vehicle will now be converted back - in appearance, at least - to roadgoing trim to give us a glimpse at what the half-million-dollar coachbuilt supercar will look like when it reaches customers' garages. It'll also be the first time the car is shown at a major auto show, although we recently spent some time with it at Pebble Beach.

For a closer look at what to expect of the roadgoing version, take a gander at the pair of images released and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Aston Martin to present roadgoing production V12 Zagato in Frankfurt

Aston Martin to present roadgoing production V12 Zagato in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtastonaston martinaston martin v12 zagatofrankfurtfrankfurt motor showv12 zagatozagatoThu, 25 Aug 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20026568/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/25/aston-martin-to-present-roadgoing-production-v12-zagato-in-frank/20026568/article-detail.xml 20026568 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webv12-zagato-green_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webv12-zagato-green.jpg -1 2