Geneva 2009: Zagato's Perana Z-One is desire in motion

Okay, okay. We'll admit it. The world doesn't need another sportscar. But then we don't really need anything beyond food, clothing and shelter. Everything else is desire, and the Zagato Perana Z-One definitely fits the mold... and fits it well. The Z-One's got the power (a 440hp 'Vette-sourced V8), the looks (styled by Milanese coachbuilder Zagato), the exclusivity (less than 1,000 units annually) at a competitive price (starting at 50k euros). To our eye, the South Africa GT is one of Zagato's best contemporary designs – following such recent examples as the Maserati GS, Ferrari 575 GTZ, Spyker C12, Diatto Ottovu and Bentley GTZ – but don't take our word for it: check it out in the galleries below. Details in the press release after the jump.

Photos Copyright ©2009 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

PRESS RELEASE:

Zagato is launching an exciting World Premiere on the occasion of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show: the Perana Z-One (Zee-One).

The sports car Perana Z-One signals the first collaboration of the Milanese Coachbuilders with a South African Vehicle Manufacturer: Perana Performance Group.

The Perana project is the result of Zagato's 90 year-long expertise in constructing fully functional running concepts.

Virtual reality development has been integrated from inception, effectively eliminating the need for the traditional styling model and enabling the prototype to be completed in less than 4 months by the South African team.

Design Concept:

As the latest descendant of the Zagato sports car family, Z-one is designed with full blooded Zagato form language. Reflecting this pure passion from this brand new sports car specialist, the proportion and volume of Z-one is even tighter than usual sports car styling, accentuated by couple of long and dynamic curves with keen edge which visually integrate some important design features like the air out-lets. Surfaces defined by those cutting edges are even more sculptured maintaining the modern Zagato line which we have been developing for a decade.

Initiative:

Following in the footsteps of Zagato's long tradition of masterfully designed cars, the Perana Z-One is no mere dream car, but a thoroughly practical and feasible production proposition that is expected to be available for sale to discerning European buyers by July 2009.

The Zagato Design Centre has styled the Perana Z-one to ensure it is built as a limited series production car. Sales will be limited to 999 cars per annum within Europe to assure exclusivity and to commemorate the 90 years of Zagato design.

Complying with Euro 4 emission legislation, this value proposition is expected to be launched at the introductory price of under 50.000 Euros, before taxes – an irresistible and highly competitive offer.

Technical Development:

From the innovative tubular and box section chassis to the exciting interior styling, the Perana Z-One is a concentration of advanced design and engineering. Fully certifiable for the road, this ultra high–performance, front engined sports coupé uses a powerful 6.2 litre V8 engine that drives the rear wheels. This genuine 2-seater coupé, enjoys the benefits of almost 50/50 weight distribution allowing for exhilarating, balanced and predictable road manners.

Specification Sheet

TECH DETAILS

General Data
Curb Weight - 1195 kg
Weight Distribution - Front: 50%, Rear: 50%
Wheelbase - 2540 mm
Track - Front: 1627 mm, Rear: 1570 mm
Length - 4406 mm
Height - 1233 mm
Width - 1924 mm

Accommodation

Seating Capacity - 2

Engine
Configuration - V8, All Aluminium
Displacement - 6200 cc
Power - 328 kW @
Torque - 583 Nm @
Max. rpm - 6600 rpm
Fuel Delivery - Fuel Injection. Electronic, Sequential Port.
Compression Ratio - 10.7: 1

Drive train
Gearbox - 6 speed manual
Differential - ZF Limited Slip

Wheels
Perana / Zagato - Front: 18 x 10J, Rear: 19 x 12J
Tyres
Michelin PS2 - Front: 275/35 ZR18, Rear: 345/30 ZR19
Chassis
Layout - Front/Mid Engine - Rear Drive
Frame - Steel Tube Space Frame
Body - Vinyl-Ester/Glass Composite
Brakes - Front: 325mm
Rear: 305mm
Assist type - Vacuum
Steering - ZF Power Assist
Suspension - Front: Unequal Length A-arms, Eibach springs,
Bilstein shocks, Anti-roll bar
- Rear: Unequal length A-arms, Eibach springs,
Bilstein shocks, Anti-roll bar
Fuel Capacity - 85 litres

Performance

Power/weight ratio - (328 hp/tonne) 240 kW/tonne
0 – 100km/h - sub 4 secs (est)
0 – 160km/h - sub 10 secs (est)
Braking - 38m (est)