(from Zagato Press Release)
Zagato and Aston Martin: a strong alliance that goes back to the 60s
with the legendary DB4 GTZ, continued in the 80s with the Vantage and
Volante, and is now firmer than ever in the new millennium with the DB7
Zagato and American Roadster 1.
These are the cult cars of collectors and enthusiasts, always prime
examples of the “instant classic”.
At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Zagato is presenting the Roadster
version of the Aston Martin Vanquish, partly leaving unchanged the
original project. For the first time, this Milan workshop is not giving
an entirely new look to the production model, but is offering an
interesting variation of the Vanquish, introducing innovative,
futuristic touches of style.
While the Aston Martin DB7 Zagato and AR1 were initially presented to
customers in the form of a limited edition, immediately sold out, the
Vanquish Roadster is a “provocation” proposed by Zagato with the backing
of Aston Martin itself.
Close cooperation between Nori Harada, Zagato’s Automotive Chief
Designer, and Peter Hutchinson, Design Manager at Aston Martin, has
resulted in this new car introducing elements that are a sharp break
with the Roadster segment.
A decidedly original interpretation that combines the totally unique
design of the rear with the introduction of a functional modular cover
system.
A hard top for winter,
developed to not appear as an add-on but as an integral part that also
takes in the rear. On warmer days of the year, its place is taken by a
transparent hardened glass and an easily used soft cover.
Developed by Zagato’s engineers, this soft top is easily and simply
mounted and, when not in use, is held in the luggage compartment without
taking up much space.
The car has a round rear light cluster, a tapered tail to best feature
the wheelbox and a completely new rear bumper. The hardened glass, with
its curvy ‘double bubble’ form, emphasises how unique and valued is this
proposal, balancing in a different, almost extravagant way, the
relationship between the solid and void.
Special care has been applied to the interior trim, made exclusive by
the design and type of seaming introduced.
A luggage compartment immediately behind the seats can also be seen
through the glass cover.
At the front, the Vanquish Roadster proposal retains the design of the
coupe version famous for being James Bond’s most recent car.
Vanquish Roadster
Height: 1265 mm
Width: 1923 mm
Length: 4685 mm
Wheelbase: 2690 mm
Front track: 1572 mm
Rear track: 1584 mm
Engine: V-12
Capacity: 5935 cc
Torque Nm/rpm: 555/5000
Weight/power ratio: 541
Max speed: n.a.
