Aston Martin V12 Zagato
Not everyone likes its looks, but there is no denying that the new Aston Martin V12 Zagato is an attention-grabber. It arrives half a decade after Aston's first tie-up with the Italian styling house and it already has a racing pedigree.
Both cars featured on the show stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show recently completed the Nurburgring 24 Hours race, and one of them is still in battle dress. The other is back to looking like a road car on the outside, but it retains its racing modifications in the cabin and under the skin.
Read Blog: Aston Martin Revives the Zagato
More coverage from the Frankfurt Motor Show
Aston Martin V12 Zagato
Aston Martin V12 Zagato
Aston Martin V12 Zagato
Aston Martin V12 Zagato
What is it? The Aston Martin V12 Zagato is essentially a V12 Vantage in a designer dress. Marking 50 years since the DB4 GT Zagato was unveiled, the new car is hand-assembled in carbon fiber and aluminium, and limited to just 150.
What's hot? Italian style, British muscle — what's not to like? Especially when that muscle is a 6.0-liter 517-horsepower V12 engine. No wonder it needs such big vents in the hood. And just look at that snarling snout. Grrrrr.
What's not? The snarling snout is one thing, but the Zagato has come under some scrutinty for its overall look, which some — shock! horror! — have compared to the Nissan GT-R. But if you want a boring old ordinary-looking Aston, you can always buy the regular V12 Vantage. Stop moaning.
How much and when? The regular car will save you around $310,000, as the V12 Zagato is priced at an eye-watering $520,000. Aston will begin making them next summer, but you probably want to get your name down now.
MSN Autos' verdict: It's an Aston Martin for the more discerning, and the more, uh, rich.
