Hot News: Aston Martin V12 Zagato Gets Green Light

It's official, the brand new Aston Martin V12 Zagato is expected to begin production in the summer of 2012.

The exclusive two-seat supercar – which received huge interest from customers after completion of the 2011 Nurburgring 24 Hour race, coming fifth and sixth in class – was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original DB4, Aston Martin Zagato.

Under its aluminum and carbon fibre skin lie the foundations of the outgoing V12 Vantage, sharing the chassis, core design and crucially, the same 6.0-litre V12 front-mounted engine.

The engine itself remains unmodified from the range-topping Vantage, producing the same 510bhp, and 570Nm torque.

To keep weight to a minimum, 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels are included as standard, amongst other racing-inspired weight saving features.

Estimates suggest the elegant coupe will be capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in around 4.2 seconds before climbing to a top speed of 190mph. Virtually identical to its older brother.

Taking inspiration from its racing pedigree, the Zagato holds a 120-litre endurance fuel tank, a bespoke steel roll cage and is fitted with fully adjustable dampers. It also sports a curvaceous double-bubble roof, providing ample headroom for those wishing to take it to the track.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Director of Design said: "The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style."

Just 150 examples of this Anglo-Italian artwork will make it into production and first deliveries are expected to be made towards the end of 2012.

The price for such exclusivity is a blinding £330,000 (£396,000 including VAT), three times the price of the mechanically similar V12 Vantage, at £135,000.

The Gaydon based firm have confirmed that they are taking orders for the car, “honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind” on a first come, first served basis. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express