A British and Italian supercar with a Nürburgring pedigree.

Back in May, Aston Martin created a stir in the automotive world with the unveiling of the new V12 Zagato. The car was originally a concept that was built in collaboration with the Italian design firm, Zagato, to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the DB4GT Zagato. Now, after winning awards and racing at the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race, Aston Martin will be bringing two racing versions of the V12 Zagato to the 2011 IAA International Auto Show in Frankfurt.

What started out as a concept idea to celebrate the original partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato has blossomed into the creation of a new supercar. The Aston Martin V12 Zagato made its public debut at the 2011 Villa D’Este Concours event in Italy to an excited crowd. The new supercar was so popular that it even took home the Design Award for the concept and prototype class. The enthusiasm and popularity surrounding the car grew exponentially and afterwards Aston Martin introduced a pair of racecars based on the original concept.

Nicknamed “Zig” (green) and “Zag” (red) by their racing teams, the V12 Zagatos were put to the test in two prominent races at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Each car was fitted with the full aerodynamic treatment sporting a front splitter, dive planes, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. Both cars were first raced at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race to prepare for what would become the true showcase of their power and potential. On the 25th and 26th of June, Aston Martin raced “Zig” and “Zag” at the 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour endurance race, both finishing the race with a combined 230 laps and 3,700 miles total.

After the success at the grueling endurance race, Aston Martin gave the V12 Zagato the green light for production. Each car will be handcrafted in the marquee’s headquarters in Gaydon, England. Based on the V12 Vantage, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato features beautiful carbon fiber and aluminum bodywork in a classic Zagato design. The production models will be powered by the Aston Martin 6.0-liter V-12 engine producing 510 bhp and 420 lb-ft. of torque. The power will be sent through a six-speed manual transmission to the 19-inch forged wheels at the rear. The production Aston Martin V12 Zagato is capable of reaching 62 mph from rest in just 4.2 seconds and hitting a top speed of 190 mph.

The production Aston Martin V12 Zagato models will be available during the summer of 2012 for £ 330,000 (+/- 539,000 USD) and be strictly limited to 150 units. Aston Martin will feature the two racing versions, “Zig” and “Zag” at the 2011 International Auto Show in Frankfurt alongside the One-77, Virage, and Vantage S.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato Specifications:

Engine:
Type: 6.0-liter V-12
Maximum Horsepower: 510 bhp (380 kW) at 6,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 420 lb-ft. (570 Nm) at 5750 RPM

Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel

Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.2 seconds
Top Speed: 190 mph (305 km/h)

Wheels and Tires:
Wheels: 19-inch aluminum alloy forged wheels
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Corsa
Front Tires: 255/35 ZR 19
Rear Tires: 295/30 ZR 19

Aston Martin V12 Zagato Gallery:

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[Source: Aston Martin]

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