What's the news?
This beautiful car is the latest in a five-strong line-up formed by the collaboration between Aston Martin and Italian coachbuilding firm Zagato. The latest creation cooked up by these historic companies is the glorious Vanquish Zagato Concept, due to be shown off at this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este event on the shores of Lake Como.
Since the DB4 GT Zagato first appeared in 1960, there have been three more models from this exclusive tie-up, the last being 2011's V12 Vantage Zagato, of which 101 were made and sold. No word yet on whether the Vanquish Zagato Concept will follow that route, although we'd be surprised if Aston left it as a show car only.
Exterior
We don't need to tell you how beautiful the Vanquish Zagato Concept is - you only have to look at it - but we can perhaps at least stop you from drooling long enough to give you a few salient points, such as the bodywork is entirely crafted from carbon fibre, the round rear lights are a trademark look of the Italian firm and they also have the 'bladed' LED technology as seen on Aston's Vulcan track-only hypercar. Along with that, the door mirrors were inspired by the One-77, there's a retractable spoiler and an aerodynamic profile similar to the DB11 at the back, quad tailpipes nestle in the lower diffuser, there's an evolved 'side strake' design feature on the Vanquish's flanks and the classic 'double bubble' roof of past Zagatos is retained for 2016. Phew!
Interior
Inside, herringbone carbon fibre is contrasted by shadow and anodised bronze and aniline leather, while there's a 'Z' quilt pattern stitch on the seats and doors, as well as more Zs embossed on the headrests and embroidered on the centre console. That same Z logo can be seen on the front wings of the Aston Zagato.
Mechanicals
Motive power is provided by the usual V12 engine but it has been uprated to 600hp, while Aston cites - rather mysteriously - 'enhanced driving dynamics' too.
Anything else?
Zagato's CEO, Andrea Zagato, said: "We pride ourselves on our strong partnership and the creation of the Vanquish Zagato Concept was a true shared experience. It represents the essence of an important design relationship that dates back over fifty years."