The second-generation V12 Vanquish was introduced in 2012, 11 years after Aston Martin used the nameplate to replace the aging Virage. Equipped with a sporty yet stylish interior and an upgraded 5.9-liter V-12 engine, the V12 Vanquish stands out among other Aston Martins thanks to its impressive performance figures and styling cues borrowed from the limited edition One-77 supercar. After 15 years on the market, the Vanquish has finally spawned a Zagato-designed special edition. The fifth car to emerge from a collaboration that stretches back over five decades, the Vanquish Zagato is the production version of the concept car that Aston Martin showcased at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este earlier in 2016.

Prepared for production thanks to "unprecedented customer interest," the Vanquish Zagato is actually identical to the concept car, down to the wild exterior design and the souped-up V-12 engine. Set to be produced in only 99 units, the Vanquish Zagato joins the 1960 DB4 GT Zagato, the 1986 V8 Vantage Zagato, the 2002 DB7 Vantage Zagato, and the 2011 V12 Vantage Zagato as one of the rarest Aston Martins ever created.

Continue reading to learn more about the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato.

Exterior

Although Aston Martin describes the Vanquish Zagato as "closely related to the concept," the two vehicles are actually identical as far as the exterior design goes. Up front, highlights include the massive grille with integrated LED fog lamps at each corner, a redesigned hood, and large splitter for enhanced downforce.

The side view showcases the same new body panels and sculpted side skirts we saw on the concept earlier in 2016. The iconic Aston Martin side strake has been redesigned to run from wheel arch to the door just like on the new DB11, a detail inspired by the CC-100 anniversary concept. The side mirrors are inspired by the One-77's and feature an aerodynamically optimized design.

Around back, the Vanquish Zagato has a sculptural design borrowed from the DB11, complete with a retractable spoiler and rear hatch for easy access to the luggage compartment. The round taillights harken back to the classic Zagato rear view, while the Vulcan-inspired bladed LED technology gives it a modern feel. The rear section is rounded off by a quad-exhaust layout and a big, diffuser-like element.

Finally, the roof features the iconic "double-bubble", a Zagato trademark since the early 1950s. This design element was originally conceived to enable race cars to accommodate racing helmets with a minimum impact on the aerodynamic profile.

Just like the concept, the production model's body is made entirely from carbon-fiber.

Interior

Unlike the exterior, the interior of the Vanquish Zagato still looks familiar compared to the standard Vanquish. However, the cockpit was enhanced with materials and features that can’t be had on regular Aston Martins. Highlights include "Herringbone" carbon-fiber painted with anodized bronze detailing on the center stack, aniline leather, a unique "Z" quilt pattern stitch on the seats and door panels, "Z" embossed headrests and center console, and double contrast stitching on the upper door panels. The "Z" stitch was also incorporated into the headliner, providing a strong contrast with the dark background. Aston Martin craftsmanship at its best!

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is also identical to the concept's, which means that the Vanquish Zagato gets its juice from a beefed-up, naturally aspirated, 5.9-liter V-12 that cranks out 600 PS (592 horsepower) and 465 pound-feet of torque. That's 24 PS (24 horsepower) more than the standard Vanquish, an advantage that improves the 0-to-60 mph sprint by a tenth-second to 3.5 ticks. However, the U.S.-spec model is rated at 580 horsepower, 12 horses less than the European and British versions. The eight-speed automatic transmission remains standard. Aston Martin says that the limited-edition GT also benefits from a unique suspension setup.

Prices

Pricing for the Vanquish Zagato has yet to be revealed, but given that the standard model retails from around $300,000, it's safe to assume that the rebodied, limited edition model will fetch well in excess of $400,000.

Competition

Ferrari F12tdf

Based on the F12berlinetta, the F12tdf is a special-edition grand tourer that pays tribute to the legendary Tour de France automobile race, an event Ferrari cars dominated from 1956 through 1964. Although it's not as exclusive as the Vanquish at 699 units built, the F12tdf has all the premises to become a prized collectible in just a few years. Its design is far more aggressive than the standard model, the interior has a handful of unique features, while output has been increased from 730 horsepower and 510 pound-feet to 769 horses and 519 pound-feet. Coupled with a bespoke transmission that shifts 30-percent quicker and a four-wheel steering system, the F12tdf charges from 0 to 62 mph in an amazing 2.9 seconds and up to a top speed in excess of 200 mph. Pricing for this model is still a mystery, but the sticker is rumored to sit around the $500,000 mark.

Find out more about the Ferrari F12tdf here.

Lamborghini Aventador SV

A mid-engined supercar, the Aventador is out of the Vanquish's league, but when it comes to bespoke and powerful vehicles, you can't go wrong with a Lambo. Much like the F12tdf, the SuperVeloce is an Avendator with a more aggressive and aerodynamic body kit, as well as a beefed-up powerplant. But, unlike both the Aston Martin and the Ferrari, the Lambo comes with a large rear wing and a race-inspired design. Motivation comes from the brand’s tried-and-true 6.5-liter V-12 engine, which for the SV has been massaged to produce 740 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque. That's just enough to enable the Aventador SV to hit 62 mph in 2.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 217 mph. Pricing for the SV is set at $400,995 in the U.S.

Read more about the Lamborghini Aventador SV here.

Conclusion

When Aston Martin introduced the Zagato Concept at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, I didn't have much hope for a production model, and I hoped that the show car would at least preview the third-generation Vanquish. It turns out I was wrong and I'm actually quite happy because of that. Arguably one of the most beautiful Aston Martins launched in a very long time, the limited-edition GT is solid proof that Zagato still knows how to design gorgeous cars and that the Vanquish still has a lot to offer in its current generation. Granted, it's not as quick as the Ferrari F12tdf and it doesn't have the race-inspired kit of the Avendator SV, but the Vanquish Zagato is the kind of sexy grand tourer that only a collaboration between a British firm and Italy's finest coachbuilder can deliver. On looks alone, the Vanquish Zagato plays in a league of its own!.