Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Collection

Just over a year ago, Aston Martin and Zagato announced the DBZ Centenary Collection in honour of the 100th anniversary of Italian coachbuilder Zagato. The two brands have been working together since the early 1960s, resulting in nearly 20 different models with British technology and Italian design. At the inaugural Audrain’s Newport Concours d’Elegance in Rhode Island/USA, the two vehicles of the DBZ Centenary Collection were officially presented. In addition to a continuation series of the legendary DB4 GT Zagato, with which the partnership between the two companies began in 1960, the completely newly developed DBS GT Zagato also belongs to this pair, which was only sold together and will be produced 19 times in total. Interested parties had to part with at least six million GBP plus taxes.

While the forms and technical components of the newly built classic car are well known, the modern part of the duo hasn’t yet been shown as a real vehicle before, but only in the form of drawings. The long bonnet conceals Aston Martin’s 5.2-liter V12 biturbo engine with a massive 760 BHP. This power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. No information has yet been given on the performance to be expected. In the normal DBS Superleggera the power output is just 725 hp, which is sufficient for a topspeed of 340 kph (211 mph) and accelerates the Coupé from a standstill to 100 kph (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds.

The presentation vehicle of the Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato has the color ‘Supernova Red metallic’ in combination with the exclusive ‘Centenary Specification’. This includes contrasting elements in visible carbon and matt gold as well as black lacquered alloy wheels from a 3D printer with gold accents. Logos in solid 18-carat gold are used on front and rear of the car. In addition, an actively controlled radiator gille is used for the first time at the front, where diamond-shaped elements can be opened or closed according to cooling requirements.

Inside, the DBS GT Zagato, which made its debut in Rhode Island, features bright ‘Caithless Spicy Red’ leather. On the seats the well-known Zagato Z is embroidered. In addition, there is matt visible carbon on the steering wheel and shift paddles and, for the first time in automotive engineering, a three-dimensional area that can be individually configured by the customer in metal or carbon. For this purpose, the ‘saddle’ element on the center tunnel was designed accordingly. Using a 3D printer, carbon, aluminium or (as part of the ‘Centenary Specification’) gold can be printed into the appropriate shapes. With gold, up to 100 hours of work are required for this printing process alone, followed by hand polishing and further reworking.

Images: Aston Martin