The Aston Martin V12 Zagato is a limited-production sports car jointly created by British manufacturer Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagato, debuting in 2011 and concluding production in 2012. Built on the platform of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, the V12 Zagato represents a fusion of British engineering and Italian styling, embodying a long-standing collaborative relationship between the two brands. A total of 151 examples were produced, including road-going versions and dedicated race cars for the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge. This particular variant features a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 517 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It was positioned as an ultra-exclusive, high-performance offering within Aston Martin’s lineup, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts seeking a unique and visually striking grand tourer.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Aston Martin |
| Model | Zagato |
| Generation | V12 Zagato |
| Type (Engine) | 6.0 V12 (517 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 24.3 l/100 km (9.7 US mpg, 11.6 UK mpg, 4.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 11.7 l/100 km (20.1 US mpg, 24.1 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 16.4 l/100 km (14.3 US mpg, 17.2 UK mpg, 6.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 388 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 305 km/h (189.52 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.2 kg/Hp, 307.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.9 kg/Nm, 339.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 517 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 87.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 5750 rpm (420.41 lb.-ft. @ 5750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | AM4R9 |
| Engine displacement | 5935 cm3 (362.18 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Compression ratio | 10.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 13.1 l (13.84 US qt | 11.53 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 14 l (14.79 US qt | 12.32 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1680 kg (3703.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 300 l (10.59 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4385 mm (172.64 in.) |
| Width | 1865 mm (73.43 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2022 mm (79.61 in.) |
| Height | 1250 mm (49.21 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1575 mm (62.01 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/35 ZR19; 295/30 ZR19 |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the V12 Zagato lies Aston Martin’s AM4R9 6.0-liter V12 engine. This engine, derived from the V8 Vantage’s powerplant but significantly upgraded, features a 60-degree V-angle configuration. It utilizes a naturally aspirated setup, eschewing turbocharging or supercharging in favor of a more traditional, linear power delivery. The engine employs a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for increased performance. Fuel is delivered via direct injection, enhancing combustion efficiency and responsiveness. The engine produces 517 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 570 Nm (420.41 lb-ft) of torque at 5750 rpm. Paired with this engine is a six-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with complete control over the car’s substantial power. This manual gearbox was a deliberate choice, aligning with the enthusiast-focused nature of the vehicle and offering a more engaging driving experience than an automatic alternative.
Driving Characteristics
The V12 Zagato’s driving experience is characterized by its blend of raw power and refined grand touring capabilities. The 6.0-liter V12 delivers a potent surge of acceleration, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4 seconds and achieving a top speed of 189.52 mph. The manual transmission allows for precise gear selection, enabling drivers to fully exploit the engine’s torque curve. Compared to the standard V8 Vantage, the V12 Zagato offers a more substantial and responsive power delivery, particularly at higher engine speeds. While the V8 Vantage prioritized agility and balance, the V12 Zagato leans towards a more powerful and assertive driving experience. The gear ratios are tuned to provide strong acceleration in all gears, making it equally capable on winding roads and open highways.
Equipment & Trim Levels
Given its limited production run and exclusive positioning, the V12 Zagato was offered with a high level of standard equipment. The interior features luxurious leather upholstery, typically in a combination of colors chosen by the customer. A bespoke dashboard design, unique to the Zagato, incorporates handcrafted details and premium materials. Standard features included climate control, a premium audio system, and power-adjustable seats. Optional extras were extensive, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles with features such as carbon fiber trim, upgraded sound systems, and custom paint finishes. The focus was on creating a highly individualized and luxurious driving environment.
Chassis & Braking
The V12 Zagato utilizes a modified version of the V8 Vantage’s aluminum chassis, providing a strong and lightweight foundation. The suspension system employs double wishbones at both the front and rear, offering a balance of ride comfort and handling precision. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety and control. The car’s weight distribution is carefully optimized to enhance handling balance. The steering system is a rack and pinion setup with electric power assistance, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Aston Martin V12 Zagato was widely praised by automotive critics for its stunning design, powerful engine, and engaging driving experience. However, its high price tag and limited availability restricted its appeal to a select group of buyers. Compared to other Aston Martin models, such as the V8 Vantage, the V12 Zagato offered a more exclusive and powerful proposition. Its fuel economy, at 14.3 US mpg combined, was relatively poor, reflecting the demands of the large V12 engine. Reliability was generally good, consistent with Aston Martin’s reputation for build quality, although maintenance costs were substantial due to the complexity of the engine and the car’s exotic nature.
Legacy
The Aston Martin V12 Zagato remains a highly sought-after collector’s item. Its limited production run and unique design ensure its continued desirability in the used car market. The powertrain, while demanding in terms of maintenance, has proven to be relatively robust when properly cared for. The V12 Zagato stands as a testament to the enduring collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato, representing a pinnacle of British-Italian automotive artistry. It is remembered not only for its performance and beauty but also for its embodiment of a bygone era of handcrafted luxury and exclusivity.
