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STORY

The DBS Coupé Zagato Centennial was a special project of Zagato Atelier to celebrate Aston Martin’s 100th birthday. Together with the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial, the car made the debut at Kensington Gardens in July 2013. The DBS Zagato was also featured at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014.

The story tells that a Japanese collector has been drawn to Zagato with the demand to build a very unique DBS. Zagato took the assignment and Norihiko Harada, Zagato’s Chief Designer, worked half a year to give the DBS a complete metamorphosis. The challenge was to bring a sporty styling together with a Mediterranean feel.

The design of the DBS Zagato is not compatible with the other Aston Martins, however the styling was intended to recall iconic Aston Martins from the 1970s and 1980s, such as the DBS, V8 Vantage, and V8 Virage. The snub nose gives it a character all its own and a more aggressive personality, while still retaining an air of elegance, as any Aston Martin should. Its front-end design carries through to the rear, where Zagato fitted unique taillights that mimic the design of the headlights, as well as a similarly squared-off tail. The DBS Zagato features a double-bubble roof profile with a stunning curved, one-piece polished aluminium strip that begins at the car’s beltline,  across the top of the rear window and back down to the other side. At the rear, the car is neatly finished by new light clusters, an aggressive rear diffuser and curious trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

Both interior and mechanical are identical to the standard DBS with its 6.0 V12 with 510 hp strong engine, fitted with 20 inch wheels with ceramic brakes. The experience seems to be different, as the DBS Zagato is more focused on comfortably driving than a standard DBS. The project has cost the customer 1.4 million euros.

A nice detail is that during the design and production phase, nobody in Aston Martin had seen the design until it was revealed at the centenary in Kensington Gardens. However, the idea was discussed beforehand with the CEO of Aston Martin, Ulrich Bez. A proof of great trust and strong ties between both iconic companies.

CAR SPECS

Designed by:
Norihiko Harada

Based on:
Aston Martin DBS

Production years:
2013

Units produced:
1x

Engine:
All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935cc V12

Transmission:
‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system

Front suspension:
Independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers

Rear suspension:
Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers

Wheels:
20” 20-spoke cast alloy with graphite finish

Front tyres:
Pirelli P Zero 245/35 zR20

Rear tyres:
Pirelli P Zero 295/30 zR20

Front brakes:
Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398mm diameter with six-piston monobloc calipers

Rear brakes:
Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360mm diameter with four-piston monobloc calipers.

PERFORMANCE SPECS

Max. power:
380 kW (517 PS/510 bhp) at 6500 rpm

Max. torque:
570 Nm (420 lb ft) at 5750 rpm

0-60 mph (97 km/h):
4,3 sec

0-100 mph (160 km/h):
Unknown

Max speed:
183 mph (295 km/h)

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase:
2,741 mm

Max. Length:
Unknown

Width:
Unknown

Height:
Unknown

Curb weight:
Unknown