ASTON MARTIN...

has taken the wraps off its new 592bhp, carbonfibre-bodiedVanquish Zagato concept. The sleek new Vanquish Concept is the latest product of the ongoing collaboration between Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagato.

Tell me more about this new Zagato

The Vanquish Zagato, as per the previous collaborations, blends Aston styling with Zagato’s race-inspired design. Its restyled bodywork, penned by an Aston team led by Reichman and Zagato, is formed entirely from carbonfibre.

One of the most prominent changes is the adoption of a double-bubble roof, a classic Zagato design element that resulted from the requirement to create headroom for drivers wearing helmets

Elements of Aston’s more recent offerings are integrated into the new concept, including ‘bladed’ LED rear lights, like those found on the Vulcan, mirrors from the One-77 and rear-end lines that echo the new DB11.

Also reminiscent of the DB11 is the sculpted side strakes and cutaways in the front wings, leading into the doors. Around the back you’ll find a retractable rear spoiler and luggage compartment access, while a quad-exit exhaust sits within the carbonfibre rear lower panel.

Have there been any changes inside?

As you’d hope for an expensive one-off Concept, there have been a series of revisions to the interior – although the changes aren’t anywhere near as dramatic as the exterior overhaul.

Upgrades include bespoke seat trims, the Zagato ‘Z’ logo embossed into the headrests and centre console, upmarket ‘herringbone’ carbonfibre finishes and anodized bronze rotary dials and vents.

Is it faster than the standard Vanquish?

Aston Martin says the new Zagato Concept’s naturally aspirated 5.9-litre V12 produces 592bhp, up from the standard V12’s 568bhp.

No other performance figures have been revealed but you can expect them to be similar to the standard Vanquish. Consequently, the Zagato Concept is likely to complete the 0-60mph sprint in 3.6sec and reach a top speed in the region of 200mph.

Aston also states that the new Zagato features ‘enhanced driving dynamics.’

What other cars have Aston and Zagato collaborated on?

Aston and Zagato have been working together since the 1960s, and in that time the brands have worked together to produce the following cars:

• 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
• 1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato
• 2002 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato
• 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1
• 2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato
• 2013 Aston Martin DBS Coupe Zagato Centennial
• 2013 Aston Matin DB9 Spider Zagato Centennial

Zagato 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.’

Where can I see the new Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato?

The new Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato will be on display at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The event takes places at Lake Como, in Italy, and runs from 21-22 May.