Zagato, sebuah syarikat pembinaan kenderaan dari Itali, baru-baru ini mendedahkan produk automotif terbarunya, AGTZ Twin Tail, sebuah versi buatan khas kereta sport Alpine A110 yang dibuat sebagai penghormatan kepada legenda perlumbaan yang dilupakan dari tahun 1960-an. Terhad kepada hanya 19 unit, model eksklusif ini mengambil kesempatan daripada minat semasa dengan supercar ekor-panjang sambil memberi penghormatan kepada warisan perlumbaan sejarah.
Dikenali sebagai “Twin Tail,” kereta istimewa ini mempunyai hulur karbon yang boleh ditanggalkan, membolehkan pemilik bertukar antara siluet ekor-panjang yang menarik dan konfigurasi yang lebih praktikal untuk penggunaan harian dan memudahkan parkir.
Walau bagaimanapun, kepentingan elemen reka bentuk ini melampaui sekadar estetika semata-mata. Ia memberi penghormatan kepada Alpine A220, kereta perlumbaan ekor-panjang yang legendaris yang muncul di trek perlumbaan ikonik 24 Jam Le Mans. Walaupun tidak mencapai aspirasi Le Mans-nya, satu variasi A220 tertentu (chassis 1731) mencapai kejayaan yang ketara selepas bahagian ekornya dilepaskan, cemerlang dalam mendaki bukit dan pelbagai pertandingan, akhirnya memperoleh tempat di podium.
Di samping rawatan belakangnya yang istimewa, AGTZ Twin Tail mempunyai beberapa penambahbaikan lain. Gril dan lampu hadapan direka semula, dilengkapi dengan bukaan belakang baru dan tepi bawah jendela yang terangkat. Selain itu, bumbung mengambil kontur gelembung berganda yang halus, menambah sentuhan anggun kepada profil kereta.
Walaupun spesifikasi prestasi terperinci masih belum didedahkan, masih tidak jelas sama ada enjin 1.8 liter yang sedia ada A110 akan mengalami modifikasi. Walau bagaimanapun, model A110 standard memberikan 252hp, manakala varian yang paling tinggi, A110 R, menghasilkan 297hp yang mengagumkan. CEO Andrea Zagato menekankan bahawa, selaras dengan ethos Zagato, AGTZ Twin Tail direka sebagai gran turismo, memberi keutamaan kepada keselesaan mewah dan prestasi yang dihaluskan berbanding kecergasan perlumbaan yang mentah.
Berharga pada €650,000 (RM3,371,996) dan dengan permintaan melebihi ketersediaan dengan cepat, pembeli bakal digesa untuk mengesahkan pesanan mereka dengan cepat. AGTZ Twin Tail dijadualkan untuk membuat penampilan fizikalnya pada Mei di Tasik Como, Itali, di mana peminat akan berpeluang untuk menyaksikan ciptaan langka dan istimewa ini dalam segala kemegahannya.
Zagato, an Italian coachbuilding company, has recently unveiled its latest automotive masterpiece, the AGTZ Twin Tail, a bespoke version of the Alpine A110 sports car crafted in homage to a forgotten racing legend from the 1960s. Limited to a mere 19 units, this exclusive model capitalises on the current fascination with long-tail supercars while reverently nodding to historical racing heritage.
Dubbed the “Twin Tail,” this exceptional car features a removable carbon fibre appendage, allowing owners to alternate between a striking long-tail silhouette and a more practical configuration for everyday use, facilitating easier parking and manoeuvring.
However, the significance of this design element transcends mere aesthetics. It pays homage to the Alpine A220, a legendary long-tail racecar that graced the tracks of the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. Despite falling short of its Le Mans aspirations, one particular A220 variant (chassis 1731) achieved notable success after having its tail section removed, excelling in hill climbs and various competitions, ultimately securing podium finishes.
Beyond its distinctive rear treatment, the AGTZ Twin Tail boasts several other enhancements. The grille and headlights have been reimagined, complemented by a new rear inlet and an upturned lower edge on the side window. Additionally, the roof adopts a subtle double-bubble contour, adding a touch of elegance to the car’s profile.
While detailed performance specifications are yet to be disclosed, it remains unclear if the A110’s existing 1.8-litre engine will undergo modification. Nevertheless, the standard A110 model delivers 252hp, while its top-tier counterpart, the A110 R, generates an impressive 297hp. CEO Andrea Zagato emphasises that, true to the Zagato ethos, the AGTZ Twin Tail is designed as a grand tourer, prioritising luxurious comfort and refined performance over raw racing prowess.
Priced at €650,000 (RM3,371,996) and with demand rapidly outpacing availability, prospective buyers are urged to secure their orders swiftly. The AGTZ Twin Tail is slated to make its physical debut in May at Lake Como, Italy, where enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to witness this rare and exceptional creation in all its glory.
R-Reforged, the 2-year old Swiss company, has created two models to celebrate Zagato’s centenary. They are referred to as the Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged. Making their debut are the first pair of TWINS, which are prototypes specified by Andrea and Marella Zagato and reserved for the private Zagato collection.
Exclusively available as a pair in Coupe and Speedster form – each pair costing £1.75 million (about RM9.6 million) – just 19 customer sets will be built for sale. Each pair will be hand-assembled in the company’s factory in the UK. Each car takes a team of 12 craftspeople 16 weeks to assemble and will receive over 500 new components.
2011 Aston Martin Vantage Zagato Coupe
Styled at Zagato’s Milan headquarters, the iconic Italian design house has evolved the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Coupe form into a new, pure Speedster twin. Sharper, cleaner and highly collectible – thanks to their limited run and significance in Zagato’s history – both are now fully clothed in carbonfibre.
The design changes run from the nose, which incorporates a new splitter and front wings, through to the sleeker tail, now with active aero that transforms the cars’ balance but retains the defined Zagato lines.
The TWINS can be specified as matching or individual designs, and owners will be able to discuss with the car’s designers and engineers to personalise virtually every element.
“The essence of this project was to create a perfect ‘garage’, comprising two desirable and collectable cars; Coupe and Roadster,” said Andrea Zagato. “Limited to just 19 pairs, a significant number, recalling the year Zagato was formed, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged mark a remarkable milestone for the Milanese atelier.”
“Despite having created over 450 models since our formation, we chose Aston Martin, which has surely been our most prestigious partner over the last 50 years, to mark this celebration. The cooperation with R-Reforged ensured that we could create an instant classic,” he added.
The partnership between Zagato and Aston Martin started in 1960 with the DB4 GT Zagato.
The 19 owners of this rare and special series, licenced by Aston Martin, will also experience the significant transformation to vehicle performance delivered through a series of meaningful engine and dynamic improvements.
The potent 5.9-litre V12 has been uprated to produce close to 600 bhp, which is 80 bhp more than standard. This is, in part, due to a performance aluminium air intake and titanium exhaust. The lean stance of the cars is enhanced by the 10 mm ride height reduction and 20 mm stretched track.
R-Reforged can also offer a full body ‘visual carbon’ finish as a further option. The 400-hour process requires extensive and careful preparation so as not to disturb the carbon weave. Then begins the application of a bespoke lacquer providing UV stability prior to tuning both the colour and density of the tint to any shade requested.
The superior quality of materials and attention to detail are evident in every facet of the car’s build with R-Reforged’s team ensuring that the cars truly worthy of marking Zagato’s centenary. Inside are sensory-rich materials with an almost infinite range of colours, bespoke patterns and textures.
A close look inside will reveal colour matching the horn button on the steering wheel, the first time in the Vantage’s history that has been done. Other examples include a sleeker, longer windscreen for the Speedster and retooling the entire carpet boot moulding, which required a significant investment, purely because the original material and form did not meet R-Reforged’s stringent standards.
Underlining that ownership is about more than just buying the cars: owners will also receive a series of special tailored gifts that starts with a TWINS carbonfibre presentation case, cataloguing specification details using scale models and samples. They will then continue to receive a stream of themed gifts, invitations and experiences throughout their ownership.
Bespoke automotive manufacturer R-Reforged, based in Switzerland, has announced plans to produce its Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS in-house at its new facility in England. 38 Aston-Martin-licenced units and handbuilt as the 38 Coupe and Speedster TWINS that celebrate the centenary of the Zagato Atelier (1919-2019) and 60-year long partnership between the Milanese ‘Signature’ and British sportscar manufacturer.
19 pairs to be produced
Offered solely in pairs to just 19 customers (with the majority already sold), the sculpted Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged were created by Zagato and R-Reforged to combine the best of two automotive worlds: a sporting Speedster in its purest form and a timeless Coupe.
Each features iconic Zagato design cues synonymous with the carrozzeria, notably the ‘double bubble’ roof on the Coupe and, exclusively, the 100th anniversary gold Z badging.
Now derived from the later V12 Vantage, the 19 Coupes and 19 Speedsters feature a reworked version of its 5.9-litre 48 valve, naturally aspirated engine to produce 600 bhp (85 bhp more than the original).
Carbonfibre body with bespoke features
Clothed in an all-carbonfibre body, both incorporate an active aero and deployable rear wing to improve stability at high speeds whilst maintaining the clean surfaces and pure lines of the Zagato design. Combined with a number of other design tweaks such as new, centre locking 19-inch bespoke alloy wheels designed by APP Tech, the overall effect is muscular, purposeful yet graceful and unmistakably Aston Martin.
Owners can specify every element of their cars to the designers, before being invited to witness the team of skilled craftspeople at R-Reforged’s newly-created facility start making their cars. They will see first-hand a blend of traditional and contemporary processes, ranging from Bridge of Weir leather trimming to the latest in additive manufacturing. Options include an ‘infinity’ colour palette with the opportunity to match the interior and exterior to any colour sample provided by the client.
“The Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged are undoubtedly a highlight of our centenary celebrations,” said Andrea Zagato. “A beautiful, bespoke and intrinsic part of our history and creative association with Aston Martin. To own these collectible cars will be a very personal and emotional experience.”
The cars will be unveiled in mid-2020 with production set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
The new company formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the PSA Group will see 14 brands – mainly European – coming under one group. That’s a lot of brands to manage and in an age when economies of scale are paramount, there’s the big question mark of whether some brands will be discontinued. Or if they are retained, will they lose their uniqueness and be just badge-engineered products that are needed for certain regions where the brand has been popular?
Carlos Tavares (currently PSA’s chief), who will be the CEO of the new combined company, has said that no brand will be axed while acknowledging that it will be a challenge to manage so many brands. But these are early days and the new company has not even started business; once the new management starts to look at the numbers and formulates long-term plans, it may be necessary to make the hard decisions and cut off some brands that just cannot deliver revenues.
A struggle to be kept in existence
One brand that many worry about is Alfa Romeo. The sporty Italian brand has a history spanning over 100 years and has a strong following of alfisti all over the world. Fiat acquired it in 1986 but struggled to get it to make money for the past 20 years. When former FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne was alive, he tried to boost the brand but three efforts still failed. His successor, Mike Manley, was less sentimental about the brand and had announced decreased investments for it.
There is a glimmer of hope for Alfa Romeo though, simply because 61-year old Tavares is a true car guy. His first job after university was as a test driver at Renault and apart from a strong personal interest in cars, he also goes racing on many weekends (though that may have to be sacrificed in future). So while he is also known as a cost-cutter like his former boss (Carlos Ghosn), he may well make a decision ‘from the heart’ and keep the Italian brand going somehow.
Carlos Tavares, who will be the CEO of the new combined company, is a real car-guy. And like Akio Toyoda, he also goes racing!
Trying unconventional ideas like the SZ
He may look at unconventional ideas to breathe new life into Alfa Romeo, as Vittorio Ghidella, President of Fiat in 1986, did when he initiated the ‘Experimental Sportscar, 3.0 litre engine (ES30) project. Ghidella specified a puristic coupe with the sporty performance and sensational design as the target for the development contract.
Three teams took care of the second point of the task description in parallel – the Alfa Romeo design department, Fiat Centro Stile and design studio Zagato (responsible for some of the most spectacular and most successful models from Alfa Romeo in racing). This team of three was also given a low weight and the most efficient aerodynamics including ground effect possible, as in a Formula 1 racing car, which was supposed to suck the finished model onto the road through the wind.
The result was an avant-garde design with narrow, square triple headlights, a distinctive wedge shape with a high beltline and a short hatchback. The ES30 was undoubtedly the most radical thing there was at the time as a production vehicle. The coupe corresponded entirely to the aesthetics at the time of Italian design in furniture and fashion.
The elaborate body was made of a glassfibre-reinforced synthetic resin. A new process ensured a particularly smooth surface. A steel skeleton served as the load-bearing structure, which, in addition to high torsional rigidity, also guaranteed low weight. The light metal aluminium was used for the roof skin. The finished car would finally weigh a comparatively low 1,256 kgs.
The drag coefficient of 0.30 was also excellent for the time. Wind tunnel tests indicated a top speed of 245 km/h and a time of 7.5 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. In order to achieve the required ground effect, however, the body had to have such a low ground clearance (around 6 cm) that it would have led to problems with, for example, driveways. The solution was an electrical level control, with the help of which the body could be raised by 5 cm when necessary.
Alfa Romeo 75 technology
As the other requirement was to keep the development costs low, the team used the proven technology of the Alfa Romeo 75. However, the chassis with the gearbox on the rear axle (transaxle design) was in some places know-how the Alfa Romeo racing department adapted to the desired performance. The torsion spring bars on the front axle gave way to conventional McPherson struts, stiff Uniball joints instead of the conventional rubber elements, eliminating inherent movements in the chassis.
The technicians selected the V6 petrol engine with 3 litres displacement from the 75 America model as the drive source. They increased its output to 210 bhp through sharper camshafts and newly programmed engine electronics (Bosch Motronic).
Zagato even developed a racing version of the ES30, which appeared in its own one-make cup in 1993 as part of some Formula 1 races. But the comfortable driving behaviour also proved itself in everyday life, even long tours were a pleasure in the two-seater coupe.
After just 19 months of development, just in time for the planned world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, the ES30 project was ready for production. Since production at Zagato was to take place in the Milan suburb of Rho, the company remembered a legendary combination of letters – SZ for ‘Sprint Zagato’. Despite the relatively high base price, 1,036 cars were sold between 1989 and 1993.
Aston Martin has revealed the final two cars of its Zagato family. As the name emplys, all four have been designed by the world renowned design house, Zagato. They are based on the Vanquish S and feature unique styling that differ from that of the regular Aston Martin cars.
The Vanquish Zagato Coupe and Volante were introduced last year with a limited production run of 99 cars each. According to the automaker, the order books have already been filled and customers can expect to get their cars by 2018.
What many will find most intriging about this news however, is the introduction of the Zagato Speedster and Shooting Brake. The latter is rather unusual because it breaks convention and may have purists up in arms. Though it and the Speedster retain the same basic design of the Volante and Coupe models, their rear quarter sections are where things get interesting.
The Shooting Brake is still considered a two seater GT and is said to offer an airy experience thanks to the large rear hatch. The Roof’s lines flow smoothly from front to rear without distortion or disruption to the suave silhouette.
Since all four are based on the same car, the Speedster shares a similar design to the Volante and Coupe safe for the double bubble rear roof. Though this many not be to everyone’s taste but the subtlety of the design allows for a more uniformed finish.
Aston Martin has limited the production of the Speedster to 28 cars in total, which is significantly less than the 99 car limit for the other three. This makes it a rare Aston and one that will probably become a collector’s item.
Though each car has its own individual styling that make it unique when compared to the other three, all share certain similarities which include the Vulcan inspired ‘blade’ tail lights, 3D Cagato ‘Z’ motifs in the front grille and rear vent meshes.
Andrea Zagato, CEO of Zagato said of the enduring creative partnership: “Zagato’s relationship with Aston Martin began with my grandfather and the DB4 GT Zagato, almost sixty years ago. To have a creative ‘marriage‘ thrive for three generations is something as unique as the cars themselves.”
All four get the Vanquish S’ near 600bhp V12 engine, which is mated to a Touchtronic III transmission. Thanks to adaptive damping, rigid body structure and a balanced suspension setup, the cars will be able to offer a good amount of driving pleasure.
Check out the relatively large picture gallery below and let us know your thoughts on the newly introduced Zagato family of four.
