The Bite Magazine Issue 17

bite cars The Vanquish Zagato’s glasshouse wraps around the bodywork like a visor, enhancing its aggressive stance. A new evolution of the classic side strake runs from wheel arch to door just like the new DB11, taken from an original detail showcased on the celebratory CC-100. A sharp crease on the rear wheel arch transforms into the rear flanks, where it meets the cascading roofline. Fea- turing the iconic ‘double-bubble’, the roof with its shallow radius dipping into the rear window glass gives the car an unmistakable rear silhouette. A Zagato trademark since the early 1950s, it originally arose from the need to accommodate racing helmets with a minimum impact on the aerodynamic profile. Inside the Vanquish Zagato is an embodiment of fine traditional Aston Martin craftsmanship, replete with many singular touches such as Herringbone carbon fibre paired with shadow and anodised bronze and optional aniline leather to give the fascia, vents and rotary dials a rich material quality. The new model is also defined by the unique ‘Z’ quilt pattern stitch used on the seat and door sections, as well as the cel- ebrated trademark Zagato ‘Z’ that is embossed on headrests and stitched into the centre console. The Vanquish Zagato Volante shares its proportions with the coupe but developed as an open-topped Zaga- to-bodied DB7. The twin cowls on the rear deck blend into the leading edge of the luggage compartment, conceal- ing a bespoke folding hood derived from the mechanism used in the Vanquish Volante. “Just like the Coupe, we have emphasised the way surfaces change and intersect to create a muscular form. We’ve endeavoured to create an elegant, flowing shape that really works to emphasise the car’s sculptured rear haunches,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s EVP and Chief Creative Officer. As well as bearing the fine traditions of Aston Martin craftsmanship inside the Volante, the brand’s specialist ‘Q’ division is able to add future person- alisation and enhancement to a cabin finished with rich and highly luxurious materials, including herringbone carbon fibre, anodized bronze detailing and the finest Bridge of Weir leather. The Volante also features the unique sig- nature ‘Z’ quilt pattern stitch on both seat and door sections “The Vanquish Zagato Volante illustrates the ways in which Aston Martin design can evolve in collaboration with such a trusted and long-standing partner,” Reichman added. “Vanquish Zagato Volante continues Aston Martin’s new century of innova- tion and creativity, strengthening the association between these great auto- motive marques in the process.” www.astonmartin.com