www.carrozzieri-italiani.com

The ultimate italian coachbuilder site

Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged

Bespoke automotive manufacturer R-Reforged has announced plans to produce its Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged in-house at its new facility in Warwick.

R-Reforged will now hand build the 38 Coupé and Speedster TWINS that celebrate the centenary of the Zagato Atelier (1919-2019) and 60-year long partnership between the Milanese ‘Signature’ and British sports car manufacturer.

Offered solely in pairs to just 19 customers (with the majority already sold), the sculpted Aston Martin 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 Coupé, redefining the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato. Each features iconic Zagato design cues synonymous with the Carrozzeria, notably the ‘double bubble’ roof on the Coupé and, exclusively, the 100th anniversary gold Z badging.

Now derived from the later V12 Vantage, the 19 Coupés and 19 Speedsters feature a reworked version of its 5.9 litre 48 valve, naturally aspirated engine to produce 600bhp (85bhp more than the original). Clothed in an all-carbon fibre 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” bespoke alloy wheels designed by APP Tech, the overall effect is muscular, purposeful yet graceful and unmistakably Aston Martin.

As part of the ‘R-Experience’, the customer is at the very heart of the journey that starts with a bespoke gift box once an order is placed. Owners will then specify every element of the Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged with the designers at Aston Martin St Gallen in Niederwil, Switzerland, before being invited to witness the team of skilled craftspeople at R-Reforged’s newly-created 30,000 sq. ft facility in Warwick, UK, produce their cars.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Here, 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,” says 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.”

Aston Martin VP and chief marketing officer, Peter Freedman said: “Aston Martin’s relationship with Zagato stretches back 60 years and together in that time we have created a series of very special cars. The Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged project is a fitting tribute to the Zagato centenary anniversary.”

Marella Rivolta Zagato, who co-runs the Italian design house, specified the first two cars. She explained: “When I was selecting the body colours, I looked for something that would simultaneously represent our 100-year heritage and our future. The most symbolic colours are gold and platinum, which are precious metals. Gold, an emblem of purity and distinction, is in my mind a tribute to our first century. Platinum is resistant to corrosion and has great catalytic capabilities, which is what I wish for our next 100 years!”

“Plants, sources of life that have continually renewed themselves since ancient times, are also woven into this idea,” adds Zagato. “Take for instance the colour for the Speedster, which I have named Oro Angelica. Angelica is an edible plant thought to guarantee long life. It also symbolises inspiration, the driving force of the first 100 years of Zagato’s history. For the Coupé, I chose Platino Acanto. The leaves of the acanthus inspired the ancient Greeks to create the Corinthian capital. This plant represents purity and immortality, embodying Zagato’s vision for the future.”

These cars will be unveiled in summer 2020. Customer vehicle production will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

The Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged was the first project announced by R-Reforged in 2019. R-Reforged forms part of the AF Racing Group, an organisation working closely with Aston Martin as project partners on the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Underlining its ambitions, R-Reforged’s second project, the Aston Martin Vanquish 25 by CALLUM, announced shortly after, also enters production this year. Ambitious, rigorous and responding to a customer demand for bespoke, limited production vehicles with a purchase experience unlike any other, R-Reforged is set to announce further exciting programmes in 2020.

Born out of a passion for highly bespoke products, R-Reforged exists to create desirable, personalised and collectable limited-edition vehicles.

Formed in 2018, Swiss-based R-Reforged focuses on vehicle refinement and associated small-scale series production, which takes place at its fully owned UK subsidiary’s 30,000 sq. ft facility in Warwick, UK.

R-Reforged is a brand of the R-Universe together with R-Experience, R-Service and R-Motorsport, which are wholly owned by Swiss AF Racing Group. Through the R-Experience arm, R-Reforged aims to deliver an unparalleled ownership experience for customers through best in class service from the point of ordering.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Aspark SP600

In a landmark achievement, the Aspark SP600, a production intent prototype hypercar, has become the world’s fastest electric hypercar, clocking a remarkable top speed of 438.7kph. This record-breaking feat was realized through the dedicated efforts of Manifattura Automobili Torino (M.A.T.) in collaboration with tire specialist Bridgestone and driven by professional racer Marc Basseng.

A Vision Realized

The Aspark SP600’s journey to this historic moment began with the vision of Aspark CEO Masanori Yoshida, whose company had previously set benchmarks with the Aspark Owl, renowned as the fastest accelerating electric hypercar. For this new project, Aspark once again partnered with M.A.T., entrusting them with the development and manufacturing of a hypercar capable of shattering the world top speed record for electric vehicles.

Collaboration and Innovation

To achieve this extraordinary speed, M.A.T. sought the expertise of Bridgestone to develop a custom-engineered tire. Bridgestone rose to the challenge with bespoke Potenza Race tires designed specifically for the SP600, ensuring they could handle speeds exceeding 420kph while managing the vehicle’s weight and driving dynamics.

The SP600 underwent rigorous testing at M.A.T.’s headquarters in Torino, Italy. This included extensive virtual and physical evaluations, wind tunnel validation, and numerous track testing sessions. M.A.T. meticulously handled the vehicle’s complete development, from powertrain and software integration to suspension and chassis design, as well as software calibration and the bespoke battery’s design and production.

Record-Breaking Achievement

On June 8th, during the second attempt of the day at Automotive Testing Papenburg, Marc Basseng flawlessly piloted the Aspark SP600 to its record-breaking speed of 438.7kph. This achievement was precisely measured using the certified Racelogic V-Box, a high-precision GPS-based device provided by the ATP proving ground.

The event was attended and supported by numerous marketing and premium partners, including the Supercar Owner Circle, who backed the attempt from its inception. Key executives from Aspark, M.A.T., and Bridgestone were present to witness this monumental accomplishment.

Statements from Key Figures

Masanori Yoshida, Aspark CEO: “It has been about 10 years since we started making the OWL Hypercar. We aimed for the world’s Fastest Acceleration car, and then attempted and achieved the top speed world record today. This technical capability inspires all involved to personal excellence and to challenge and grow in leaps and bounds into the future.”

Steven De Bock, Bridgestone VP EMEA Sales and Original Equipment:
“It was a big excitement on this first attempt for the record, which we immediately saw the potential of the cooperation between the car and tires. The whole team at Bridgestone worked extremely hard to deliver this project in such a short period, another testimonial of our technical capabilities and how we cooperate with our partners.”

Paolo Garella, M.A.T. CEO and Founder:
“This record represents a milestone in the continued growth of M.A.T., a company that today represents the best of the Italian tradition in the automotive industry. In 10 years, we have developed more than 11 full vehicle projects and we have demonstrated that with the right resources we are second to none. I am very proud of my team and also extremely happy to reach this milestone in the anniversary of the 10 years of foundation of M.A.T. A special thank you to Aspark’s CEO Mr. Masanori Yoshida for his vision, support, and trust in M.A.T., and to the Bridgestone team for taking on the challenge and supporting with their most advanced technology this record attempt.”

Exclusive Interview with Riccardo Garella

In an exclusive interview, Riccardo Garella, Sales and Marketing Manager at M.A.T., provided insights into the development process of the Aspark Owl. Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel here.

This historic achievement not only sets a new benchmark in the electric hypercar segment but also underscores the capabilities and potential of electric vehicles in pushing the boundaries of speed and performance.