Aston Martin shows off Zagato design coupe, convertible

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- Aston Martin has sold out its limited run of a cool, and pricey, sports coupe done in collaboration with an Italian design house -- and says it's going to make a convertible version as well.

The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato coupe received its North American debut here Sunday at the Pebble Beach Concour d'Elegance, taking its place near a putting lawn with other latest designs from several luxury automakers. Only 99 Vanquish Zagatos are being made, with only 15 coming to the U.S., says Stuart McIntosh, who handles special sales for the brand. Price: $745,000.

The drawing card for both the coupe and convertible is Aston's collaboration with design house Zagato, a relationship that stretches back to 1960 with the DB4 GT Zagato race car. In the coupe, the design changes include more striking vents on the hood, a unique front grille design and a dip running down the middle of the roof.

The convertible will have similar design touches.

“Just like the coupe, we have emphasized the way surfaces change and intersect to create a muscular form,” says Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman in a statement.

The Zagato is also draws more power from its V-12 engine. Now it will have 592 horsepower compared to 565 horsepower in the past. Projected time from zero to 60 miles per hour is 3.7 seconds.

The Zagato theme is carried inside the car, with a signature ‘Z’ quilt pattern stitch on the seats and the doors.