A new Aston Martin is always an exciting event, but when a new model is christened by being sent to one of the world's most famous races, the adrenaline levels go up a notch. The V12 Zagato, the panel beaten crimson stunner in the picture, has set Aston fans' pulses racing ever since the release of the promotional images.
The famous British sports car brand will send its latest offering out into the high octane 24 Hour endurance race at the Nurbergring in Germany – and hope it doesn't suffer a car breakdown.
Dr Ulrich Bez, head honcho at Aston Martin, said of the move: "The 24 hour race is the ultimate road test and a fitting introduction for the V12 Zagato." Indeed it is.
While races such as the Nurbergring 24 Hour are a wonderful spectacle for everyone concerned, they do have a practical benefit for Aston Martin and the other companies that race their speediest cars. Winning such a race bathes the entire brand and every single model in the light of success – even if the actual race car in question cost twenty times more to design and build, there is nevertheless a connection in the car buyer's mind between the winning super car and the model they can actually afford.
Indeed, in many cases, such is the need for advancement in terms of engine, braking and aero-dynamics, that new knowledge and technology comes about from such projects - which eventually feeds back in to the 'ground level' range.
Aston Martin will be hoping that as well as a wonderful spectacle, the V12 Zagato will further boost the company's level of prestige as well as help develop their road cars. In fact, there are already rumours of plans for a road version of the V12 Zagato. For my own part, I'm going to start saving now.
Breakdown Cover from 
