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2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato)

Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2003
Images: Zagato
Rating:  6    -1    +7
Thursday 2nd January 2003 - Aston Martin and Zagato have shown a lightweight concept Roadster at Los Angeles Motor Show that has been designed specifically to appeal to its US customers.

At Le Mans race in year 2002, Dr. Ulrich Bez had something like "a feeling", while he was driving a DBR1. Talking about it with Andrea Zagato at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance the next August, this feeling turned into an idea and this idea gave life to the beautiful American Roadster.

The DB American Roadster 1 (DB AR1) is derived from the DB7 - the most successful Aston Martin of all time. It is based on the current DB7 Vantage Volante (convertible) and boasts revised bodystyle with coachwork by Zagato and incorporates a number of dynamic elements, which have been finely engineered to offer a new dimension to the Aston Martin driving experience.

Available only as a two-seater, the DB AR1 is not a convertible Zagato version of the Coupe - launched in the summer of 2002 - but an addition to Aston Martin’s exclusive product range.

"Aston Martin is unique in its ability to react quickly to its customers requirements and produce limited edition sports cars," explained Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin. This is the reason why Aston Martin has preferred Zagato: it has the same approach to business: quick answers and quality.

The DB7 Zagato was a huge success for Aston Martin with all 99 cars sold very quickly. It’s very clear; customers want choice and individuality.

"However, the DB AR1 is a concept car that has been designed with the Californian weather in mind and is a Roadster in the proper tradition, with no hood and space for just two people."

All cars have been sold in a three weeks tour in United States, after Los Angeles Motor Show. The production (66 to 99 pieces) will start in year 2003.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but it is anticipated that DB AR1 will cost around $230,000 US (plus or minus 10%).

The DB AR1 has a large distinctive radiator grille and accentuating rear wheel arches, which are also new, whilst the carefully detailed features such as the reverse/fog light combination provide graphic evidence of intricate hand craftsmanship and quality that has become an Aston Martin trademark.

Aston Martin has yet to conduct performance testing however, it is expected that recent developments of Aston Martin’s low emission, all alloy, 6.0-litre V12 engine, means that DB AR1 will benefit from a performance increase, and offer 435bhp compared with 420bhp of the DB7 Vantage.

This increased power together with a revised final drive ratio and active sports exhaust system will not only provide noticeable improvement in mid-range power, but also additional torque - up from 400 lb/ft (DB7 Vantage) to 410 lb/ft, providing a sharper accelerating drive.

An AP twin plate racing clutch, which replaces the single plate clutch found on the DB7 Vantage, combined with the revised quick-shift gear lever also fitted to the DB7 GT will enable the driver to maximise use of the increase in power and torque and enjoy a faster gear change.

Aside from a revised body design, the DB AR1 has special multispoke 19" alloy wheels - with revised offset to give a wider track (8x19" front, 9x19" rear) - equipped with SO2 245/35 ZR19 front and 265/30 rear, low profile Yokohoma tyres.

The active sports exhaust system with rear muffler by-pass valves - as used on the V12 Vanquish - provide the DB AR1 with a very distinctive exhaust note.

A combination of racing-style grooved 355mm (front) and 330mm (rear) Brembo disc brakes and uprated Pagid RS 42-1 front pads provide the DB AR1 with better-sustained performance, with improved resistance to judder and fade, particularly at high speed. An uprated brake booster unit as used on the V12 Vanquish - assists in providing the driver with progressive braking and a firmer and more consistent pedal feel.
Source: Zagato Press Release
Coachbuilder: Zagato
1927 Bugatti Tipo 43 (Zagato), 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I (Zagato), 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport (Zagato), 1932 Maserati V4 Sport (Zagato), 1934 Isotta Fraschini 8A (Zagato), 1936 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Tipo Pescara (Zagato), 1936 Fiat 500A Topolino Trasformabile (Zagato), 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B (Zagato), 1938 Fiat 1500 Spider MM (Zagato), 1938 Lancia Aprilia Sport (Zagato), 1938 Lancia Aprilia Villoresi (Zagato), 1947 Fiat 1100 Panoramica (Zagato), 1947 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8C Monterosa (Zagato), 1948 Ferrari 166 MM Panoramica (Zagato), 1948 Fiat 1400 Panoramica (Zagato), 1948 MG 1500 Panoramica (Zagato), 1949 Alfa Romeo 2500 SS Panoramica (Zagato), 1949 Lancia Ardea Panoramica (Zagato), 1949 Maserati A6G 1500 Panoramica (Zagato), 1950 Fiat 500 C Panoramica (Zagato), 1952 Fiat 8VZ (Zagato), 1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Zagato), 1954 Maserati A6G (Zagato), 1955 Maserati A6G Spider (Zagato), 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlina (Zagato), 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Corsa (Zagato), 1956 Ferrari 250 GTZ Prototipo (Zagato), 1957 Abarth 750 Spyder (Zagato), 1957 Abarth Fiat 500 GT Coupe (Zagato), 1957 Abarth Fiat 750 GT Coupe (Zagato), 1957 AC Ace Bristol (Zagato), 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Competizone (Zagato), 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso (Zagato), 1957 Lancia Appia GTS (Zagato), 1957 Maserati 450S Coupe (Zagato), 1958 Abarth Fiat 750 Record Monza (Zagato), 1958 Lancia Appia GTE (Zagato), 1958 Lancia Flaminia Sport (Zagato), 1960 Abarth Fiat 1000 (Zagato), 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ (Zagato), 1960 Bristol GT 406 Z (Zagato), 1960 Bristol GT 407 Z (Zagato), 1960 OSCA 1600 GTZ (Zagato), 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GTZ (Zagato), 1961 Lancia Appia Sport (Zagato), 1961 Mini Cat (Zagato), 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ1 (Zagato), 1963 Lancia Flavia Sport (Zagato), 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 (Zagato), 1964 Fiat 850 Z Coupe (Zagato), 1964 Hillman Zimp (Zagato), 1964 Lancia Flaminia Super Sport (Zagato), 1965 Alfa Romeo 2600 SZ (Zagato), 1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ (Zagato), 1965 Lancia Fulvia Sport (Zagato), 1967 Fiat 125 GTZ (Zagato), 1967 Lancia Flavia Super Sport (Zagato), 1967 Rover 2000 TCZ (Zagato), 1968 Lancia Fulvia Spider (Zagato), 1969 Alfa Romeo Junior Z (Zagato), 1969 Fiat 500 Zanzara (Zagato), 1969 Volvo GTZ 2000 (Zagato), 1970 Cadillac NART (Zagato), 1970 Honda Hondina (Zagato), 1970 Volvo GTZ 3000 (Zagato), 1971 Ferrari 3Z Spider (Zagato), 1972 Fiat 132 Aster (Zagato), 1972 Iso Varedo (Zagato), 1972 Zagato Zele, 1974 Ferrari 330 Convertibile (Zagato), 1975 Bristol 412 Covertibile (Zagato), 1975 Zagato Zeta 80, 1981 Zagato Chicane, 1983 Alfa Romeo Zeta Sei (Zagato), 1984 Alfa Romeo Tempo Libero (Zagato), 1984 Maserati Biturbo Spyder (Zagato), 1986 Aston Martin Vantage (Zagato), 1988 Maserati Karif (Zagato), 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (ES-30) (Zagato), 1989 Autech Stelvio (Zagato), 1991 Autech Gavia (Zagato), 1991 Ferrari 348 Elaborazione (Zagato), 1992 Alfa Romeo RZ (Zagato), 1992 Fiat 500 Z-Eco (Zagato), 1992 Lancia Hyena (Zagato), 1992 Nissan 300 Bambu (Zagato), 1992 Nissan 300 Seta (Zagato), 1993 Ferrari FZ93 (Zagato), 1994 Fiat Punto Monomille (Zagato), 1996 Lamborghini Raptor (Zagato), 1996 Zagato Bravo Bis, 1997 Lamborghini LM003 (Zagato), 1998 Zagato Zuma, 1999 Iso City (Zagato), 1999 Lamborghini Canto (Zagato), 2001 Toyota VM180 (Zagato), 2002 Aston Martin DB7 (Zagato), 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 (Zagato), 2004 Aston Martin Vanquish Roadster (Zagato), 2005 Lancia Ypsilon Sport (Zagato), 2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ (Zagato), 2007 Diatto Ottovu (Zagato), 2007 Maserati GS (Zagato), 2007 Spyker C12 (Zagato), 2008 Bentley Continental GTZ (Zagato), 2010 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa (Zagato), 2011 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale (Zagato), 2011 Aston Martin V12 (Zagato), 2011 Fiat 500 Coupe (Zagato), 2012 BMW Zagato Coupe (Zagato), 2012 BMW Zagato Roadster (Zagato), 2013 Aston Martin DB9 Spyder Centennial (Zagato), 2013 Aston Martin DBS Coupe Centennial (Zagato), 2014 Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake (Zagato), 2014 Lamborghini 5-95 (Zagato), 2015 Maserati Mostro (Zagato), 2016 Aston Martin Vanquish (Zagato), 2016 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante (Zagato), 2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Shooting Brake (Zagato), 2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Speedster (Zagato), 2017 Iso Rivolta Vision Gran Turismo (Zagato), 2020 Aston Martin DBS GT (Zagato), 2020 Iso Rivolta GTZ (Zagato), 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB (Zagato), 2022 Maserati Mostro Barchetta (Zagato)
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