Zagato Transforms Alpine A110: A $600,000 Masterpiece with a Blast from the Past
Zagato's knack for producing eyebrow-raising designs is renowned in the automotive world. However, their latest venture, the Zagato AGTZ Twin Tail, takes the theatricality to a whole new level. Reminiscent of its endeavors back in the 1960s with the Alpine A220's long and short tail configurations during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Zagato has once again blurred the lines between retro charm and modern engineering prowess with this new incarnation of the compact sports car, the Alpine A110.
The AGTZ Twin Tail is more than just a car; it's a homage to a legendary racing heritage, now reprised for the road. At its core, the contemporary Alpine A110 is a mid-engine marvel, equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 249 horsepower. Yet, with Zagato's intervention, this already capable machine has been transformed into a testament to automotive artistry and innovation.
The Transformation: From Sports Car to a Vintage Vision
The most striking feature of the AGTZ Twin Tail is its namesake twin tail - a removable long tail cone designed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. But it's not all about the speed; this feature is a stylistic nod to the days when motorsport was as much about spectacle as it was about competition.
Unlike the original A220, which shed its long tail for a more nimble setup post-Le Mans, the modern reinterpretation by Zagato doesn't sacrifice its long tail's elegance to achieve agility. Instead, it combines the best of both worlds: the car retains its spectacular removable butt while promising performance that could likely outshine its predecessors on the track.
A Price Tag as Exquisite as Its Design
The Alpine A110, though a remarkable vehicle in its own right, carries a price tag of around $70,000, placing it in the realm of Porsche’s 718 Cayman. The Zagato iteration, however, catapults this figure into the stratosphere. Priced at over $600,000, the AGTZ Twin Tail is not just a car; it's an exclusive piece of automotive history revived for the modern connoisseur.
One might question what warrants such a steep price. The answer lies not just in the rarity or the brand prestige but also in the meticulous craftsmanship. This isn't merely a car with a fancy body kit slapped on. It's a bespoke masterpiece, crafted with a level of detail and dedication that's becoming increasingly rare in the automotive world.
The Verdict: Speed Meets Elegance
While the AGTZ Twin Tail might not boast performance figures vastly superior to the standard Alpine A110, its allure isn't rooted in raw power alone. It's about owning a piece of art; a machine that embodies the spirit of racing history with the sophistication of modern engineering. This car might not set new lap records, but it will undoubtedly turn heads and ignite conversations about automotive heritage, design, and the enduring appeal of the sports car.
Zagato's AGTZ Twin Tail stands as a testament to the Italian design house's unwavering commitment to creativity and craftsmanship. In a world where modern cars often chase after numbers and statistics, the Twin Tail reminds us of the romance of motoring - where the journey is just as important as the destination, and where every curve and line tells a story.
For those who can afford its hefty price tag, the AGTZ Twin Tail offers an unrivaled mix of history, performance, and exclusivity. It's more than a car; it's a legacy on wheels.