The 2008 British Motor...
The 2008 British Motor Show has been given a major boost after Lotus confirmed that it will launch an all-new model at the event.
The newcomer was commissioned...
The newcomer was commissioned by Japanese collector Yoshiyuki Hayashi, and is the work of craftsmen at Italian coachbuilder Zagato. Its experts took Hayashi"s standard 575M as a starting point, although there"s nothing normal about its unique aluminium bodywork.
Hayashi wanted Zagato to build a bespoke shape for his modern-day Ferrari inspired by the firm"s 250GTZ from 1956. The end result has dramatic rear haunches, which give the special model an aggressive new stance.
Clear-lens light clusters also feature at the back, while two pairs of tailpipes protrude either side of the restyled rear end. As with its classic predecessor, the latest Zagato has two-tone paintwork, as well as narrow air vents in the front wings. The new car will be unveiled at the Villa D"Este Concours event in Cernobbio, Italy, later this month - 50 years after the original 250GTZ was displayed at the same exhibition.
That car was based on the Ferrari 250GT, but Hayashi"s one-off model does without its inspiration"s distinctive "double-bubble" roof design. However, the supercar brand"s famous prancing horse logo adorns the aluminium bonnet, while the Z of Zagato features on its flanks. The total cost of building the 2006 machine is unknown, but customers need ÷£156,000 just to get the keys to a standard 575M.
In showroom trim, the 5.75-litre engine produces more than 500bhp - giving the two-seater a 202mph top speed. The distinctive bonnet-mounted air intake that feeds the V12 powerplant is retained for the GTZ.
Other models in Hayashi"s extensive collection include a Ferrari 250 Spider California and a pair of Daytonas.