ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE ZAGATO 5.3L V8 — 432 HP RWD

Aston Martin Zagato

Technical Specifications

Specification Data
Model Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato Coupé
Production period 1986–1990
Production volume 52 coupés
Body construction Handcrafted lightweight aluminum body by Zagato
Engine position and drive layout Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine designation V580X
Engine configuration Naturally aspirated 90-degree V8, quad-cam, 32-valve
Displacement 5,340 cc / 5.3L
Fuel delivery Four twin-choke downdraft Weber 48 IDF carburetors
Maximum power 432 bhp / 438 PS / 322 kW at 6,200 rpm
Maximum torque 395 lb-ft / 536 Nm at 5,100 rpm
Transmission 5-speed ZF manual
Differential Limited-slip differential
0–60 mph 4.8 seconds
Top speed 186 mph / 300 km/h
Side glazing Fixed side glass with lower opening sections

Powertrain Analysis

The V580X power unit is a 5,340 cc naturally aspirated V8 with four camshafts and 32 valves. Maximum output is 432 bhp, equivalent to 438 PS or 322 kW, at 6,200 rpm. Peak torque is 395 lb-ft, equivalent to 536 Nm, at 5,100 rpm.

Fuel delivery is handled by four twin-choke downdraft Weber 48 IDF carburetors. The carburetor arrangement requires the raised hood scoop integrated into the Zagato bodywork. A 5-speed ZF manual transmission delivers output to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.

The front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout combines with the 5-speed manual drivetrain for a 4.8-second 0–60 mph time. Maximum speed is 186 mph, equivalent to 300 km/h.

Chassis and Dynamics

The V8 Vantage Zagato Coupé uses a shortened Aston Martin chassis and a handcrafted lightweight aluminum Zagato body. The shortened chassis configuration reduces the vehicle’s longitudinal dimensions relative to the standard Aston Martin V8 chassis architecture.

The body has a wedge-shaped front profile, a square front grille integrated into the nose, and covered headlamps. Fixed side glass with small lower opening sections forms a flush side-glazing configuration. The roofline, glazing, and aluminum body panels prioritize a lower-profile aerodynamic package.

The front hood incorporates a prominent central bulge sized around the four Weber carburetors. Rear-wheel drive and the limited-slip differential are the drivetrain-specific traction components specified for the coupé.

Production and Interior Specification

Production ran from 1986 through 1990, with 52 V8 Vantage Zagato Coupés built. The vehicle was introduced at the 1986 Geneva Motor Show.

The cabin uses hand-stitched Connolly leather on the bucket seats, dashboard, and center console. Instrumentation consists of round analog gauges for speed, engine pressure, and engine temperature monitoring.

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