Italian coachbuilder Zagato rarely steps into a project unless it can make a statement that will stand the test of time, and its latest project with German engineering firm Capricorn appears to be exactly that. The two companies are preparing an ultra-limited hypercar that will be unveiled at the upcoming Zoute Grand Prix in Belgium on October 10.
Built around an analog driving experience designed to put you back at the center, the car will be designed by Zagato in Italy and hand-built by Capricorn in Germany. The official teaser doesn’t give away much, but there’s enough detail to set the tone about what’s coming. A short clip reveals an ultra low-slung coupe with a wide front intake, pronounced haunches with fender-mounted mirrors, and, most notably, gullwing doors. It will be interesting to see if the signature Zagato double-bubble roof is retained. Only 19 examples will be made, and distribution will run exclusively through the Louyet Group.
Zagato’s history as a coachbuilder for over a century should make this project more than a design exercise. Having previously worked with several automakers, including Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, and Lancia, as well as brands such as Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce, the Milanese studio has left its mark in the collector car world.
More recently, it shaped the Alpine Zagato AGTZ Twin-Tail, the BMW 4 Series Cabriolet-based Bovensiepen, and the Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda, the latter two broke cover at Villa d’Este, back in May. Capricorn, for its part, brings an engineering pedigree honed in Formula 1 and Le Mans prototypes. This upcoming launch also highlights how Italian coachbuilders continue to stay relevant. Italdesign is preparing to revive the NSX nameplate where whereas Bertone (GB110), Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera (Veloce 12), and Pininfarina (Battista) have pivoted to building their own cars.
Zagato, meanwhile, has stuck to what it does best, crafting small-volume masterpieces in collaboration with established marques, and you’ll find out what they have in store with this latest hypercar offering in the coming weeks. Watch this space.
Source: Zagato
