The Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato has a LIVING Grille - and no back window

The Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato has a LIVING Grille

The Aston Martin DBS GT – the modern bit of the DBZ Centenary Collection – is revealed with a solid carbon fibre roof and ‘living’ grille.

It’s getting on for a year since the DBZ Centenary Collection was announced, combining a continuation version of the DB4 GT Zagato with a modern DBS GT Zagato, all for a mere snip of a price – £6 million (plus the usual non-voluntary contribution to HMRC).

Since AML announced the package we have had a good look at the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation bit of the deal as AML crack on with the build, but all we’ve really seen is a sketch of the DBS bit so far.

But now we get a bit more detail and a photo of the DBS GT Zagato (well, a rendering in reality), sitting in front of its Grandad, as Aston trickle out a bit more detail.

We’re assuming that what’s under the skin of the DBS GT Zagato is the same potent 5.2 litre 715bhp V12 as the regular DBS, so most of the action is in the design, as you’d expect.

The highlight AML are keen to explain is a bit of theatre, with a grille that moves when the car starts up, and the fact the DBS GT doesn’t have a back window.

The grille is made up of 108 diamond-shaped bits of carbon fibre and, when the car is off, sits looking just as it should.

But when you fire up the GT Zagato, the grille comes alive and each of those pieces open to let the big V12 breathe. Sadly, AML hasn’t managed to send out a video. Perhaps it’s not working yet?

The other highlight is a complete lack of a back window, replaced by a slap of carbon fibre running from the top of the windscreen to the back of the car, with a camera delivering what you would have seen if you had anything as prosaic as glass at the back.

Marek Reichman, AML Chief Creative Officer, said:

This is a car that is not only focused around beauty, but drama too. Our dynamic grille gives us an opportunity to provide the car with two very different identities. When parked, DBS GT Zagato will almost look like it’s resting, but with the rear of the car still appearing muscular and primed for action. Only on start-up will the car truly become alert and ready to perform, delivering both an aural and visual treat for onlookers.

We’re going to have to wait until next year for Aston to actually build a real DBS GT Zagato.