Yes folks, the recently unveiled BMW Zagato Roadster is merely a concept, but a pretty spectacular one. After witnessing the manifestation of Italian art and German performance at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance we were fascinated by the vehicle’s level of craftsmanship, impeccable details, and glimmering profile. Inspired by the BMW Zagato Coupé, the Roadster is sure to bolster the emotions of car collectors, motor enthusiasts and BMW purists.
Founded in 1919 by body designer Ugo Zagato, the coachbuilder uses its beginnings from the aviation industry — like BMW — to conjure lightweight and detailed design schemes for its partnering automotive brands. For example, Zagato took the BMW kidney grilles and embedded them with a series of miniature matt-sheen Zagato “z” letters and then surrounded them in a matt trim. The taillamps are stowed behind black tinted glass that stretches across the entire length of the rear end. Finished in a special exterior brilliant grey paint, the vehicle shines as if to be covered in a liquid metal. Its silhouette is absolutely awe-inspiring.
“This car is not designed only as an elegant convertible, but also as a masculine and extremely dynamic sports car which evokes a powerful driving experience,” says Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada, describing the design philosophy behind the BMW Zagato Roadster. “Like the BMW Zagato Coupé, the Roadster is ready to drive – and intended to be driven at high speeds.”
