BMW Zagato Coupe unveiled at Villa d’Este, Italy

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este show in Italy started today. Recently, manufacturers are using these programs more than ever to showcase new production models and concepts. Last year's Villa d'Este debuted Aston Martin's stunningly beautiful V12 Zagato, which has been approved for production.

At Pebble Beach, Infiniti debuted the M sedan in 2011 and last year, Cadillac showed off the Ciel Concept. BMW is an official sponsor of Villa d’Este, and has unveiled a new creation designed in concert with Zagato. The resurgence of the coachbuilding is a welcome development, resulting in increased diversity and expression of design. In the past (and we mean way back in the past) it wasn’t unheard of for rich buyers to take a car chassis and commission a unique design.

Modern technology is to thank for the comeback of the coachbuilding method, and companies like Zagato have the official blessing of OEMs. With the Zagato Coupe, BMW Group and Zagato designers collaborated to produce something special. The car is what is known as “Vmax Concept” – which means it is registered and fully operable, meeting all governmental crash tests and regulations worldwide. That is unlike many official concepts, which are often just designed for the show stage. Could there be something more to this than just a design exercise? Probably not. While they haven’t spelled it out for us, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the Zagato Coupe likely has the Z4 Roadster as its basis. Zagato’s whole method is predicated on fitting all-new, handmade bodies over production platforms.

The design is an interesting amalgam of BMW’s Germanic and Zagato’s Italian design philosophies. “Working with Zagato was a fantastic experience. It was extremely enriching for us to create something with people who share our understanding of good design and passion for cars,” says Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles.

"This is what makes the car so popular is so special-open and constructive dialogue with Zagato, their experience, craftsmanship and unparalleled sense of form. All these gifts are wrapped in BMW Zagato Coupé Medium." We do like the long hood, especially the direct front view. The designer works under many restrictions; a pre-existing platform and European pedestrian safety regulations. Zagato Coupe has many different details, such as the mini "Z" letter embedded in the kidney-shaped grille mesh. Be sure to check the gallery below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.