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Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante is the belle of the Pebble Beach ball

While Aston Martin is showing off the Vanquish Zagato Coupe for the first time in North America, it's also using the Monterey Car Week to confirm a convertible version of the stunning supercar. Limited to just 99 cars – many of which will be spoken for this week by those visiting Aston's Carmel, California pop-up shop – the Volante will share the coupe's enhanced V12, cranking out 592 horsepower. The 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds is almost as quick as the 3.5 touted by the new DB11. And, of course, the topless models will distinguish themselves in several ways aesthetically. The Vanquish Zagato Volante gets the same rounded taillight reflectors and "bladed LED technology" of the Vulcan supercar. Lower carbon fiber sills that run the length of the car add a pronounced, sporty emphasis. Zagato's trademark twin cowls blend into the rear deck, concealing the folded top used in the Vanquish Volante. Design director Marek Reichman says the Zagato version is more muscular and flowing that the coupe. The interior gets the Zagato "Z" quilt pattern stitch on the seats and doors, and an embossed "Z" on the headrests and doors add additional flourish. The Vanquish Zagato Volante is the latest result of Aston's partnership with the Italian design house dating back to the 1960 DB4 GT Zagato race car. Aston says this latest Zagato model is aimed especially for the North American market, much like the 2003 DB AR1, an open-topped Zagato-bodied DB7 that was also limited to 99 units and is now considered a collectible. Aston's pop-up shop this week attracted enthusiasts and owners alike, and featured the cream of the DB lineup, the iconic DB5, DB10 from the latest Spectre Bond film, and, of course, Aston's newest series-production GT car, the DB11. Check out the new Vanquish Zagato Volante in the gallery up top, and the brand's pop-up shop below. Related Video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante View 9 Photos Related Gallery Aston Martin's pop-up shop at Pebble Beach View 9 Photos Design/Style Misc. Auto Shows Aston Martin Convertible Luxury Performance Pebble Beach zagato

2020 Aston Martin DBX is an Aston you won't be afraid to put your dogs in

Most Aston Martins, being two-door coupes, aren't necessarily cars in which you'd want to bring your four-legged friends. But the 2020 Aston Martin DBX crossover isn't a typical Aston. Not only does it have space for large dogs and other pets, but Aston is offering a selection of accessories in a Pet Pack to make travel more comfortable for furry companions. It includes a divider to keep your pets in the cargo area, and a lovely gray fabric and saddle brown leather bed for them to lie on. A fabric bumper guard can fold out to protect paint from stray claws, and a portable washer will let you clean up your dogs after a muddy romp. There are even pet bowls for food and water. The Pet Pack is one of a few accessory packages Aston is showing off for the DBX even before we've seen the crossover officially revealed. One of the other unique packages is the Event Pack, which comes with a picnic hamper, blanket, chairs and extra umbrella storage. Then there's the Snow Pack that, in addition to a ski bag, ski rack and snow chains, comes with boot warmers. Aston will also offer custom leather trimmed child seats for families. And of course there are a variety of interior organizers and custom luggage options for general odds and ends. Pricing and availability haven't been announced yet. That information will come along with the official reveal of the DBX this December.

Dog sent packing after eating owner's $130,000 Aston Martin

When is Man's Best Friend not really Man's Best Friend? As a Somerset, England man found out, it's when she's taking a few bites out of your $130,000 Aston Martin. Royston Grimstead left his home one morning, only to return to find the wheel arch of his British convertible chewed to bits, courtesy of one of his dogs. Luce, the four-year-old Border Collie/Spaniel mix guilty of the damage, may have had motive, according to Grimstead. According to the 42-year-old man, he was already trying to find a new home for the adorable dog, claiming it didn't get along with his other canines. "She must have overheard me because she's normally friendly and never really chewed on anything before," Grimstead said. Luce has found a new home, and according to the Bridgwater Mercury, Grimstead's insurance will cover the damage. Hopefully, Grimstead has now learned a valuable lesson from all of this: Always take the Aston Martin to work. News Source: Bridgwater MercuryImage Credit: Bridgwater Mercury Auto News Aston Martin Luxury Performance