Following numerous teaser images, Italdesign-Guigiaro has officially unveiled its Quaranta concept car, which is built to celebrate the company’s forty years of business. It will be shown to the world at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4. Dubbed as an “extreme†product, the Quaranta features all-wheel drive, a mid-mounted hybrid powerplant utilizing solar energy, as well as the oddball passenger capacity of three adults and a child.
Marketed under the tagline “nature has never been so powerful,” the concept car was inspired by the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta, the first concept car with a central engine and drivetrain. Access to the interior is via two doors, with one incorporated into the other, which open upwards, in classic super-car fashion. It sounds thoroughly complicated, as it should in such vehicles.
The roof- and front bodywork-mounted solar panels provide up to 250W of power, which is used for the HVAC system as well as recharging the battery.
Interior accessories include a steering wheel with all the car’s control mounted in the space of the spokes, including gear selection.
The concept sits on 20-inch wheels and tires. A carbon monocoque frame serves as the skeleton for aluminum and steel panels.
The electronic four wheel drive system consists of an electric motor powering the front wheels, while a hybrid engine drives the rear wheels. Toyota supplied a variation of its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology for the concept’s powerplant, based on the 3.3 liter V6 engine found in the company’s Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV. Drive is via the same electronic continuously variable transmission.
The Quaranta’s ride height is adjustable to one of two positions, with the higher setting offering a maximum ground clearance of 9.1 inches.
Weight distribution is centralized, as all the mechanical components except the radiator are contained within the 103-inch wheelbase.
The Italdesign Giuguiaro-designed and engineered front suspension draws inspiration from F1 cars, featuring a central mono-shock.
Italdesign specifies the Quaranto’s top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
