The GTZero is the first concept car created under the direction of new design boss Filippo Perini, formerly head of design at Lamborghini. Though it’s an undoubtable showcase for the company’s technological capabilities, the similarities between Lambo’s characteristic design elements are hard to miss.
According to Italdesign, the 2+2 seat GTZero concept (which measures in at 4918mm long, 1974mm wide and 1274mm tall) draws inspiration from the company’s past designs for various automakers.
The long hood, sculpted sills and pitched tail are a tribute to the 1995 Buchrane concept created for Daewoo; the active flaps on the car’s hood are reminiscent of those found on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Scighera; and the truncated tail and smooth surfaces recall the 1968 Bizzarini Manta. The 2+2 seat configuration of the interior is homage to the Ferrari GG50, which was shown in 2005, marking the 50 years Giorgetto Giugiaro had been designing cars.
The front end emphasizes the width of the vehicle, with thin LED headlamps imparting a technical look in tune with the geometric shapes of the aerodynamically optimized elements. The front and rear wheelarches, in contrast, are softer, voluptuous forms cloaking massive 22-inch (front) and 23-inch (rear) wheels.
Aerodynamics were a primary concern in the exterior design, with the airflow around and through the vehicle dealt with by sophisticated active intakes and spoilers that open and extend to guide air flow and increase downforce at high speed.
One of the most interesting aspects of the exterior design is found at the rear, where an all-glass hexagonal shaped rear hatch is underscored by a long LED light bar that runs the width of the vehicle. The glass panel provides access to the rear luggage compartment.
The GTZero’s body is made of composite materials and is supported by a solid monocoque carbon frame with aluminum sub-frames. These sub-frames can be altered to change the vehicle’s overall dimensions, allowing a level of modularity suitable for different types of cars and drive systems. Though the concept is powered by a plug-in electric drivetrain, a six-cylinder engine or even a V10 powerplant can also be accommodated mid-ship.
Elytra style doors that open forward and upwards – extending into the vehicle’s roof to ease ingress and egress – provide access to the minimalist interior devoid of buttons. All of the essential controls have been delegated to four screens with a multi-touch feature – different menus and settings appear depending on how many fingers are placed on them.
A very small screen on top of the steering wheel indicates the gear, while the larger OLED screen in front of the driver can slide forward and aft depending on the driving mode. In the regular ‘Drive’ mode the screen ahead of the steering wheel moves closer to the pilot, but when the car is placed in ‘Pista!’ mode the screen slides back away from the driver. The main center screen houses the navigation monitor.
Functions are controlled via two pads placed behind the steering wheel, which operate the climate control, media, navigation and phone functions while a further two pads on the steering wheel spokes control essential driving functions such as the lights, indicators and wipers. Pressing the two pads simultaneously activates the ‘Pista!’ racing mode.
With the convergence of the automobile and technology sectors becoming a dominating trend, Italdesign’s GTZero concept’s innovative technological solutions look well poised to take the company into the future.