AssetID: 53134660
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Italdesign's Concept Supercar Is Incredible Piece Of Retrofuturism
Caption: Celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the 1973 Asso di Picche (Ace of Spades), Italdesign presents the Asso di Picche In Movimento (In Motion), a digital design concept for a futuristic electric 2+2 coupé. This remarkable concept pays homage to the past while showcasing the firm's commitment to embracing heritage and evolving with the ever-changing automotive landscape. Back in 1973, Giorgetto Giugiaro and the Italdesign Centro Stile team introduced the Asso di Picche, a sports 2+2 coupé, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This prototype, built on an Audi 80 chassis and mechanics, drew inspiration from the Alfa Romeo Caimano and Maserati Boomerang designs. Although conceived for potential production, the Asso di Picche never made it to the assembly line. Nevertheless, its daring and innovative design left an indelible mark, influencing subsequent production models on the global automotive stage. "It is a model that is not widely known among the general public," remarked Joaquin Garcia, Head of Design at Italdesign. "Nonetheless, from a design perspective, it ranks as one of the most pioneering and significant creations. It embodies a sleek, aerodynamic, propulsive, and penetrating vehicle. A lightweight body, with clean and uncomplicated lines, intriguing proportions, a distinctive and iconic C-pillar, and a front bumper that, for the first time, became an integral part of the body's design. After fifty years, an automobile's design still encapsulates the concept of motion." In 2023, the Asso di Picche In Movimento represents a digital interpretation of the original model, preserving its essence and simplicity while infusing it with a timeless appeal. This modern reinterpretation brings monolithic, pure, and rational design characteristics into the limelight. Modern technology allows designers greater flexibility compared to the constraints of the 1970s, where aesthetics were limited by the "tecnigrafo." Today, digital tools offer more creative freedom. "In the 1970s, the car design placed a greater emphasis on the glass surfaces," explained Joaquin Garcia. "Today, safety and electrification concepts shape the rationale behind car design choices. Our anniversary vehicle's monocoque is larger to enhance collision safety, giving the shape a more tapered and sculptural look." The Asso di Picche In Movimento is a contemporary 2+2 electric coupé featuring three doors, no central pillar, and built on a next-generation platform. It measures 4662 mm in length, 1230 mm in height, and 1945 mm in width. The design replaces the original model's overlapping isosceles triangles with two shells, featuring an aluminium body and polycarbonate windows. These elements combine to create a seamless and aerodynamic whole, with a single unbroken outline uniting the roof, front, and rear, encircling the passenger compartment. The interior design maintains the comfort level of the original 2+2 compartment. The front passengers enjoy comfortable bucket seats with a technical allure, while the rear passengers experience a more aerodynamic environment. The dashboard's cylindrical components, reminiscent of the original Asso di Picche, have been reimagined as a light, suspended, ultra-thin screen, extending the entire length of the dashboard. The Asso di Picche In Movimento reflects a sustainable approach by eliminating animal-derived leather, utilising eco-friendly materials to evoke a sense of comfort, warmth, and luxury tactile experiences. It is a testament to the design team's diverse expertise and collective culture that celebrates the past while embracing the future of automotive design. Joaquin Garcia noted, "At our Design Center, young and talented designers work alongside industry veterans. Projects like this enable us to celebrate our years of research and innovation, honouring successful partnerships, and propel our heritage into the future, drawing from our diverse professional experiences and specialised skills. We all share a single culture – that of design."
Keywords: italdesign,car,motoring,supercar,feature,photo,video
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