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Geneva Preview: Giugiaro concept claimed to be the world's fastest hybrid
by Damon Lavrinc on Feb 20th 2009 at 6:58PM 
Giorgetto Giugiaro has a series of successful concepts under his belt, including the Ferrari GG50 and his own interpretation of the Mustang. But his most recent design exercise -- the Italdesign Quaranta, shown at last year's Geneva Motor Show -- was a clear indication that he was moving beyond bespoke bodywork and taking a long look into the future of the automobile.
At this year's Geneva expo, he'll take the wraps off another hybrid concept that appears to evolve the Quaranta design and the (theoretical) drivetrain underneath. Judging by the teaser, it's decidedly more sleek than its predecessor, dropping the blocky '80s aesthetic of the Quaranta and packing a powertrain that will supposedly propel the gas-electric coupe to 186 mph. If the same 270 hp, 3.3-liter V6 hybrid employed on the Quaranta migrates to this new concept, expect an all-wheel-drive system with a duo of electric motors powering the front wheels and a claimed 0-60 time of around four seconds.
Although there's some confusion about the name (there are rumors of the "Frasier Nash" nameplate being revived), we'll be able to get all the details from the show floor in Geneva next month.
Gallery: Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta Concept
[Sources: Caradisiac, AutoblogGreen]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AirRaid 7:19PM (2/20/2009)
Reminiscent of the ME four-twelve concept, and I like it.
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normeezy 7:21PM (2/20/2009)
this use to be the toyota volta concept
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normeezy 7:24PM (2/20/2009)
or well.. they look exactly the same to me.
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Mazda FTW! 7:24PM (2/20/2009)
They had a drive of the Quranta recently in a Motor Trend. Stunning. Never seen anything like this before.
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slycooper_rocker 12:02AM (2/21/2009)
the back could use some work.
AirRaid 7:27PM (2/20/2009)
I just can't imagine driving on the street in one of these. I'm sorry.
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Serge K. 7:54PM (2/20/2009)
That Ferrari GG50 is just ugly. I didn't know you could mess it up, but he did.
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Steve 12:13AM (2/21/2009)
Oh I remember the wedge! It was 1971, and the fuel crisis was just setting in... me and Mrs. Johnson had just bought a used Vista Cruiser, in order to set our family up with a decent piece of transpo...
Get with the times Giugiaro.
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Philthy 3:02AM (2/21/2009)
Looks like the old Pontiac Banshee concept.
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P.V. 6:54PM (2/21/2009)
Did anyone read the Motor Trend test of the Giugiaro Quaranta? It's AMAZINGLY fast (especially for a hybrid) yet completely noise-free!
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Joe Black 9:08PM (2/21/2009)
Will never be built
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andyb 2:23AM (2/22/2009)
I believe there are a couple of different Frazer Nash companies, but I know the one based in Mytchett, Surrey (nr Camberley) has its own little test track in the grounds and were working on Electric vehicles back in the early 2000. I believe F-N are still there today, so there maybe a connection.
They were working with a Asian car manufacture
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