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Detroit 2009: Stile Bertone Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11 is not the next Tumbler

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Alfa Romeo

Click above for a gallery of high-res pics of the Bertone B.A.T. 11 from Detroit

We were saddened when we couldn't track down this Bertone B.A.T. 11 in Geneva last year and even sadder when we missed it in Los Angeles in November. Don't blame us. They stuck it in the basement for crying out loud. The B.A.T. 11 is an updated take on the B.A.T. 5, B.A.T. 7 and B.A.T. 9 concepts built by Nuccio Bertone in the '50s. BAT stands for Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica (Aerodynamic Technical Coupe) and as you can see, this concept lives up to its name. While the original B.A.T. concepts have become some of the most coveted collector cars in the world, this new one is designed with a slightly different slant.

Based on a Maserati GT chassis, it is more of a sportscar for the new millennium. It has a Maserati V8 for propulsion and features Pirelli shod 21" wheels slowed by Brembo brakes. Although the mechanicals are Maserati, the badge is Alfa Romeo because of the exterior detailing -- specifically the traditional Alfa triangular shield and circulor crest. It also carries many of the same design cues as its predecessors, including the fared-in wheels and wrap-around tail fins. While the original BATs were designed to look aerodynamic, this one was actually wind-tunnel-tested in the Department of Aeronautics and Space Engineering at the Polytechnic institute of Torino.

It's such a striking car in person at over 16 feet in length, six feet wide and under four feet tall. The classic styling elements are joined by some 21st century tech, including electronically adjustable cooling foils and wheel coverings that automatically adjust to the optimal position for cooling, steering or drag-reduction. It's a fun concept, a treat to see in person and a great homage to Nuccio, especially painted up in his favorite green-gray color. Check out the press release after the jump and our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Bertone Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11dk

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Stile Bertone Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11 is not the next Tumbler

Detroit 2009: Stile Bertone Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11 is not the next Tumbler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British TV show names Bertone BAT 11 as Best Concept of the Year

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Alfa Romeo, UK

Click above for a gallery of Bertone's Alfa BAT 11 concept car

Nobody does television car shows like the Brits. Top Gear may be the king, but it has bred its fare share of imitators. Not only have Top Gear's producers began setting up franchises in Australia, Russia and the United States, but the BBC's local rivals have given birth to other shows like Final Gear and Sky Motoring... the latter of which has now released its own portfolio of awards.

The most intriguing award is arguably the show's choice of the Bertone BAT 11 as its Best Concept Car of 2008. The enigmatic design exercise was commissioned by collector Gary Kaberle while the stoic design house was in the midst of turmoil en route to bankruptcy and eventual restructuring. Due to the studio's financially distraught condition, the concept - a continuation of the original BAT 5, BAT 7 and BAT 9 cars - was only unveiled outside the Geneva Motor Show this past March. Based on the underpinnings of the Alfa 8C Competizione, the resurgent Bertone is reportedly considering putting the angular exotic into limited production.

Meanwhile, Sky Motoring handed out more than dozen other awards, including giving the nod to the Volkswagen Scirocco as its Best New Car of the Year, French automaker Citroen as the Best Manufacturer, and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 as the Best New Exotic. Click here to check out the rest of the Sky Motoring 2008 awards.

Gallery: Bertone BAT 11 concept

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

British TV show names Bertone BAT 11 as Best Concept of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bertone considers Detroit office, limited production for BAT 11

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Supercars, Alfa Romeo, Specialty

Only months ago Bertone, one of the most famous design houses in Europe, looked like it was about to go under. The company had lost all its contracts, had a big operation to sustain, and went into bankruptcy protection. But like a phoenix from the ashes, Bertone is re-emerging, more streamlined and ready to get back to business. The manufacturing division, heavy with overhead, was stripped away from the styling studio, which is still owned by the Bertone family but operated independently. And its new business development director is keen to get the design house back on track.

Among the steps Bertone is considering is to open up additional field offices away from Italy to get in on the local action. The company is in the process of setting up shop in China, and has its eyes set on India and Detroit next. To mark its resurgence, Bertone is also considering putting the BAT 11 into limited production. The Alfa 8C-based concept car was shown near the Geneva show last March after conflicting reports of its cancellation, and is now headlining the Meadow Brook Concours d'Eleance. The vehicle was originally built as a one-off for our friend Gary Kaberle, but if Bertone can get enough orders in place beforehand, the company would consider a small run of 25-50 examples. In the meantime, it's going to focus on rebuilding its reputation and on the 20 design projects it currently has under way for automakers in Europe and China, as well as shipyards and aerospace companies.

Gallery: Bertone BAT 11 concept

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Bertone considers Detroit office, limited production for BAT 11 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bertone BAT 11 images surface as commissioners present their report

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, AMG

Click above to see more of the Bertone BAT 11 concept

Bertone's future continues to hang in the balance as three court-appointed bankruptcy commissioners move forward with trying to secure a new owner for the 96-year-old design house and coachbuilder. The commissioners have just presented a 132-page initial report to the court outlining their findings, but while sources suggest that as many as seven potential buyers have stepped forward, the commissioners have thus far only met with the lawyers and bankers representing those companies.

While the courts try to determine the carrozzeria's fate, a selection of crude images have surfaced of the BAT 11 design study that Bertone unveiled in Geneva at a location away from the motor show. Check them out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Bertone BAT 11 concept

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Bertone BAT 11 images surface as commissioners present their report originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Bertone B.A.T. 11 concept will debut in Geneva, but not at show

John Neff — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Alfa Romeo

The saga of whether Bertone will or will not be at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show to debut its Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11 concept is over. Automotive News Europe is reporting that the Italign design house will display the vehicle you see above in Geneva, just not at the Palexpo where the auto show is taking place. Bertone's Vice Chairperson Marie-Jeanne Bertone told AN that her mother Lilli, who is also Bertone's Chairperson, had cancelled the company's booth at the Geneva show. Unfortunately, it's not yet known where within the city limits of Geneva the car will debut. We assume it will be a shady part of town and a password might be required to get in. Despite the highly unorthodox unveiling, the B.A.T. 11 looks every bit as dynamic as the original B.A.T. concepts from which it takes inspiration. Being that it's based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione platform, it probably goes like stink, too. We'll do our best to infiltrate the Swiss underground scene and bring you back some live shots.

[Source: Automotive News Europe, sub. req'd]

Geneva '08 Preview: Bertone B.A.T. 11 concept will debut in Geneva, but not at show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorry, kids: Bertone won't be going to Geneva this year

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Earnings/Financials

Maybe it's the natural human inclination to root for the underdog, or maybe we just like Italian sportscars - probably the latter - but we were hoping Bertone would be able to pull its act together and by some miracle bring its BAT 11 concept to the Geneva show next week. That is turning out to be little more than wishful thinking, as prevailing reports are indicating that for the first time in over 50 years, the iconic design studio will be skipping the show altogether.

As we reported earlier, the BAT 11 was to be a revival of the classic BAT concept cars, aerodynamic design exercises that Bertone created on Alfa Romeo platforms in the '50s. The BAT 11 concept we were supposed to see in Geneva next week reportedly started life as an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, but until - or unless - Bertone gets its house in order, it looks like the rendering above is the most we'll see of the show car.

[Source: Car Design News via Winding Road]

Sorry, kids: Bertone won't be going to Geneva this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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