Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Bertone Mantide goes from blush to pale, looks better for it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/bertone-mantide-goes-from-blush-to-pale-looks-better-for-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/bertone-mantide-goes-from-blush-to-pale-looks-better-for-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/bertone-mantide-goes-from-blush-to-pale-looks-better-for-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bertone Mantide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Love it or loathe it, the Bertone Mantide is one of the most striking automotive designs of the decade, and coupled with the Corvette ZR1's performance, Jason Castriota has created one of the most exclusive supercars in recent memory.

The second of ten Mantides has been delivered to its new owner before its official unveiling at the Dubai Auto Show next month, and -- to our eyes -- its all-white paint scheme looks even better than the original red example that debuted earlier this year.

Castriota has since left StileBertone and moved back to New York to pursue other endeavors. In addition to tackling the fashion and industrial design world, he's working on a new line of footwear that's expected to be revealed sometime in 2010. While a new set of kicks would be the perfect compliment to the machined aluminum throttle on the angular, LS9-powered coupe, we wouldn't be surprised to see Castriota tackling another automotive project in the future given his penchant for both style and speed.


Gallery: Bertone Mantide in White

Bertone Mantide goes from blush to pale, looks better for it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonebertone mantideBertoneMantidejason castriotaJasonCastriotamantideWed, 09 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fiat to close Bertone purchase this week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-fiat-to-close-bertone-purchase-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-fiat-to-close-bertone-purchase-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-fiat-to-close-bertone-purchase-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



On Thursday, Fiat is expected to put its John Hancock on a preliminary agreement to close its purchase of Carrozzeria Bertone, the coachbuilding arm of the Bertone company. In August Fiat won the right to acquire the builder, and it will throw €150 million at its operations over the next three years to return it to glory... or at the least allow it to begin producing new models.

Specific vehicles haven't been mentioned, but when (if) the Bertone factory reopens in late 2011, it's expected the production center will make the car that replaces the Euro-spec 300C. As a side note, that could be interesting because the European 300C is currently built by Magna, in Austria, and if Fiat brings production in-house that would mean more contract work taken from Opel's new papa. Jeep knockdown kits could also be shipped over and built for European consumption.

The purchase gives Fiat no stake in Stile Bertone, the now independent design firm that brought out the Mantide, so don't get your hopes up about wildly styled Chrysler supercars being built in northern Italy. Yet.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Fiat to close Bertone purchase this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionsbertonechryslerfiatitalymanufacturingplantsWed, 30 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ciao! Fiat to build Chryslers in Italy?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/ciao-fiat-to-build-chryslers-in-italy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/ciao-fiat-to-build-chryslers-in-italy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/ciao-fiat-to-build-chryslers-in-italy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Fiat is hard at work trying to come up with the best available use of its newly acquired Chrysler arm. Part of that plan may be to sell more Chrysler products in Europe, and Fiat just so happens to have an available factory to build them in. Automotive News is reporting that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says the company would use its freshly purchased Carrozzeria Bertone plant near Turin, Italy. Fiat purchased the facility in July, just a few weeks after Chrysler exited chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Marchionne declined to discuss which vehicles would be built at the factory, but those following the Italian automaker have plenty of reasonable guesses. AN quotes sources who say the facility could open as soon as late 2011, and it could build the next generation Chrysler 300. The upcoming new 300 will reportedly begin production in the US in early 2011, and the 300's RWD platform is rumored to be used in future Alfa and/or Lancia models. The sources also claim Jeep models could be built in other Fiat facilities by using complete knock down kits shipped from here in the US.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd | Photo: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images]

Ciao! Fiat to build Chryslers in Italy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chrysler 3002011Chrysler300300alfabertonechrysler 300chrysler fiatchrysler italyChrysler300ChryslerFiatChryslerItalyfiatfiat chryslerFiatChryslerjeeplanciasergio marchionneSergioMarchionneThu, 17 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Monterey 2009: Bertone shows off ZR1-based Mantide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/15/monterey-2009-bertone-shows-off-zr1-based-mantide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/15/monterey-2009-bertone-shows-off-zr1-based-mantide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/15/monterey-2009-bertone-shows-off-zr1-based-mantide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Bertone Mantide - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's become a recent tradition for a coachbuilt car to be shown at the Gooding auction tent on Friday evening (previous years we got a look at the Pininfarina P4/5 and the Pininfarina Hyperion), and this year we were treated to the ZR1-based Bertone Mantide. The car's owner, Dan Watkins, actually drove the car from New York to Monterey for the unveiling and was on hand along with designer Jason Castriota to introduce the one-off car.

Our sources tells us that Jay Leno is next in line to purchase a Mantide, possibly followed by JK Jamiroquai, both of whom showed particular interest in the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. In addition to the new live photos from the unveiling last night, we've also included a new video featuring Watkins at Goodwood talking about the Mantide after the jump.


Gallery: Monterey 2009: Bertone Mantide


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Monterey 2009: Bertone shows off ZR1-based Mantide

Monterey 2009: Bertone shows off ZR1-based Mantide originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BertoneBertone MantideBertoneMantideChevroletChevrolet CorvetteChevrolet Corvette ZR1ChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteZr1CorvetteCorvette ZR1CorvetteZr1Jason CastriotaJasonCastriotaMantidemonterey 2009Monterey2009pebble beachPebbleBeachSat, 15 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fiat wins bid for Bertone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/report-fiat-wins-bid-for-bertone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/report-fiat-wins-bid-for-bertone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/report-fiat-wins-bid-for-bertone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the Wall Street Journal, Fiat has beaten out two other finalists and has won the bid for bankrupt design house and small-scale auto manufacturer Carrozzeria Bertone. The Italian Economic Development Ministry said in a statement that Fiat was chosen as the winning buyer due to its proposed three-year 150 million Euro investment into the company and the promise to keep Bertone's 1,137 workers on the job.

Intriguingly, Economic Development Minister Claudio Scajola further said that Bertone's manufacturing unit will be "[integrated] with Chrysler for the production in Italy of some models for the American auto company." The mind reels with the possibilities of Italian-designed and built Chryslers flooding American showrooms - for better or for worse.


Gallery: 2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta


[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Fiat wins bid for Bertone originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonebertone chryslerBertoneChryslercarrozzeria bertoneCarrozzeriaBertonefiatfiat bertoneFiatBertoneThu, 06 Aug 2009 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat reportedly to axe Bertone name if bid accepted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/fiat-reported-to-axe-bertone-name-if-bid-accepted/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/fiat-reported-to-axe-bertone-name-if-bid-accepted/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/fiat-reported-to-axe-bertone-name-if-bid-accepted/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When you're dealing with a company as established and reputed as Bertone, the whole is much more than the sum of its parts. Apparently Fiat feels otherwise, as the rapidly expanding Italian auto giant eyes its latest target strictly for its assets.

According to a statement supposedly issued from the company's press office, if Fiat succeeds in its bid to acquire Bertone's contract manufacturing operations - currently in receivership following bankruptcy proceedings - it will not use the Bertone name and only absorb its Grugliasco assembly plant, along with its skilled workforce, into its corporate structure. Any inference from the Bertone takeover applied to Fiat's acquisition of Chrysler would of course be pure speculation, but the move would surely be good news for the recently separated Stile Bertone design studio responsible for the Mantide concept.


Gallery: 2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta


[Source: Autocar]

Fiat reportedly to axe Bertone name if bid accepted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonecarrozzeria bertoneCarrozzeriaBertonefiatfiat bertoneFiatBertonegrugliascoThu, 23 Jul 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Jay Leno could be second buyer of Bertone Mantide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/jay-leno-could-be-second-buyer-of-bertone-mantide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/jay-leno-could-be-second-buyer-of-bertone-mantide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/jay-leno-could-be-second-buyer-of-bertone-mantide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Bertone Mantide - Click either pic for a high-res image gallery

Following its official unveiling in Shanghai, the Bertone Mantide has begun to make the auto show rounds, beginning with an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where its designer, Jason Castriota, drove the coachbuilt coupe up Lord March's driveway. The next stop on the Mantide's world tour includes a stint at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August, where the rebodied Corvette ZR1 will either be shipped or driven to Monterey by the Mantide's owner, a British ex-pat residing in the States.

Although the video after the jump doesn't reveal exactly who purchased the first of ten Mantides (he's a gentleman racer who owns a substantial car collection that includes a McLaren F1, and has raced in the Ferrari F430 Challenge Series), according to our sources, Jay Leno is potentially in the offing to receive the next production model.

Leno, who attended Goodwood earlier this month, spent a considerable amount of time with Castriota during the event and apparently fell in love with the Mantide. According to reports, Leno would be the fourth or fifth client to put an order in for the re-imagined 'Vette, at a reported cost of around $2 million. Thanks to Bradley Farrell from Kinetic Fin for the update.


Gallery: Bertone Mantide

Continue reading Jay Leno could be second buyer of Bertone Mantide

Jay Leno could be second buyer of Bertone Mantide originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonebertone mantideBertoneMantidejason castriotaJasonCastriotajay lenojay leno bertone mantideJayLenoJayLenoBertoneMantidekinetic finKineticFinmantideWed, 22 Jul 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat back in the mix as Bertone manufacturing unit goes up for sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/fiat-back-in-the-mix-as-bertone-manufacturing-unit-goes-up-for-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/fiat-back-in-the-mix-as-bertone-manufacturing-unit-goes-up-for-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/fiat-back-in-the-mix-as-bertone-manufacturing-unit-goes-up-for-s/#commentsFiled under: ,


Bertone Mantide - Click above for a high-res image gallery

You could say that Fiat's on a bit of a spending spree lately. While everyone else is struggling to trim expenditures and sell off divisions, Fiat's been buying them up. So after moving in at Chrysler's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and making offers for GM's European and Latin American operations - including Opel and Vauxhall - it should come as no surprise that the Italian automaker is at it again, this time placing a non-binding offer to acquire Carrozzeria Bertone.

The offer is one of five currently being entertained by Italy's oldest coachbuilder and the courts administering its bankruptcy. Among other bidders reported are Domenico Reviglio (the Gruppo Prototipo chief who was slated to buy the company last year), former Lancia CEO Gianmario Rossignolo, Chinese automaker FAW and an additional unspecified Spanish concern. It is also not the first time Fiat considered rescuing Bertone after a previous attempt failed over two years ago.

Although the reports remain somewhat ambiguous, it appears that the unit in question is only the contract manufacturing division Carrozzeria Bertone SpA, a separate unit from the Stile Bertone design house under the Gruppo Bertone umbrella.


Gallery: Bertone Mantide


[Source: Automotive News Europe - Sub. Req.]

Fiat back in the mix as Bertone manufacturing unit goes up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonecarrozzeriacarrozzeria bertoneCarrozzeriaBertonedomenico reviglioDomenicoRevigliofawgianmario rossignoloGianmarioRossignologruppo bertonegruppo prototipoGruppoBertoneGruppoPrototiporevigliorossignoloTue, 14 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bertone Mantide owner eyeing Corvette ZR1 Nürburgring record run?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/bertone-mantide-owner-eyeing-corvette-zr1s-nurburgring-record-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/bertone-mantide-owner-eyeing-corvette-zr1s-nurburgring-record-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/bertone-mantide-owner-eyeing-corvette-zr1s-nurburgring-record-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Bertone Mantide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some coachbuilt custom supercars are all show. But the owner of a Bertone Mantide is eager to prove that his has got the go to back up his show. Dan Watkins, the British gentleman-racer who bought the first Mantide, is so eager, in fact, that he's pondering personally financing a run at the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's Nürburgring lap record. And there's every reason to believe his car could reach that goal.

At 7 minutes, 26.4 seconds, the 2009 ZR1 holds the current lap record for a stock, street-legal, series production automobiles (excluding such track-focused machinery as the Viper ACR and Radical SR8). Nissan has its eyes on the ZR1 and is closing in fast, but as delicate and fragile as it may look, the Mantide arguably stands the best chance of besting the supercharged Vette's time - mostly because it's based on the ZR1. Only it's 80kg (176 pounds) lighter and 30% more aerodynamic, thanks to the improvements made to the body by Jason Castriota and his team at Stile Bertone.

To test the theory, Watkins is mulling renting out the 'Ring for three days, hiring an expert Nordschleife driver, and of course, donating the use of his $2 million supercar. All in pursuit of the ultimate bragging rights. If it happens, well, be watching.


Gallery: Bertone Mantide


[Source: PistonHeads]

Bertone Mantide owner eyeing Corvette ZR1 Nürburgring record run? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonebertone mantideBertoneMantideChevroletchevrolet corvettechevrolet corvette zr1ChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteZr1Chevycorvettecorvette zr1CorvetteZr1mantidenurburgringnurburgring lap timenurburgring nordschleifenurburgring recordNurburgringLapTimenurburgringnordschleifeNurburgringRecordstile bertonestile bertone mantideStileBertoneStileBertoneMantidezr1zr1 nurburgringZr1NurburgringWed, 08 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive by Design: Bertone Mantide priced at $2M, only 10 will be made]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/exclusive-by-design-pricing-production-revealed-for-bertone-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/exclusive-by-design-pricing-production-revealed-for-bertone-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/exclusive-by-design-pricing-production-revealed-for-bertone-ma/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bertone Mantide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Perspective is a curious thing. Some look at the Corvette ZR1 and think it's a bargain compared to the exotic European machinery that it's capable of trouncing. Others look at the six-figure price tag and wonder how a Chevy could possibly cost that much. Then comes along Stile Bertone, the restructured coachbuilder now under the creative direction of former Pininfarina designer Jason Castriota, who has re-skinned the ZR1 as the Mantide. As if its radical styling wasn't divisive enough, news of its price tag and production run have now surfaced. One's big, the other small. Guess which one's which. Take your time, we'll wait.

Give up? The Bertone Mantide will sell for $2 million, but with that kind of sticker price it won't sell many: Castriota says they've already received between three and five (let's call it four) firm orders for the exclusive supercar, and they'll produce a maximum of ten examples. Think the Mantide and its exclusivity is worth a nearly 2,000% mark-up over the $103k "stock" ZR1? Express yourself in the comments below, and check out the updated gallery of high-resolution images below if you need help making up your mind.


Gallery: Bertone Mantide


[Source: NYTimes Wheels]

Exclusive by Design: Bertone Mantide priced at $2M, only 10 will be made originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonebertone mantideBertoneMantidechevrolet corvette zr-1chevrolet corvette zr1ChevroletCorvetteZr-1ChevroletCorvetteZr1corvettecorvette zr1CorvetteZr1millionmillion-dollar supercarMillion-dollarSupercarproject mProjectMstile bertonestile bertone mantideStileBertoneStileBertoneMantidesupercarTue, 05 May 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Bertone Project M episode VII reveals ZR1-based Mantide in all its glory [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/bertone-project-m-episode-vii-reveals-zr1-based-mantide-in-all-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/bertone-project-m-episode-vii-reveals-zr1-based-mantide-in-all-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/bertone-project-m-episode-vii-reveals-zr1-based-mantide-in-all-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Stile Bertone Mantide - Click above for high-res gallery

For fans of Italian automotive design, it's been a deliciously torturous process to watch the slow, webisode-by-webisode reveal of Stile Bertone's highly anticipated Project M, but we've just about made it to the end. After revealing the car's underpinnings as those of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and revealing its name ("I always thought M was a randomly assigned initial, I had no idea it stood for...") Mantide, the latest installment has just hit the intertubes to reveal the concept supercar in all its glory.

The finished Mantide cuts an intriguingly aggressive shape, and you can immediately identify that it's been styled by the same hand as the one responsible for various Ferraris of late. Follow the jump to watch the video for yourself, click on these thumbnails to see the first batch of official photos, and drop by our comments section below to share your thoughts. Shout-out to Patrick for the tip!


Gallery: Bertone Mantide

Continue reading Bertone Project M episode VII reveals ZR1-based Mantide in all its glory [w/VIDEO]

Bertone Project M episode VII reveals ZR1-based Mantide in all its glory [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonebertone mantidebertone project mBertoneMantideBertoneProjectMCastriotaproject mProjectMstile bertonestile bertone mantidestile bertone project mStileBertoneStileBertoneMantideStileBertoneProjectMMon, 20 Apr 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Bertone family back in court over management issues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/bertone-family-back-in-court-over-management-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/bertone-family-back-in-court-over-management-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/bertone-family-back-in-court-over-management-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Bertone girls can't seem to keep their disputes out of local courts, as the widow of the late Nuccio Bertone and their daughters are at each others' throats once again.

Previous legal disputes centered around matriarch Lilli Bertone's attempt to sell the company to Domenico Reviglio, to say nothing of the bankruptcy administration under which the company fell recently. The latest saga once again involves Lilli, who, despite holding the largest share of the company and acting as its chair, serves no management role.

Apparently, Lilli attempted to hire former Pininfarina and Ghia designer Emanuele Nicosia for a disputed role in the newly formed Stile Bertone. Nicosia was supposed to act as an adviser, but Marie Jeanne Bertone, who runs the company hands-on, and managing director Teresio Gigi Gaudio took the matter to court after they apparently saw a business card circulating that placed Nicosia's title as managing director.

Complicated enough? This is only one of several lawsuits currently backing up the Italian courts filed between Lilli Bertone and her daughters Marie Jeanne and Barbara. Hopefully, they can stay out of the way of Jason Castriota and his crew while they work away on the highly anticipated upcoming Project M. Stay tuned for more.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

Bertone family back in court over management issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbara bertoneBarbaraBertonebertonedesigndesigneremanuele nicosiaEmanueleNicosiagaudiolilli bertoneLilliBertonemanaging directorManagingDirectormarie jeanne bertoneMarieJeanneBertonenicosiastile bertoneStileBertoneteresio gigi gaudioTeresioGigiGaudioTue, 14 Apr 2009 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Episode VI reveals what lies beneath Bertone's Project M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/episode-vi-reveals-what-lies-beneath-bertones-project-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/episode-vi-reveals-what-lies-beneath-bertones-project-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/episode-vi-reveals-what-lies-beneath-bertones-project-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to jump to episode six of the Project M web video series

After the first and subsequent four webisodes of Stile Bertone's Project M hit cyberspace, everyone's wanted to know just what the upcoming supercar would be based on. Talented young designer Jason Castriota has designed Ferraris, Maseratis, Rolls-Royces and more, but since leaving Pininfarina to head the reborn Stile Bertone, would his projects employ the same exotic underpinnings? Initial speculation was that the trickle-teased Project M was based on the Nissan GT-R, but those and other rumors can now be finally put to rest with the release of the sixth episode of the Brad Farrell/KineticFic-produced web series.

We won't spoil the surprise for you, except to say that it's genuine Detroit steel which Castriota's playing with here. Follow the jump to view the video and find out for yourself.

Continue reading Episode VI reveals what lies beneath Bertone's Project M

Episode VI reveals what lies beneath Bertone's Project M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonecastriotajason castriotaJasonCastriotamproject mProjectMstile bertoneStileBertoneMon, 13 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[New Bertone, Zagato and Morgan concepts to debut at Ville d'Este]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/new-bertone-zagato-and-morgan-concepts-to-debut-at-ville-deste/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/new-bertone-zagato-and-morgan-concepts-to-debut-at-ville-deste/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/new-bertone-zagato-and-morgan-concepts-to-debut-at-ville-deste/#commentsFiled under: ,


Zagato Maserati GS at Villa d'Este 2007 - Click above for a high-res gallery

In our next life, we hope we don't come back as a concept car. The show-bound vehicles get rushed through development, fussed over, shipped off to some exposition hall to be scrutinized by people like us, then all but completely forgotten. It's a rough existence. But every dog has his day, and for some of the world's most beautiful show cars, that day comes at Villa d'Este.

The annual concours d'elegance is held on the shores of picturesque Lake Como in northern Italy, out on the green lawns under the Mediterranean sun. Now that's more like it. Every year some of the most beautiful concept cars make it to Villa d'Este for a well-deserved vacation, and this year will include such show-stoppers as the Infiniti Essence, Aston Martin One-77 and Rinspeed iChange which we saw in Geneva, along with others like the Fisker Karma S and BMW GINA Light design study. But some years, automakers and design houses use the occasion to unveil something altogether new, and this year Stile Bertone, Zagato Milano and Morgan are expected to show new concepts at the concours.

The Bertone show car is expected to be an evolution of the BAT 11 that was (almost) debuted at the Geneva show a couple of years back. Zagato's is unknown, but is tipped to be a development on the gorgeous Perana Z-One from Geneva. Meanwhile Morgan, now celebrating its centenary, is tipped to unveil a new lightweight sportscar concept based on the Aeromax that could see production if the reception is warm enough. Lake Como in the spring should do it.

[Source: Motor Authority]

New Bertone, Zagato and Morgan concepts to debut at Ville d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonebertone villa desteBertoneVillaDesteconcoursconcours delegance villa desteConcoursDeleganceVillaDestemorganmorgan villa desteMorganVillaDestevilla destevilla deste concours deleganceVillaDesteVillaDesteConcoursDelegancezagatozagato villa desteZagatoVillaDesteWed, 01 Apr 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Beat some ugly Italian designs with an ugly stick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/beat-some-ugly-italian-designs-with-an-ugly-stick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/beat-some-ugly-italian-designs-with-an-ugly-stick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/beat-some-ugly-italian-designs-with-an-ugly-stick/#commentsFiled under: ,



Got some time to burn? Of course you do! iMotor Mag has created a game to punish the wayward children of esteemed Italian design houses. Where designers such as Pininfarina and Bertone have penned gems like the Ferrari F599 and the Lamborghini Miura, they have also thrust the Peugeot 1007 and Skoda Favorit on unwary car shoppers (hey, even designers have to eat...).

iMotor (the same blokes who gave us the Bail Out Chrysler game) gives you the chance to beat them, and a couple of Bertone designs to boot. You may not agree with all of them (Subaru SVX?) but the better you wield the ugly stick, the more unfortunate designs you get to eradicate from the (virtual) world. However, as with many ugly-yet-enduring designs, the cars put up a good fight, so good luck getting to Level Two.

[Source: iMotor Mag]

Beat some ugly Italian designs with an ugly stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertoneCitroenDaewoodesignersgameguigiaroHyundaiimotorPeugeotpininfarinasubaru SVXSubaruSvxuglyFri, 27 Mar 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Stile Bertone Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11 is not the next Tumbler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/detroit-2009-stile-bertone-alfa-romeo-b-a-t-11-is-not-the-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/detroit-2009-stile-bertone-alfa-romeo-b-a-t-11-is-not-the-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/detroit-2009-stile-bertone-alfa-romeo-b-a-t-11-is-not-the-next/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alfa BATalfa romeoalfa romeo bat 11AlfaBatAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoBat11BAT 11Bat11bertonebertone alfa romeo batbertone alfa romeo bat 11bertone bat 11BertoneAlfaRomeoBatBertoneAlfaRomeoBat11BertoneBat11detroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShownaiasnaias 2009Naias2009stile bertoneStileBertoneTue, 13 Jan 2009 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Pininfarina to cease contract manufacturing, transfer ownership to banks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/pininfarina-to-cease-contract-manufacturing-transfer-ownership/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/pininfarina-to-cease-contract-manufacturing-transfer-ownership/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/pininfarina-to-cease-contract-manufacturing-transfer-ownership/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the Pininfarina Sintesi in our high-resolution image gallery

It's been a rough few years for Italy's coachbuilders, and times aren't getting any easier. Bertone almost went under before a rescue plan was approved by the courts at the eleventh hour, and now Pininfarina is poised to follow them down the same path. Drowning in nearly €600 million in debt, Pininfarina is set to shut down its contract manufacturing operations and concentrate on its own electric vehicle initiative while the family loses control of its company to the banks.

Although contract manufacturing once constituted the lion's share of business for outfits like Pininfarina, those times are long gone. Pininfarina still makes the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet for Ford and the Brera and Spider for Alfa Romeo, but at levels hovering around a quarter of anticipated output. Instead, the design house will refocus on its joint production of the Bzero electric vehicle with Bollore, targeted to hit the market in 2010-11. Meanwhile, the grandchildren of Battista "Pinin" Farina - recently lead by Andrea Pininfarina (until his death in a tragic accident in August) and now led by his brother Paolo - will transfer 50.4 percent ownership to its creditors in exchange for a €180 million reduction of its debt, to be followed by a further reduction of €70 million in exchange for rights to the name. The family, meanwhile, will retain only 4.5 percent stake in the namesake company, with the remaining shares publicly traded (including some held by Enzo's son Piero Ferrari and some by Tata). The banks, however, will seek no management changes or board seats in exchange for the controlling interest.

Gallery: Pininfarina B0


[Source: Automotive News Europe - Sub. Req.]

Pininfarina to cease contract manufacturing, transfer ownership to banks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonebzerocoachbuildingcontract buildingContractBuildingdesign houseDesignHousepinin farinapininfarinapininfarina bankruptcyPininfarinaBankruptcyFri, 02 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[British TV show names Bertone BAT 11 as Best Concept of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/british-tv-show-names-bertone-bat-11-as-best-concept-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/british-tv-show-names-bertone-bat-11-as-best-concept-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/british-tv-show-names-bertone-bat-11-as-best-concept-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bat 11Bat11bertonebertone alfabertone alfa romeobertone alfa romeo batbertone alfa romeo bat 11bertone batbertone bat 11BertoneAlfaBertoneAlfaRomeoBertoneAlfaRomeoBatBertoneAlfaRomeoBat11BertoneBatBertoneBat11sky motoringSkyMotoringFri, 26 Dec 2008 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Bertone hires former Pininfarina designer Jason Castriota]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/04/bertone-hires-former-pininfarina-designer-jason-castriota/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/04/bertone-hires-former-pininfarina-designer-jason-castriota/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/04/bertone-hires-former-pininfarina-designer-jason-castriota/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no news that business has been tough for Italy's most vaunted design studios and coachbuilders. But that hasn't stopped Bertone from hiring Jason Castriota as its new design director. Castriota has spent the past several years at arch-rival Pininfarina, where he worked on such projects as the Maserati Birdcage concept and GranTurismo, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, custom P4/5 and the Rolls-Royce Hyperion one-off, before leaving with the aim of starting his own studio. But as the Italian-American stylist says himself, Bertone "made me an offer I couldn't refuse".

Castriota, 34, will head a young design team at the resurgent Bertone, starting immediately. He'll have his work cut out for him bringing the stoic design house back to its feet following its brush with bankruptcy, and we'll be looking forward to seeing what he has in store for us.

[Source: CarDesignNews]

Bertone hires former Pininfarina designer Jason Castriota originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click for a hi-res gallery of the Lamborghini Bertone Miura Spyder

Enthusiasts of exotic Italian automobiles everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to Adam Gordon. The New York real estate developer has just completed what is sure to have been an extremely costly restoration of the Lamborghini Bertone Miura Spyder. We say "the" Miura Spyder because it is the only one ever made. In fact its serial number doesn't even show in the company's register.

As we reported when Gordon first acquired the car a year and a half ago, the Miura Spyder was made by Nuccio Bertone and Marcello Gandini as a one-off show car in 1968, when it was unveiled at the Brussels auto salon, much to the amazement of even Ferruccio Lamborghini. The car was then brought back to Sant'Agata where Lamborghini's own people, in consultation with Bertone, deemed it impossible to put into production. The factory then refinished the only existing example in green with all manner of extra chrome bits and sold it to the International lead and Zinc Research Organization, which used it as a showcase piece and brought it to car shows in such locations as Detroit, Montreal, Anaheim, London, Tokyo, Sydney and Paris, before finally donating in 1981 it to the Boston Museum of Transportation in exchange for a $200,000 tax receipt. The car then disappeared largely into obscurity for 25 years as collectors failed - incredibly - to comprehend the value of the only factory-original Miura targa in the world.

Although the Boston museum invested what must have been considerable time and energy into refurbishing the Miura Spyder, it wasn't until Gordon got his hands on it that the car was returned to its original Bertone condition by the Bobileff Motorcar Company. The car's history has been chronicled in a new book, "The Lamborghini Miura Bible" by Joe Sackey. Follow the jump to read the full press release, and click the thumbnails below for a small gallery of images of the Miura Spyder.

Gallery: Lamborghini Bertone Miura Roadster

[Source: Veloce Publishing]

Continue reading Restoration completed on one-off Lamborghini Miura Spyder

Restoration completed on one-off Lamborghini Miura Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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