Spanish companies H2R Design
Consulting and Mazel Group will
unveil the Identity i1 concept car at the Geneva Motor Show, hopefully as a precursor to future production.
Details are sketchy, but the mid-engine sportscar is said to be powered by a 487 hp aluminum-block V8, driving the
rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox. The two-seater features shift-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems, apparently
enabling some creative placement of controls in the interior.
The Mazel Group has been exhibiting concept
cars at Geneva annually since 2000. Pictures of the actual Identity i1 will have to wait for the opening of the Geneva
Show – for now, we’ll have to be content with these design renderings…
More pics and the official press
release after the jump.
[via Le Blog Auto]
Mazel Group Press Release:
The i1, build for IDENTITY
has is origin in the cooperation between Mazel Group and H2R
Design
The
Identity i1 has made concrete a proposal which is not only the answer to the challenge of a new model
realization but also to the creation of a new brand, a goal which is not easy to reach today.
H2R Design Consulting have studied
the concept of the car, developing the design completely in Virtual Reality, and MAZEL-GROUP have executed the
physical model. Both companies, located in Barcelona, demonstrate with this project their high
technological capacity in the execution of this kind of projects.
The chassis, studied in composite material will be developed with
ATR, a prestigious Italian company with a great experience in this field. The development of the body
in white (in RTM and composite material) is on its execution phase by Studio Linea 2 in Turin
(Italy)
The engine, an
aluminum eight cylinder in central position with rear wheel drive with an robotized six gear Gearbox
guarantees high performances and an excellent road performance.
The exterior, following the best European tradition, is characterized by
generous dimensions (4,43m long per 1,92m wide, is only 1,26 m high) combined with the remarkable
tires size of 19″ in the front and 20″ in the rear, gives the car an exclusive and sporty image.
Furthermore the strong character of its designs originates not only a “pure race” sports car but
also a design able to characterize a whole new brand.
The front part, consisting of three main volumes, have a lower main air intake, clearly
inspirited in aeronautical solutions, which is, beyond all doubt, its most important part. The remarkable
intakes for the front brake refrigeration makes up a dynamic ensemble with a strong sports character. The
upper air intake, refined and perfectly integrated in the bumpers volume and the head lights in
vertical position, emphasize the important width of the vehicle.
The side part is characterized by a new treatment of the surfaces, bringing
together new design trends and classic solutions, which permits to obtain a product really different
in relation to the solutions actually on the market. The doors, which are opening vertically, reinforce its
extremely personal presence. Here, the perfectly integrated external mirror has a new lighting system
developed by FICOSA.
The rear part,
characterized by its separated rear lights and its remarkable lower engine cover part which is used as an air
outlet conductor with a ventury effect, is easily recognizable from afar. This contribute to reach the
purpose to make a car with an own, strong character.
The interior, a two seats, has been developed against the traditional solutions searching
a sporty elegance combined with a high sensation of space, using a new distribution of the internal mechanical
components.
All the control
components of the vehicle are situated in the central panel where the Shift by Wire and the Brake by Wire
solutions have permitted a new distribution of the gear and hand brake in the interior of the vehicle. This
solution gives a new drive sensation. These elements have been developed by FICOSA, who also
cooperated with the realization of the design.
To resume, it is not only a concept car proposal but also the realization of a project
focused on its future production.