Italdesign unveils GTZero electric supercar at Geneva Motor Show

The all-electric Italdesign GTZero concept has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, built on a modular monocoque carbon frame with a 311-mile/497 kilometre range and high-tech interior.

The 483bhp concept is powered by three motors – two on the front axle and one on the rear – and the manufacturer claims its modular layout allows for several different configuration and powertrain options, including a 3+1 seat layout and hybrid technology. Top speed is limited to 155mph/248kph, and the manufacturer quotes an 80% recharge time of 30 minutes.

Power comes from batteries integrated into the frame and inside the central tunnel, with the three electric motors distributed over the axles, but a hybrid version would have the drive shaft inside the tunnel. It sports 22-inch wheels at the front and 23-inch at the rear, and the air intakes and spoiler provide an active aerodynamic system.

There are clear influences from the Lamborghini Huracan in the aggressive styling, and the Volkswagen-owned company claims elements of the design pay homage to past cars like the Alfa Romeo Scighera, Daewoo Bucrane and Bizzarini Manta, while the practical side is a nod to the Ferrari GG50.

The four-wheel-drive and four-wheel-steering concept has been styled under Italdesign design boss Filippo Perini, formerly Lamborghini’s design chief, who was appointed last September.

Planned, designed and built at Italdesign’s Italian headquarters in Moncalieri, the solid monocoque carbon frame with aluminium sub-frames means it can accommodate different body shapes and fuel systems because it’s possible to change the overall dimensions while keeping the carbon structure the same.

Inside, there are three large air vents with no internal structure on the dashboard for the air-conditioning, and all functions except for the parking brake are controlled via touchscreens with “multitouch control” that can show different menus and settings depending on the number of fingers placed on them.

In the absence of paddle-shifters, the steering wheel features pads in their place that can alter the dashboard display, while another two pads control functions such as lights, windscreen wipers and indicators. The manufacturer has also unveiled a new logo with the concept car.

Italdesign was founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1968, but he sold his remaining shares to Audi in July last year, bringing to an end his participation in the firm.

It was headed by former VW Group design boss Walter de Silva until November last year when de Silva announced he would leave Volkswagen. His replacement, Michael Mauer, was announced in December.

Previous concepts unveiled by the company include 2012’s Brivido, a dramatic two-door four-seater coupe constructed of aluminium and carbonfibre with a large glasshouse "dome", and 2013’s Parcour crossover.

In 2014, Italdesign revealed the Clipper electric MPV, and last year showcased the GEA autonomous saloon.