Italdesign GTZero Concept Blends Performance, Heritage, and Futuristic Tech

Electric Legacy - Amidst the rapid evolution of electric vehicles, there was a time not too long ago when bold concepts captured the imagination of the automotive world. Back in 2016, while many manufacturers were still tiptoeing around electrification, Italdesign made a statement that blended vision, design, and innovation. At the Geneva Motor Show—a prestigious platform known both for mainstream launches and rare automotive artistry—a small Italian manufacturer with a deep-rooted design legacy introduced something refreshingly ahead of its time: the Italdesign GTZero Concept.

The Italdesign GTZero electric supercar unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2016. (Picture from: Autocar)

Italdesign, a name revered among car enthusiasts and design aficionados, has long stood as a beacon of automotive creativity. Founded in the late 1960s by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, the company played a key role in shaping numerous iconic vehicles across decades. Now operating under Audi's umbrella, Italdesign continues to push boundaries—not only in design but also in embracing future technologies. The GTZero is a prime example of how a boutique firm can deliver a futuristic vision with the polish of a large manufacturer.

The Italdesign GTZero is a prime example of how a boutique firm can deliver a futuristic vision with the polish of a large manufacturer. (Picture from: Autocar)

The GTZero was not just a showcase of striking design; it was a technological manifesto. Fully electric, the vehicle was built on a modular monocoque carbon fiber frame, making it lightweight yet robust. This foundation houses an integrated battery and three electric motors—two at the front and one at the rear—that together produce a powerful 490 horsepower. This allows the GTZero to hit a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour, while still delivering an impressive driving range of 500 kilometers on a full charge. Even by today's standards, those numbers remain highly respectable.

Left side view of Italdesign GTZero electric supercar concept. (Picture from: Autoexpress)

Practicality wasn’t ignored in the quest for performance. Italdesign engineered the battery system for fast charging, capable of reaching 80% capacity in just 30 minutes. Beyond speed and range, versatility was also at the core of the GTZero's design. The modular architecture allowed for flexible cabin configurations—ranging from a 3+1 layout to a hybrid-compatible setup. Inside, the cabin was designed to comfortably seat two adults and two children, but could be adjusted to accommodate three passengers in the front and a child behind the driver, depending on needs.

Sketched Interior View of the Italdesign GTZero Electric Supercar Concept. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Visually, the GTZero made an instant impression. Its sharp, flowing lines and aggressive stance drew clear inspiration from the Lamborghini Huracán, another Italian icon. But Italdesign didn’t stop there. They infused the GTZero with design cues from a variety of past concept models, including the Alfa Romeo Scighera, Daewoo Bucrane, Bizzarrini Manta, and the Ferrari GG50. Each influence was carefully woven into the car’s silhouette, creating a modern form that paid homage to automotive history while looking firmly toward the future. 

Rear side view of Italdesign GTZero electric supercar concept. (Picture from: Autocar)

Inside the cockpit, the GTZero embraced a minimalist, tech-forward approach. Traditional controls were replaced with a touch-sensitive interface capable of recognizing different finger inputs to access various functions. The steering wheel, stripped of conventional paddle shifters, featured buttons to control lighting, wipers, indicators, and even the digital dashboard display. Only the parking brake remained analog—a small but intentional nod to tactile interaction in an otherwise digital environment. The concept also marked the debut of Italdesign’s new brand logo, signaling a refreshed identity to accompany its leap into electrification.

While the GTZero never went into production, its impact was undeniable. It served as a bold expression of what Italdesign stood for: innovation without compromise, heritage infused with modernity, and performance driven by sustainability. Today, as the automotive industry continues to move swiftly toward an electric future, concepts like the GTZero remind us that sometimes, the most compelling ideas come from those who dare to be different. *** [EKA [14032016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALDESIGN.IT | AUTOCAR | AUTOEXPRESS | CARANDDRIVER ]

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