Italdesign Zerouno: The Rare Supercar That Redefined Exclusivity

Exquisite Rarity - When people talk about dream cars, the conversation usually circles around familiar names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Bugatti. But every now and then, a new figure quietly enters the spotlight and reminds us that automotive design is still full of surprises. Back in 2017, the world witnessed the arrival of a machine that didn’t just look like a supercar but carried the spirit of exclusivity in its DNA—Zerouno, the very first supercar officially wearing the Italdesign badge. Even today, it remains one of those rare gems that collectors whisper about with a sense of awe.

All-new Italdesign Zerouno supercar shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

The debut took place at the prestigious Salon Privé Supercar Show in the UK, an event known for gathering some of the most extravagant and unique cars on the planet. Between August 31 and September 2 of that year, at the elegant Blenheim Palace, Italdesign unveiled a creation that instantly captured attention. The Zerouno was more than just a fast car; it was a statement of design excellence and rarity, considering only five examples were ever produced. For many enthusiasts who attended, it might have been their only chance to witness such a rare creation in person.

Left side view of All-new Italdesign Zerouno supercar. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Italdesign itself is no stranger to automotive icons. Founded in the late 1960s, the Italian design house has shaped cars for brands that defined generations—Bugatti, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Lancia, to name just a few. Now under the ownership of Lamborghini, Italdesign decided it was finally time to showcase a creation of its own, one that blended half a century of experience into a single rolling sculpture. The result was a supercar that looked futuristic, drove like a race machine, and carried a sense of exclusivity so strong that even among collectors, it became a talking point.

Rear view of All-new Italdesign Zerouno supercar. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

At the heart of the Zerouno is a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a powertrain capable of launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. Its top speed pushes close to 350 km/h, numbers that place it firmly in the territory of established supercars. But the Zerouno isn’t just about speed—it’s about how it achieves it. The body and modular chassis are entirely crafted from carbon fiber, a material choice that not only reduces weight but also amplifies the car’s presence with razor-sharp edges and aerodynamic precision. 

All-new Italdesign Zerouno supercar powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a powertrain capable of launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Aerodynamics, in fact, became the soul of the Zerouno’s design. Italdesign introduced an innovative feature known as the Y Duct®, a system integrated into the car’s nose. Airflow is directed through a central gap, split into a Y-shaped channel, and then expelled through two openings on the bonnet. The result is improved downforce and stability, ensuring that the Zerouno feels planted whether it’s sprinting on a straight or carving through corners. This was Italdesign showing that beauty and function can coexist seamlessly. 

Automotive entrepreneur and car collector, the Belgian businessman first took chassis #0001 for a 100-kilometer drive around Italdesign’s headquarters. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

What makes the Zerouno even more remarkable is the attention to individuality. With only five units produced in 2017, Italdesign allowed each buyer to personalize their car extensively. From optional full-carbon finishes to Corsa racing packages, no two cars were destined to be identical. The very first chassis, numbered #0001, found its home with Belgian entrepreneur and collector Steven Lismont in October 2017, marking the beginning of the Zerouno’s journey into automotive folklore. 

Looking back now, years after its launch, the Zerouno remains more than just another addition to the supercar world. It symbolizes a moment when a design house decided to step out from behind the curtain and sign its name proudly on a creation of its own. For collectors and enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary stories in the automotive world don’t come from the most obvious names, but from the courage to create something truly different. The Zerouno is rare, bold, and unforgettable—exactly what a supercar should be. *** [EKA [23072018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | BLACKXPERIENCE ]

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