Design Daring - In the world of automotive design, where boldness often dances on the edge of convention, collaborations between legendary names sometimes give rise to creations that defy easy categorization. One such result of design audacity and technical ambition is the Porsche Karisma by Bertone—a vehicle born not only from engineering excellence but also from a desire to reinterpret tradition. In a decade when innovation flirted with nostalgia, this car emerged as a rare and striking expression of style and substance.
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| The Porsche Karisma by Bertone's goal was to design a high-performance saloon, one that could live within the Porsche universe without competing with its crown jewel. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
The story of the Karisma traces back to a renewed partnership between two storied names in automotive history. By the early 1990s, the Porsche 911 had once again solidified its position as a timeless icon, its silhouette and performance continuing to inspire reverence. This, however, presented a unique challenge to the designers at Bertone. Rather than attempting to reinterpret the 911 coupé directly—an undertaking that would risk diluting its essence—Bertone opted to venture down a less expected path. The goal was to design a high-performance saloon, one that could live within the Porsche universe without competing with its crown jewel.  |
| The Porsche Karisma by Bertone features with massive gull-wing doors that extended across the full height of the car, inspired by the Lamborghini Marzal concept of 1967. (Picture from: Story-Cars) |
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| The Porsche Karisma embraced purposeful simplicity inside, with Bertone eliminating the superfluous to craft a spacious, uncluttered cabin that radiated relaxed luxury. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
These distinctive doors weren’t merely an aesthetic choice—they were a nod to Bertone’s own design heritage, dating back to the Lamborghini Marzal concept of 1967. That same idea of large glass areas and sweeping views found new life in the Karisma. It offered an almost panoramic visual experience, not just for those inside, but for anyone looking in. Even the rear-mounted engine was put on display through clear panels, transforming the car into a rolling exhibition of precision and power.
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| The Porsche Karisma by Bertone's body was accentuated with dramatic swage lines running along its wings, a transparent roof that flooded the interior with light. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
Inside, simplicity reigned with purpose. Bertone stripped away anything deemed superfluous, focusing instead on creating an environment of relaxed luxury. The interior layout felt open and uncluttered, allowing the sense of comfort to shine through without distraction. The Karisma wasn’t just about making a visual impact; it also prioritized user experience—an approach that still feels ahead of its time. | CaRPjK_vJ9w |
Today, reflecting on the Karisma gives us more than just a glimpse into a unique automotive artifact. It serves as a reminder of what can happen when two masters of their craft meet with a shared willingness to explore uncharted territory. The Karisma didn’t aim to replace or outshine the 911; it set its own course, redefining what a Porsche saloon could be when shaped by Italian creativity. In doing so, it added a bold and captivating chapter to the legacy of automotive design, one that continues to spark curiosity and admiration decades later. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | STORY-CARS ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
