Mazel Identity i1 Concept: A Spanish Supercar That Dared to Be Different

Fearless Innovation - In a time when most car makers play it safe, there are still those who believe that design should make your heart race before you even start the engine. In the mid-2000s, that belief found a voice in Barcelona — a city famous for its creative pulse and daring ideas. From that energy came something extraordinary: the Mazel Identity i1 Concept, a bold vision that wasn’t just about building another supercar, but about creating a whole new identity in the automotive world. 

The 2006 Mazel Identity i1 Concept designed by H2R Design Consulting, and brought to life by Mazel Group back in 2006. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

The Identity i1 was far more than a showpiece for the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. It was a statement — that even in a time dominated by established brands, innovation could still come from pure imagination. Behind its creation stood H2R Design Consulting, the creative force that developed the design entirely in Virtual Reality, and the MAZEL Group, who brought it to life in physical form. Both based in Barcelona, these teams showed that Spanish ingenuity could compete with the best of Europe’s design powerhouses.

 

But the magic didn’t stop there. The i1’s structure was a global collaboration. Its lightweight composite chassis was developed in partnership with ATR, a renowned Italian engineering company celebrated for its expertise in advanced materials. Meanwhile, the body-in-white — the stage where the car’s shape truly came alive — was executed by Studio Linea 2 in Turin, Italy, a city synonymous with automotive artistry. Together, these partnerships proved that the Identity i1 wasn’t just a design dream; it was a serious technical achievement built by some of Europe’s finest minds.

The 2006 Mazel Identity i1 Concept proportions spoke the universal language of speed: 4.43 meters long, 1.92 meters wide, and only 1.26 meters high. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Underneath its sleek skin rested an aluminum V8 engine, mid-mounted to achieve perfect balance and stability. Delivering 487 horsepower to the rear wheels through a robotized six-speed automatic gearbox, the i1 promised both power and precision. Every element was chosen to optimize performance while keeping weight down — a delicate harmony that every great sports car must master.

 

Its proportions spoke the universal language of speed: 4.43 meters long, 1.92 meters wide, and only 1.26 meters high. This low-slung profile, combined with 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, gave the car an unmistakable stance — wide, planted, and athletic. The front design borrowed cues from aeronautical engineering, with three sculpted volumes and deep air intakes that weren’t just aesthetic but functional, feeding air to the brakes and engine bay.

The Mazel Identity i1 Concept redefined expectations inside with a two-seat cabin that balanced sporty elegance and a sense of spacious simplicity. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Along its sides, the car revealed another layer of creativity. The body panels combined modern design language with timeless European sensibilities, resulting in a shape that felt familiar yet futuristic. The vertical-opening doors added drama, while the external mirrors, developed in collaboration with FICOSA, incorporated a new lighting system — subtle proof that every detail was carefully thought through.

The rear view was equally captivating. The split taillights, coupled with an expressive lower section featuring a Venturi-effect diffuser, emphasized aerodynamic efficiency while giving the car a distinct personality. It wasn’t trying to imitate anyone — it was designed to stand out, to have a face and form entirely its own. 

The Mazel Identity i1 Concept captivated from the rear with split taillights and a Venturi-effect diffuser that combined aerodynamic efficiency with a distinct personality. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Inside, the i1 continued to challenge expectations. The two-seat cabin wasn’t cluttered with unnecessary gimmicks but focused on delivering a blend of sporty elegance and spaciousness. Central to its design was a sleek control console housing advanced Shift-by-Wire and Brake-by-Wire systems — both developed by FICOSA. These technologies not only streamlined the interior layout but also introduced a completely new kind of driving experience, one that felt intuitive and almost futuristic at the time.

But what truly makes the Mazel Identity i1 Concept unforgettable isn’t just its numbers, looks, or technology — it’s the ambition behind it. To create a new car is difficult; to create a new brand from scratch is a dream few dare to pursue. Yet, H2R, MAZEL, ATR, and Studio Linea 2 did exactly that. Their combined expertise, spanning from Barcelona’s creative studios to Turin’s engineering workshops, showed what’s possible when design passion meets technical excellence. | fajZ7Uv2UDs |

Nearly two decades later, the Identity i1 still feels ahead of its time. It stands as a symbol of fearless innovation — proof that even in an industry ruled by giants, creativity can still carve out its own path. The i1 may have begun as a concept, but its spirit endures: a reminder that the future of car design will always belong to those brave enough to imagine something different. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | ULTIMATECARPAGE | ALLCARINDEX | OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X ]

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