Italdesign Reimagines a 1973 Audi as a Modern Electric Concept

Heritage Recharged - The automotive industry often looks ahead, yet some of its most compelling ideas emerge when designers pause to reflect on where they came from. As electric vehicles redefine performance and aesthetics, revisiting classic concepts can offer clarity rather than constraint. This mindset sets the stage for the Asso di Picche di Movimento, a concept that connects a bold design legacy with the realities of today’s electric era.

The Asso di Picche di Movimento, a concept that connects a bold design legacy with the realities of today’s electric era. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Introduced by Italdesign in 2023, the Asso di Picche di Movimento was created to commemorate 50 years since the debut of the original Audi Asso di Picche concept from 1973. That earlier car, designed by Italdesign founder Giorgetto Giugiaro, became a symbol of sharp geometry and forward-thinking proportions. The new concept does not attempt to replicate it outright; instead, it reimagines the idea through the lens of modern safety standards and full electrification, positioning it as a bespoke EV rather than a retro exercise. 

The Audi Asso di Picche concept created by Italdesign serves as the foundational inspiration behind the modern Asso di Picche di Movimento, linking past vision with contemporary interpretation. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

From the outside, the car immediately signals its heritage while feeling unmistakably contemporary. The two-door coupé form references the Audi 80 platform of the original, but the surfaces are smoother and more aerodynamic. Camera-based mirrors, newly designed wheels, and a seamless glass roof contribute to efficiency and visual purity. That roof extends into an active rear spoiler and is engineered to block all ultraviolet rays while adding structural stiffness, turning a design feature into a functional advantage. 

The Asso di Picche di Movimento reinforces its forward-looking intent through a lightweight aluminum body paired with polycarbonate windows. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Material choices further emphasize the vehicle’s forward-looking intent. The entire body is constructed from aluminum to reduce weight, paired with polycarbonate windows for the same reason. Its sharp, metallic color scheme evokes the raw, industrial look associated with some of today’s most unconventional electric vehicles. At the rear, horizontally flipped D-shaped lights remain constantly illuminated as part of the daytime running lights, while the front air intakes from the original concept now serve a new role as charging ports. 

The Asso di Picche di Movimento immediately expresses its heritage through a two-door coupé form rooted in the Audi 80, refined with smoother and more aerodynamic surfaces. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

In terms of proportions, the Asso di Picche di Movimento remains compact and athletic. Measuring 4,662 mm in length, 1,230 mm in height, and 1,945 mm in width, it occupies a footprint comparable to a modern BMW Z4. These dimensions reinforce its identity as a focused, driver-oriented coupé rather than a large, tech-heavy showcase, aligning with the minimalist philosophy seen throughout the project. | yvs59lJdIaI |

The interior completes the story with a calm, carefully considered environment for two occupants. Double-hinged doors improve accessibility in tight urban spaces, while form-fitting bucket seats prioritize comfort without excess padding. A low-mounted, squared steering wheel enhances visibility, and the cylindrical dashboard recalls the 1973 original while housing an ultra-thin infotainment display that can rotate out of sight. Even the leather straps that act as door handles echo the past, proving that meaningful design references can coexist naturally with modern electric mobility. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALDESIGN.IT | BLACKXPERIENCE ]

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The 110 R Returns: Škoda’s Visionary Rear-Wheel-Drive Coupe Reimagined

Heritage Reimagined - Sometimes, automotive history has a way of whispering from the past, nudging designers to revisit forgotten legends and reimagine them for today’s world. Škoda, the Czech brand under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, has once again taken a step into this playful territory by breathing new life into a familiar name: the 110 R. Unlike a simple retro revival, this concept melds nostalgia with a distinctly modern edge, creating a digital vision that celebrates heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future. 

The All-New Škoda 110 R melds nostalgia with a distinctly modern edge, creating a digital vision that celebrates heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future. (Picture from: Motor1)

The original Škoda 110 R first rolled onto roads in 1970, arriving as a sleek, rear-wheel-drive coupe priced at a sum equivalent to more than three years’ average wages. Despite its lofty price tag of 78,000 crowns, the car struck a chord with enthusiasts, achieving over 57,000 sales during its decade-long production. Its modest four-cylinder 1.1-liter engine, rear-mounted and paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, delivered 52 horsepower—hardly blistering speed, but enough to give drivers a charmingly unhurried experience and two practical cargo compartments, one in the front and one behind the seats. 

The original Škoda 110 R first rolled onto roads in 1970, arriving as a sleek, rear-wheel-drive coupe priced at a sum equivalent to more than three years’ average wages. (Picture from: Motor1)

Fast forward to 2025, and Škoda’s 110 R returns—but only in the digital realm. The new iteration swaps the gasoline heart for an imagined electric motor, reflecting modern priorities in sustainability while leaving room for playful speculation about performance. The concept is not merely a nostalgic echo; it’s a bold rethinking, where clean, aerodynamic surfaces dominate and traditional automotive cues are reinterpreted for a sleek, futuristic presence. 

The All-New Škoda 110 R Concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

At the heart of this modern vision is Škoda designer Richard Švec, who applied the company’s “Modern Solid” design language to the coupe. Gone are conventional door handles, replaced by subtle sensors that maintain the car’s fluid silhouette. Headlights and taillights slide open like mechanical eyes, while side cameras and functional vents hint at both performance and heritage. Even the rear pays homage to the past with a vintage “S 110 R” badge, grounding the futuristic styling in a clear historical reference. 

The All-New Škoda 110 R Concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

The concept emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, mirroring the lightweight ethos of its ancestor, which tipped the scales at just 880 kilograms (1,940 pounds). While specific technical specifications are left to the imagination, one can sense that Škoda envisioned a vehicle that is both agile and visually striking. Every design choice, from aero-inspired wheels to the smooth black front band concealing sensors, balances aesthetic minimalism with subtle functional nods to the original coupe. 

The All-New Škoda 110 R Concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

Yet, despite its visual allure and clever nods to history, the 110 R concept highlights the challenges of automotive nostalgia in the modern market. Compact coupes have steadily lost ground to SUVs and crossovers, and an electric drivetrain—while environmentally forward-thinking—may struggle to capture the hearts of traditional sports car enthusiasts. Škoda, known more for practicality than prestige, faces an uphill battle convincing buyers to embrace a high-concept coupe in the real world. | kSrcEgq3l8M |

Ultimately, the all-new Škoda 110 R serves as a bridge between eras—a digital playground where heritage meets imagination. It’s a reminder of a time when automotive design was as much about personality as performance and a glimpse at how a classic silhouette can be reinterpreted through the lens of modern technology and styling sensibilities. In a world dominated by utility and efficiency, this virtual coupe allows enthusiasts to indulge in a fleeting vision of what could be, blending history, creativity, and the enduring charm of a rear-wheel-drive icon. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | TOPGEAR | CARSCOOPS ]

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Rinspeed iChange and the Vision of Adaptive Electric Mobility

Adaptive Minimalism - For decades, the automotive world has chased bigger engines, heavier bodies, and ever-growing dimensions, only to later question whether that path truly serves modern mobility. As cities grow denser and environmental awareness sharpens, the idea of a car as a static, one-size-fits-all object feels increasingly outdated. It was precisely this shift in thinking that set the stage for the Rinspeed iChange, a concept that dared to ask a simple but radical question: what if a car only used as much energy and space as it truly needed at any given moment?

The Rinspeed iChange, a concept that dared to ask a simple but radical question: what if a car only used as much energy and space as it truly needed at any given moment? (Picture from: WeirdWheels in Reddit)

Unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Rinspeed iChange was created by the Swiss innovation house Rinspeed under the direction of visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht. Rather than presenting another futuristic shell, Rinspeed used the iChange as a statement about adaptability and responsibility in personal transportation. Built with engineering support from Esoro, the project was never meant to predict a production model but to spark discussion about how vehicles could evolve alongside changing energy demands and usage patterns. 

The Rinspeed iChange, unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show under the direction of Frank M. Rinderknecht, was conceived not as a mere futuristic concept, but as a statement on adaptability and responsibility in personal mobility. (Picture from: WeirdWheels in Reddit)

At first glance, the iChange looks more like a streamlined sculpture than a conventional car. Its teardrop-shaped body is made from lightweight glassfibre and stands just over one meter tall, emphasizing aerodynamics above all else. The absence of traditional doors immediately sets it apart; instead, entry is gained through a forward-tilting canopy roof integrated with solar panels. The design prioritizes minimal drag when driven solo, allowing the car to function as a single-seat electric sports machine with striking proportions. 

The Rinspeed iChange appears more like a streamlined sculpture than a conventional car, featuring a teardrop-shaped glassfibre body just over one meter tall that prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency above all else. (Picture from: WeirdWheels in Reddit)

The true magic happens when functionality meets transformation. With the push of a button, the rear section of the iChange rises and expands, converting the vehicle from a one-seater into a three-seater in seconds. This adaptive body concept ensures that additional weight and aerodynamic compromise only occur when passengers are actually on board. It directly addresses the inefficiency of carrying unused space, a common flaw in everyday cars that are often designed for maximum capacity but rarely operate at it. 

The Rinspeed iChange reveals its defining innovation at the push of a button, as the rear section rises and expands to transform the car from a single-seater into a three-seat vehicle within seconds. (Picture from: WeirdWheels in Reddit)

Beneath the sculpted skin lies an all-electric drivetrain producing 150 kW, fed by lithium-ion batteries available in different configurations for short or longer trips. Despite its eco-focused mission, performance was not sacrificed. The iChange accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just over four seconds and reaches a top speed of around 220 km/h. A six-speed pre-selector gearbox derived from the Subaru WRX contributes to this balance of efficiency and excitement, while partnerships with companies like Siemens ensured advanced energy management and system integration.

The Rinspeed iChange carries its adaptive philosophy into the cabin through lightweight, eco-friendly materials, refined high-tech wool, and interchangeable seat elements that mirror the car’s flexible nature. (Picture from: WeirdWheels in Reddit)

Inside, the cabin reflects the same adaptive philosophy as the exterior. Lightweight, eco-friendly materials dominate, including high-tech refined wool treated to meet strict environmental standards. The interior design uses unconventional textures and interchangeable seat cushions, extending the concept of flexibility to the passenger experience.  

The Rinspeed iChange uses an adaptive body and flexible interior elements to avoid carrying unnecessary weight and space, addressing a core inefficiency of conventional cars designed for capacity they rarely use. (Picture from: WeirdWheels in Reddit)

Technology plays a central role as well, with a power-efficient Harman/Kardon infotainment system, 3D navigation that calculates energy-saving routes, and even an iPhone replacing the traditional car key to control essential functions. More than a decade after its debut, the Rinspeed iChange still feels remarkably relevant. | wYQd6VKA-Oc |

Supported as a research project by the Swiss Federal Ministry for Energy and enhanced by solar panels that assist with cooling and battery charging, it captured a moment when the industry began seriously questioning old assumptions. The iChange was never about mass production; it was about mindset. In a time when adaptability, sustainability, and smarter resource use are no longer optional, its core idea continues to resonate, quietly challenging drivers and manufacturers alike to consider whether they, too, are ready to change. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RINSPEED | SUPERCARWORLD | TOPGEAR | SUPERCARS.NET | WEIRDWHEELS IN REDDIT ]

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Opel Elektro GT, Opel’s Record-Breaking Electric Sports Car from 1971

Charged Heresy - Long before electric cars became everyday sights on city streets, engineers were already challenging the idea that performance had to rely on gasoline. In the early 1970s, when speed records were still dominated by combustion engines, Opel chose to revisit an old question with modern ambition: could electricity deliver true sporting performance? That question materialized in a striking experiment known as the Opel Elektro GT.

The Opel Elektro GT, at first glance, retained the familiar proportions of the Opel GT, one of Europe’s most recognizable sports cars of the late 1960s. (Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)

At first glance, the Elektro GT retained the familiar proportions of the Opel GT, one of Europe’s most recognizable sports cars of the late 1960s. Closer inspection revealed a machine reshaped by purpose rather than style. All front air intakes were sealed, the hood lost its characteristic bulge, and external elements such as bumpers, mirrors, and door handles were removed to reduce drag. A large rear spoiler—never seen on a standard GT—added high-speed stability. Inside, the transformation was even more radical: the interior was stripped to essentials, with massive battery packs occupying the passenger side and rear seat area, leaving the driver seated in a narrow, almost aircraft-like cockpit.

The Opel Elektro GT sealed its front air intakes, flattened its hood, and removed bumpers, mirrors, and door handles to minimize aerodynamic drag. (Picture from: OpelPost)

Beneath its sculpted body, the Elektro GT relied on two Bosch-built direct-current electric motors that fully replaced the gasoline engine. Together, they delivered around 120 horsepower of continuous output, with peak power climbing to roughly 160 horsepower—figures that rivaled many combustion-powered sports cars of the era. Energy came from Varta nickel-cadmium batteries installed beside and behind the driver, adding significant weight but enabling performance once thought impossible for electric vehicles. To manage this mass, Opel reinforced the suspension and worked with Continental to develop special high-pressure tires that reduced rolling resistance at extreme speeds.

The Opel Elektro GT used two Bosch-built DC electric motors powered by Varta nickel-cadmium batteries, delivering up to 160 horsepower and redefining electric performance in its era. (Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)

This experimental machine was built with a clear mission, and it delivered. On May 17 and 18, 1971, the Elektro GT took to the Hockenheimring in Germany with Georg von Opel behind the wheel. Over two days, the car broke six world records for electric vehicles, including short-distance standing-start records and average-speed records over 10 kilometers and 10 miles. The most remarkable figure was an average speed of 188.86 km/h, a number that placed the Elektro GT firmly in sports-car territory despite its electric drivetrain.

The Opel Elektro GT used reinforced suspension and specially developed Continental high-pressure tires to manage its weight while minimizing rolling resistance at extreme speeds. (Picture from: en.AMKlassiek.nl)

Georg von Opel’s involvement was more than symbolic. As the grandson of company founder Adam Opel, he embodied a family tradition of pushing technological boundaries. That tradition stretched back to the late 1920s, when his cousin Fritz von Opel—nicknamed “Raketen-Fritz”—captured global attention with rocket-powered experiments. Among them was the Opel Raketen-Motorrad, a rocket motorcycle that set speed records and proved that radical propulsion concepts could be more than theoretical curiosities. The Elektro GT carried this spirit into a new era, replacing solid-fuel rockets with electric motors and batteries.

The Opel Elektro GT used two Bosch-built DC electric motors powered by Varta nickel-cadmium batteries, delivering up to 160 horsepower and redefining electric performance in its era. (Picture from: en.AMKlassiek.nl)

Despite its record-breaking performance, the Elektro GT remained an experiment. The limitations of nickel-cadmium batteries became clear during an attempted 100-kilometer run at a constant 100 km/h, which ended after just 44 kilometers. Opel never pursued mass production, and the car stayed a singular demonstration rather than a commercial product. Yet its impact was significant, offering tangible proof that electric vehicles could be fast, powerful, and technically sophisticated decades before such ideas became mainstream.

The Opel Elektro GT featured a large rear spoiler—never seen on a standard GT—that improved aerodynamic balance and stability at high speeds. (Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)

Seen from today’s perspective, the Elektro GT feels less like a forgotten prototype and more like an early chapter in an ongoing story. Modern electric Opels benefit from compact lithium-ion batteries, long driving ranges, and everyday practicality, but the core message remains unchanged. Over 50 years ago, on a German racetrack, Opel already showed that electricity could deliver excitement as well as efficiency—and that insight continues to shape the automotive present. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STELLANTIS | OPELPOST | EN.AMKLASSIEK.NL | COCKPITDZ | ELECTRIVE | RETROMANIA4EVER IN X ]

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Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept: A Bold Vision of an All-Terrain Lifestyle Van

Adventurous Versatility - Long before adventure vans became a mainstream lifestyle trend, Renault was already experimenting with how a practical commercial vehicle could evolve into something more expressive and recreational. That vision materialized in 2004 with the Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept, unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show. Built on the second-generation Renault Trafic—winner of the International Van of the Year award in 2002—the Deck’Up reimagined the compact van as an all-terrain leisure vehicle, designed to bridge everyday family transport with rugged outdoor utility. 

The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept, unveiled at the 2004 Brussels Motor Show, was built on the second-generation Renault Trafic and reimagined the compact van as an all-terrain leisure vehicle blending family use with rugged utility. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

Visually, the Deck’Up stayed connected to its roots while boldly reshaping them. The front end retained the familiar Trafic identity, highlighted by a prominent grille and expressive headlights, but the overall proportions were altered for a tougher stance. Compared to the standard Trafic, the concept was 180 mm shorter in length, 80 mm shorter in wheelbase, and 21 mm wider. High ground clearance, permanent four-wheel drive, and imposing 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/55 R20 Michelin tires gave it genuine off-road credibility, while a two-tone paint scheme emphasized its adventurous character. 

The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept retained the familiar Trafic front design with a prominent grille and expressive headlights, while revised proportions created a tougher, more off-road-oriented stance. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

The most distinctive transformation appeared at the rear, where Renault replaced the traditional enclosed cargo area with an open platform inspired by photo safari vehicles. Accessed through a rear door that opened to 90 degrees, this space could be opened further using translucent glass shutters that slid neatly into the cabin ceiling. The design blended pickup-style functionality with leisure-focused versatility, reinforcing the idea that the Deck’Up was as much about enjoying the outdoors as it was about transporting people or gear. 

The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept was shorter, wider, and more rugged than the standard Trafic, featuring raised clearance, permanent four-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, and a two-tone finish. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

Inside, the concept focused heavily on modularity and social interaction. The double-cab layout seated four passengers, with three seats capable of rotating 180 degrees to create flexible seating arrangements. Rear seats were mounted on Espace-style sliding rails, allowing them to move into the pickup section when needed. Two additional fold-down seats were integrated into the rear platform, and a rail-mounted center console could be repositioned to suit different layouts. Asymmetrical doors—rear-hinged on the passenger side and lacking a B-pillar—improved access and reinforced the vehicle’s adaptable nature. 

The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept featured a modular double-cab interior for four, with rotating seats and Espace-style sliding rails that extended seating into the pickup section. (Picture from: TopGear)

The interior design balanced technology, durability, and comfort. A Carminat navigation screen was integrated into a beige dashboard, while aluminum flooring added a robust, utilitarian feel. Printed fabric seats contributed a modern, adventurous aesthetic without sacrificing usability. Mechanically, the Deck’Up was powered by a 2.5-liter dCi 16V diesel engine producing 135 hp (99 kW) at 3,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel disc brakes measuring 320 mm ensured confident stopping power, supporting its all-terrain ambitions. 

The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept replaced the traditional enclosed cargo area with an open rear platform inspired by photo safari vehicles. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

Measuring 4,600 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, 2,085 mm in height, with a 3,020 mm wheelbase, the Trafic Deck’Up was never intended for production. Instead, Renault positioned it as a conceptual testbed, following earlier ideas like the Kangoo Break’Up and Modus 2. Emerging during a period when manufacturers explored van-based leisure and lifestyle concepts—including other Trafic-derived experiments—the Deck’Up stood out as a playful yet thoughtful fusion of pickup practicality, SUV ruggedness, and modular comfort, offering a glimpse into how versatile vehicles could adapt to changing lifestyles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORY-CARS | CARSTYLING.RU | TOPGEAR | QUIRKYRIDES IN X ]

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Renault Filante Record 2025 Travels 626 Miles Without Recharging

Silent Endurance - Electric cars have come a long way from being city-bound commuters, yet long-distance efficiency remains the real benchmark of progress. Range anxiety still shapes public perception, even as technology quietly advances behind the scenes. This is where the Renault Filante Record 2025 enters the conversation—not as a production model, but as a rolling proof that smart engineering can stretch an EV’s potential far beyond expectations. 

The Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The Filante Record 2025 is a purpose-built, single-seat prototype designed with one goal: go as far as possible using as little energy as possible. Its form reflects that mission clearly. The body is long and narrow, sculpted for ultra-low drag, with an extended nose, smooth fenders, and a tapered, aircraft-like tail. A transparent canopy covers the cockpit, where the driver sits in a reclined, Formula 1-style position. Finished in a striking ultraviolet-blue shade, the car looks futuristic, yet its design philosophy is rooted in function rather than spectacle. 

The Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Although it appears radical, the Filante Record 2025 relies on surprisingly familiar hardware. At its core is an 87 kWh battery pack—the same capacity found in Renault’s Scenic E-Tech, a midsize family electric crossover. To maximize efficiency, Renault focused on weight reduction and mechanical simplicity. Carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, and 3D-printed Scalmalloy parts were used throughout the structure. Michelin supplied custom low-drag tires, while steering and braking systems were fully drive-by-wire, eliminating unnecessary mechanical losses. 

The Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The development process was anything but straightforward. First unveiled in early 2025, the prototype missed its initial record attempt as engineers struggled to meet strict aerodynamic targets. Wind tunnel testing led to major revisions, including the removal of decorative LED lighting, fewer air intakes, and reshaped body panels. Weather delays in France forced the team to relocate, and the final run took place on December 18, 2025 at the UTAC high-speed proving ground in Morocco, where conditions finally aligned.

The Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Over nearly ten hours, three drivers rotated through the single seat, completing 239 laps of the 2.6-mile circuit without recharging. The car maintained an average speed of 102 km/h while covering 1,008 kilometers, or 626 miles. Even after finishing the run, the battery still held 11 percent charge—enough, according to Renault, for an additional 75 miles at the same pace. Energy consumption was measured at just 7.8 kWh per 100 km, dramatically lower than the Scenic E-Tech’s official rating despite using the same battery capacity.| HdIJjiELTQs |

Beyond the numbers, the Filante Record 2025 carries deeper meaning for Renault. Its design draws inspiration from historic record cars like the 1925 40 CV and the 1956 L’Étoile Filante, linking a century-old legacy to today’s electric era. More importantly, it serves as a testbed for ideas that could shape future production EVs, especially for long-distance travel. In a time when bigger batteries often dominate headlines, Renault’s experiment quietly suggests a different path—one where efficiency, not excess, defines the next chapter of electric mobility. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]

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