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 Movimentowas created to commemorate 50 years since the debut ofthe original Audi Asso di Picche conceptfrom 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 toa 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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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 Rfirst 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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Soulframe Symphony - There was a time when driving meant more than just getting from one place to another. In the 1950s, it was about emotion, artistry, and the thrill of freedom that only an open road — and an open car — could offer. Few machines captured that spirit more beautifully than the 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America, a car that didn’t just move through space but seemed to glide through history itself.
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America was an open two-seater by Pinin Farina, named to reflect Lancia’s growing appeal in the U.S., where style, sunshine, and open-top motoring defined the era. (Picture from: StellantisHeritage)
The story began with a bold idea at Lancia’s Turin headquarters. The company, ready to replace its pre-war mainstay, the Aprilia, gave its chief designer Vittorio Jano complete creative freedom — a “clean sheet of paper” to imagine the future. Jano, already a legend for shaping Alfa Romeo’s pre-war icons — the 1935 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Aerodinamica — joined forces with a gifted young engineer named Francesco de Virgilio. The result of their collaboration was the Lancia Aurelia, a car that redefined post-war innovation with features few had ever seen before.
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America impressed through simplicity, pairing a low-slung stance, flowing curves, and a panoramic windscreen with effortless elegance.(Picture from: StellantisHeritage)
Whenthe Aureliafirst appeared, it was unlike anything else. Beneath its elegant lines lay the world’s first production V6 engine, and its unified body-and-chassis construction gave it remarkable rigidity and balance. On the racetrack, it proved more than a beauty — it was a competitor. The Aurelia B20 GT, the coupe sibling of the Spider, stunned Europe’s toughest rallies, finishing on the podium at the Mille Miglia and sweeping the 1952 Targa Florio with a 1-2-3 victory. For a car that could carry luggage and passengers, that kind of performance bordered on miraculous.
The Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America arrived in 1955 with every line serving a purpose and every surface carrying tension, proving that nothing was excessive yet everything was captivating.(Picture from: StradaeCorsa)
Naturally, success on the track inspired dreams of something more expressive — a pure sports car that would turn heads on the Riviera and in Beverly Hills alike. In 1955, Lancia delivered exactly that: the Aurelia B24 Spider America, an open two-seater designed by Pinin Farina for an audience that adored style as much as speed. The name “America” wasn’t just a marketing flourish; it reflected Lancia’s growing appeal to the U.S. market, where sunshine, glamour, and open-top motoring defined the decade’s optimism.
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America was as refined inside as it appeared outside, featuring a minimalist dashboard with elegant instruments and a thin-rimmed steering wheel that felt more sculptural than utilitarian.(Picture from: SportsCarMarket)
The Spider Americawas breathtaking in its simplicity. Its low-slung stance, flowing curves, and distinctive panoramic windscreen gave it an effortless sophistication that felt both elegant and playful. Every line served a purpose, every surface had tension — nothing about it was excessive, yet everything about it was captivating. Because the Aurelia used unitary construction, Pinin Farina built the entire body and chassis as one integrated piece, a significant technical feat at the time.
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America was powered by a 2.5-liter V6 producing around 118 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox.(Picture from: SportsCarMarket)
Under the hood sat a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing around 118 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. On paper, it could reach about 115 mph (184 km/h), but numbers tell only half the story. The real magic was in how it felt: poised, balanced, and responsive in a way that made drivers feel connected to the car — and to the road itself. Its De Dion rear axle gave it superb cornering stability, and with inboard rear brakes to reduce unsprung weight, it handled country lanes and mountain switchbacks with a grace that few sports cars of the era could match.
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America felt poised and responsive, with its De Dion rear axle and inboard brakes delivering remarkable stability and grace on winding roads.(Picture from: StellantisHeritage)
Inside, the Spider was every bit as refined as its exterior suggested. A minimalist dashboard framed simple, beautiful instruments; the thin-rimmed steering wheel was more sculpture than tool. Leather seats offered comfort without bulk, and the open cabin invited light and air to become part of the experience. Some owners chose to add an optional hardtop, such as the beautifully curved Fontana-designed roof, giving the car a sleeker coupe-like silhouette when desired — a rare and charming feature that added versatility without diminishing its essence as a true open-top roadster.
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America offered an optional Fontana hardtop that gave it a coupe-like profile while preserving its open-top character.(Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)
Production, however, was never meant for the masses. Just 240 examples were built, in both left- and right-hand-drive configurations, limited by Pinin Farina’s production capacity. Each car was essentially handcrafted, which explains why so few survive in pristine condition today — and why each one is treasured by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America could be fitted with a removable Fontana hardtop, adding versatility without losing its roadster spirit.(Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)
Beyond its rarity, the Aurelia B24 Spider America represents a kind of automotive philosophy that feels increasingly rare today. It was built in an age when craftsmanship mattered as much as performance, and when design was guided by intuition as much as by aerodynamics. Its elegance wasn’t calculated; it was felt. And though decades have passed, that feeling hasn’t faded. | o7rzLI9EPM8 |
Even now, when the world’s roads are filled with machines built by algorithms and automation, the 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America stands as a reminder of how personal cars once were. It was a creation born of passion, intellect, and an almost poetic sense of proportion — a car that didn’t simply transport its driver, but transformed them. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STELLANTISHERITAGE | SUPERCARS.NET | RMSOTHEBYS | STRADAECORSA | SPORTSCARMARKET | RETROMANIA4EVER IN X ]
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Optimistic Muscle - At the dawn of the 2000s, the automotive world was rapidly embracing digital minimalism and aerodynamic sameness. Dodge, however, chose to challenge that direction by reconnecting with its own cultural roots. This mindset led to the birth of a concept car that didn’t chase trends but instead redefined purpose—one that fused memory, muscle, and modern ambition into a single statement known as the Super8 HEMI.
The Dodge Super8 HEMI Concept debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a clear statement of intent rather than a mere design exercise. (Picture from MoparInsiders)
Debuting at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge Super8 HEMI Concept was more than a design exercise. Developed during the DaimlerChrysler era, it was intended as a signal of where Dodge wanted to go next. Freeman Thomas, then Vice President of Advanced Design Strategy, framed the car as an embodiment of American optimism, using bold form and confident engineering to express renewed faith in the performance sedan.
The Dodge Super8 HEMI Concept, developed during the DaimlerChrysler era, was positioned by Freeman Thomas as a bold expression of American optimism and Dodge’s renewed belief in the performance sedan. (Picture from MoparInsiders)
The exterior carried that confidence unapologetically. Its proportions were wide, upright, and commanding, rejecting the soft curves common at the time. Senior Design Manager Kevin Verduyn described the look as “machined,” a term that fit its sharp edges, solid surfacing, and industrial attitude. The lack of a B-pillar created a long, uninterrupted profile, reinforcing the idea of strength and solidity rather than sleek elegance.
The
Dodge Super8 HEMI Concept expressed its confidence through wide,
upright proportions, a “machined” industrial design, and a B-pillar-free
profile that emphasized strength over sleek elegance.(Picture from MoparInsiders)
Inside, the Super8 HEMI offered a deliberate contrast between retro character and advanced function. The cabin leaned heavily on brushed and painted aluminum, with gauges and trim styled to evoke the playful spirit of 1950s Americana. Bench seating recalled classic American sedans, while the open layout delivered a sense of spaciousness and theatrical presence rarely seen in modern four-door designs.
The
Dodge Super8 HEMI Concept applied its “Passenger Priority Design” by
raising seating positions to create a panoramic, shared driving
experience without compromising control. (Picture from MoparInsiders)
This interior philosophy was closely tied to what Dodge called “Passenger Priority Design.” The seating arrangement positioned both driver and passengers higher than usual, creating a panoramic, almost stage-like view of the road. The result was a sedan that felt less like a personal cockpit and more like a shared experience, emphasizing comfort and engagement without sacrificing control.
The
Dodge Super8 HEMI Concept balanced retro Americana and modern function
inside, using brushed aluminum, classic bench seating, and an open
layout that emphasized space and theatrical presence.(Picture from MoparInsiders)
Performance, however, remained at the core of the concept. Power came from a prototype 5.7-liter HEMI V8 equipped with hemispherical combustion chambers and dual spark plugs per cylinder. Producing 353 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, the engine was paired with a four-speed AutoStick manumatic transmission. This setup allowed the Super8 HEMIto accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds and reach a top speed of 154 mph, impressive figures for a full-size sedan concept.
The Dodge Super8 HEMI Concept was powered by a prototype 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing 353 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, enabling sub-six-second 0–60 mph runs and a 154 mph top speed. (Picture from MoparInsiders)
Technological ambition was equally evident through the debut of Dodge’s experimental Infotronic system. Developed with multiple technology partners, the system introduced voice recognition and a liquid-crystal display integrated into the instrument panel. Drivers could manage navigation, climate control, audio, diagnostics, phone functions, and security systems by voice, while rear passengers accessed internet features through dual LCD touch screens—an idea well ahead of its time. | RY_9W0kC4Xk |
Although it never entered production and remains underappreciated in mainstream discussions, the Super8 HEMI Concept played a meaningful role in shaping Dodge’s future. It hinted at flexible rear-wheel-drive platforms, previewed the return of the HEMI V8, and laid early groundwork for infotainment systems that would later evolve into today’s Uconnect technology. Viewed now, the Super8 HEMI stands as a quiet but confident reminder of a moment when Dodge chose to define progress on its own terms.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOPARINSIDERS | MOTORTREND ]
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Aero Elegance - The early 1960s were a moment when American cars stopped merely being transportation and started to behave like rolling ideas about the future. Space travel, jet aircraft, and modern design optimism all flowed directly into metal, glass, and chrome. Within that cultural current, the Ford Thunderbird stood apart—not as a muscle car or a family sedan, but as a statement of personal luxury. The custom Ford Thunderbird built by Starlite Road and Kustom of Harbor City, California, takes that original vision and stretches it even further, turning an already bold automobile into something closer to a moving concept car that escaped the design studio.
The 1962 Ford Thunderbird Custom reveals its Bullet Bird DNA through sculpted body lines, flying-saucer wheel covers, and a perfectly dialed air-suspension stance. (Picture from: WeirdWheel in Facebook)
At its core, this build is based onthe third-generation Ford Thunderbirdproduced between 1961 and 1963, a series famously nicknamed the “Bullet Bird.” The name fits: long, low, and aerodynamic, the body looks shaped by wind rather than tools. What immediately sets this example apart is its dramatic fastback bubble-top roof, a custom piece inspired by Ford’s own experimental thinking, particularly the 1963 Thunderbird “Italien” concept. The roofline flows smoothly into the rear deck, replacing the factory profile with something more futuristic and fluid, while the expansive glass area adds a light, almost aircraft-like feeling to the cabin.
The 1962 Ford Thunderbird Custom sits impossibly low under its bubble-top fastback roof, blending jet-age futurism with a smooth light-yellow finish.(Picture from: WeirdWheel in Facebook)
The exterior presentation reinforces that jet-age fantasy. Finished in a soft, light yellow, the car avoids loud colors in favor of understated elegance, allowing the unusual proportions to speak for themselves. The stance is notably low, achieved through a full air-suspension system that allows the car to sit nearly flush with the pavement when parked. Period-correct ripple disc wheel covers—often called “flying saucers”—paired with wide whitewall tires further anchor the car in early-1960s design language, creating a look that feels both authentic and otherworldly at the same time.
The 1962 Ford Thunderbird Custom captures concept-car energy from every angle, looking less like a restored classic and more like a rolling design experiment from the Space Age.(Picture from: WeirdWheel in Facebook)
Inside and beneath the bodywork, the Thunderbird’s reputation as a personal luxury car remains intact. The original third-generation models were known for features that felt advanced for their time, such as the swing-away steering wheel and a strong emphasis on driver comfort. Power is believed to come from a rare and experimental Thunderbird 390-SRX V8, equipped with a Paxton supercharger and rated around 389 horsepower, channeled through a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission. Reportedly one of only three such engines ever produced, this mechanical setup connects the car not just to custom culture, but to Ford’s own racing and performance experiments of the era. The car seen in the video below is not the actual vehicle, but a model. | bZIzwlmJjpc |
What makes this Thunderbird especially relevant today is how naturally it fits into modern conversations about craftsmanship and individuality. Built by Starlite Road and Kustom and shown at numerous car events, it demonstrates how classic American design can be respectfully transformed without losing its identity. It doesn’t chase trends; instead, it revives a moment when optimism shaped every curve. For enthusiasts and historians alike, this car invites curiosity—and if readers have additional insights, documentation, or stories connected to this unique Thunderbird, the comment section remains open for those pieces of history to continue finding their way home. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LIKEMODIFYCARS IN FACEBOOK | PHAROAHS CAR CLUB WORLD WIDE (ORIGINAL) IN FACEBOOK | WEIRDWHELL IN FACEBOOK | RANDYDA25687858 IN X ]
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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 iChangeaccelerates 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 fromthe 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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Angular Legacy - The 1970s marked a moment when car design was allowed to dream out loud. Sharp lines replaced curves, experiments were encouraged, and visual drama often mattered more than restraint. In that restless creative climate, a quiet but radical idea emerged—one that didn’t just aim to look futuristic, but to rethink efficiency through form. That idea materialized as the Audi Asso di Picche Concept, a car that stood apart not by excess, but by intention.
The Audi Asso di Picche Concept was born from a collaboration between German coachbuilder Karmann and Italy’s ItalDesign, rooted in the Audi 80, a model already respected for its balanced engineering. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Born from a collaboration between German coachbuilder Karmann and Italy’s ItalDesign, the Asso di Picche was rooted in the Audi 80, a model already respected for its balanced engineering. The name itself—Italian for “Ace of Spades”—hinted at confidence rather than flamboyance. Conceived as a sporty two-door, four-seat coupe, the project focused on aerodynamics and proportion at a time when such considerations were still secondary for most manufacturers. Although the car carried Audi’s four rings, Volkswagen acted as the connecting force behind the scenes, linking all parties involved.
The Audi Asso di Picche Concept was not an isolated experiment, following ItalDesign and Karmann’s earlier Volkswagen Karmann Cheetah, a sharp-edged Beetle reinterpretation that never reached production but left a strong creative imprint. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
This concept was not an isolated experiment. Two years earlier, ItalDesign and Karmann had worked together onthe Volkswagen Karmann Cheetah, a sharp-edged reinterpretation of the Beetle that never reached production but left a creative footprint. The Asso di Picchebecame the first chapter in Giorgetto Giugiaro’s trio of “Ace” concepts, followed by the BMW-based Asso di Quadri and the Isuzu-based Asso di Fiori. Together, they explored how a single design philosophy could adapt across brands and platforms, reinforcing Giugiaro’s growing reputation as a visionary of modern automotive form.
The Audi Asso di Picche Concept showcased pure Giugiaro styling, with a long pointed nose, fastback rear, sharp wedge profile, muscular surfaces, and an offset hood scoop suggesting functional intent. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Mechanically, the Asso di Picche stayed close to its Audi 80 origins. It used the same 1.3- or 1.5-liter inline-four engines paired with a four-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. Suspension, brakes, and core components were unchanged, but the shorter, lighter body promised sharper handling and improved agility. Rather than chasing performance through power, the concept suggested that smart design and reduced mass could deliver a more engaging driving experience.
The Audi Asso di Picche Concept featured a dramatically reimagined interior that abandoned Audi’s conventional layout in favor of cylindrical modules organizing instruments and switches in a clean, architectural form. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Inside, the transformation was far more dramatic. The cabin departed completely from Audi’s conventional layout, replacing traditional dashboards with cylindrical modules that grouped instruments and switches in a clean, almost architectural arrangement. Leather dominated the interior surfaces, adding warmth to the otherwise futuristic atmosphere. Door pockets resembled hanging handbags, while a distinctive mono-spoke steering wheel reinforced the sense that this car belonged to a different design era—one willing to challenge familiar habits.
The Audi Asso di Picche Concept remained mechanically close to the Audi 80,
using the same 1.3- or 1.5-liter inline-four engines paired with a
four-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.(Picture from: AudiClubNA.org)
Visually, the exterior was pure Giugiaro. A long, pointed nose flowed into a fastback rear, forming a sharp wedge profile that seemed to cut through the air even while standing still. Subtle muscular surfaces prevented the design from feeling flat or sterile, and an offset hood scoop hinted at functional intent beneath the sculpted skin. The Asso di Picche made its public debut at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show, where its angular confidence contrasted sharply with the softer shapes surrounding it. | cRAqJCaHxDU |
Although it never advanced beyond the concept stage, the Asso di Picche left a lasting echo. Giugiaro later acknowledged its influence on the iconic Lancia Delta, and its wedge-driven language resurfaced in projects like the Maserati Medici and Lancia Megagamma. Half a century later, that legacy was formally recognized when ItalDesign unveiledthe electric Asso di Picche di Movimento in 2023. The original concept remains a reminder that true innovation doesn’t always need to reach production—sometimes, shaping the future is enough. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUDICLUBNA.ORG | STORY-CARS | SUPERCARS.NET ]
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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 ]
