Italdesign’s Asso di Picche: A modern tribute to a classic concept
Iconic Audi Concept Car For The 21st Century (carbuzz.com)
Reimagining the 1973 iconic Asso di Picche with futuristic design and innovative features.
Italdesign, the renowned Italian automotive design house, has unveiled an exciting project to reimagine the iconic 1973 Asso di Picche concept. The original Asso di Picche, based on the Audi 80 sedan and commissioned by German automaker Karmann, left an indelible mark on automotive design and inspired various production vehicles. Now, the new Asso di Picche In Movimento, which translates to “Ace of Spades In Motion” in Italian, pays homage to its predecessor while incorporating futuristic design elements.
Key Highlights:
The Original Inspiration: The 1973 Asso di Picche concept, initially labeled as an Audi, featured Audi 80 underpinnings. Despite its visionary design, it never reached production. However, its influence extended to models like the VW Scirocco, Isuzu Impulse, and Audi Quattro, as well as other design creations by Italdesign.
A Timeless Aesthetic: The new Asso di Picche In Movimento retains the low-slung, sleek, and aerodynamic aesthetic of the original. Its design emphasizes a long, sloping hood, prominent fender bulges, and a dome-style single-piece greenhouse, offering spacious interiors for a 2+2 coupe.
Digital Integration: The modern concept boasts cutting-edge technology, including an ultra-thin display that seamlessly retracts when not in use, reminiscent of Hyundai’s previous concepts. The cabin also features a built-in scent synthesizer, allowing digital control of the cabin’s aroma.
Nostalgic Touches: The design pays homage to the past with a squared-off steering wheel, leather door straps reminiscent of luggage straps, and fold-flat bucket seats for the front passenger. The unique rear seats seamlessly connect to the rear cabin, emphasizing aerodynamics and packaging.
Future Potential: While devoid of brand-specific badging, the new concept could potentially utilize the underpinnings of the Audi e-tron GT or an early version of VW’s Scalable System Platform. This opens doors to its influence on future high-performance EVs within the VW Group or its impact on their styling.
The Asso di Picche In Movimento not only revives the spirit of the original 1973 concept but also showcases the potential for innovative design and technology in the automotive world. While the concept may not yet be in physical form, the digital designs promise a modern tribute to a timeless classic.
