| Make
|
Italdesign |
| Model |
Quaranta |
| Concept
year |
2008 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
3.3
litre V6 Hybrid |
The Italdesign Quaranta was designed to celebrate Italdesign
Giugiaro's forty years of business in styling and technological
research. The concept was inspired by the Bizzarrini
Manta concept from 1968. But in reality the Quaranta
has a lot more in common with the Volta
concept created by Italdesign for Toyota in 2004.
The Quaranta uses a 3.3 litre V6 Toyota engine with Hybrid
Synergy Drive to provide 268 horsepower and 212 lb-ft
of torque. The innovative aspect of this engine lies in
the ability of the electronic control system to regulate
the power distributed by the electric motors to the wheels,
making the clutch-gearbox-transmission block superfluous.
The batteries which power the electric motors are located
between the engine compartment and the cockpit. These
are replenished by the solar panels positioned on the
roof and through regenerative braking. The Toyota Hybrid
Synergy Drive system also includes the E-CVT Electronic-Continuously
Variable Transmission, an automatic planetary gear transmission
with ratios varying infinitely as speed changes. This
power source and transmission system gives the concept
a rapid 0-60 mph time of just over 4 seconds as well as
a massive 621 mile range.
Access to the Italdesign Quaranta's cabin is "step-in"
via an upper door incorporating the side ones. At the
touch of an electric button, the door opens upward while
regulated by proximity sensors for safety.
Inside, the most striking features are the central driving
position and multi-control steering wheel which houses
all the vehicles driving and control functions on the
spokes.
The dashboard has been conceived with a sporting, modern
look, with clean-cut details matching the style of the
exterior, and equipped with a vast array of instruments.
These are organized on two levels: the screens of the
side and rear TV cameras are positioned on the upper level,
with particular attention to the left-hand view mirror,
useful when overtaking; the lower level is dedicated to
the management of the vehicle. The drive-panel also includes
a visor for X-ray sensors for night driving.
Similar and related vehicles:
Toyota Alessandro Volta
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