What is it?
It's the amalgamation of the famed design work of Giugiaro and automotive engineering consultancy Fraser-Nash. And yes, it is the same Fraser-Nash who used to make sports cars in the 1920s. Sort of, anyway. This concept looks like a Gallardo after an accident in a sword factory; an accident that disfigured it in a brilliant sort of way.
Why is it here?
It shows that Giugiaro can still design stunning, futuristic cars (we particularly like the v-shaped windscreen/side windows combo) and that hybrids needn't be boring. Every maker reels out that latter statement of its hybrids though - but this has the minerals to back it up. It uses a similar propulsion method to the Opel Ampera, so it has a petrol-powered generator that charges a lithium polymer battery pack connected to two electric motors - one at the front and one at the rear. Combined, they generate 357bhp, enough to propel the super hybrid to 62mph in 3.5 seconds and onto 187mph. All the while, it's managing a claimed 76mpg.
Show stopper or floor filler?
This is, as you can see, a brilliant looking thing with all the ingredients to be a real centrepiece for the future of cleaner cars - but somehow it falls a little short. Everyone knows already that Giugiaro can make stunning cars; the technology isn't really a surprise; and we're almost certain it will never see a showroom. However, it's another example of what can be done - and how exciting the future of hybrids might be. Why did they upholster it in tweed, though? Why?
Mark Nichol - 6 Mar 2009