Cars of the future were shown in Lake Como
The exhibition took place in Villa d’Este.
The international “gotha” of vintage motoring has met in Cernobbio, on Lake Como, the “Hollywood on the lake”. This is the title of the 2018 edition of the “Concorso di Eleganza of Villa d’Este”, considered the best in the world. The famous estate of the homonymous Grand Hotel, illuminated by a wonderful day in late spring, brings together some of the most glorious examples of the history of motorization, including two wheels. And, as in every great occasion dedicated to the engines of the past, an open gap on the future cannot be missing. Especially since innovation has always been one of the focal points of the Competition, starting from its first edition of 1929. This year the visionary side of the traditional event on Lake Como was expressed through four cars presented in a special category, called ‘Concept Cars’, for which the public will decree the award of the “Competition of Elegance Design Award”. Meanwhile, Villa d’Este was also chosen as the stage for the world premiere of the Rolls Royce Cullinan, the first model of the British house with four-wheel drive and a wide boot lid, containing two leather armchairs and a cocktail table. With a 571 hp 12-cylinder engine, the car has the same name as the biggest diamond ever found.
Let’s put a focus on the four “Concept Cars”:
Mazda Vision Coupé: “The linear tension of the shape changes gradually from the front to the tail in a sort of optical deception that makes the car almost a living creature“, said Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s managing executive office and head of design. This is the captivating philosophy with which the Vision Coupé was conceived. What about the counters? They open with the light touch of a fingertip. And the rear-view mirrors do not exist: in their place, on the sides of the windscreen, there are two tiny video cameras set in mini-sculptures. While the front part of the bodywork extended forward gives a power of slight “shark” inspiration to the look.
Ferrari SP38: A special one-off. One of its flagships is undoubtedly the aerodynamic efficiency with a conveyance of the air from the front fender to the sides, through a detail of sculptural lines that decorates the entire length combining functionality with a spectacular aesthetic. In fact, both the 488, which was the basis of the design, and the models of inspiration (288 GTO and F40) have given way to a new identity, well defined, in which the back is totally redesigned in the volumes. Among the new features, the use of front splitters much more performing that help the steering. Even the front is completely new: the radiators have been moved to increase efficiency and the headlights have been redesigned, small and assertive.
Genesis Essentia: “The concept car of our brand, started two years ago, brings together the canons of classic beauty, for which we were inspired by Italian cars“, said Sangyup Lee, vice president of Genesis Design. Although it is, of course, a “real high-tech car”, he is keen to point out. Electric, with a carbon fiber body, the Essentia has a proportion of volumes with a very low driving position and a transparent bonnet that looks like one with the roof. “It’s a very powerful car, but the interiors have to express luxury and design harmony,” continues Sangyup Lee. “In line with Athletic Elegance”, which is the style that distinguishes the brand’s aesthetic philosophy.
GFG Sybilla: Already presented at the Geneva Motor Show, the prototype of the four luxury seats is inspired by the Giugiaro models of the 60s and 70s. The roof incorporates a photochromatic glass dome divided into two gull-winged parts and doors and glazing that open together, while the self-propelled windscreen runs forward. More than five meters long, it uses an electric powertrain consisting of four engines, one per wheel. With 544 hp, it takes 4.5 seconds in acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h and exceeds 200 km/h
