It’s like they want nothing to do with it anymore.
Famed Italian automotive atelier Italdesign really aimed to steal the 2019 Geneva Motor Show with its new design concept, named the ‘DaVinci’ after the renowned Renaissance polymath. The genius of the DaVinci, according to Italdesign, is not in its breathtaking appearance or enormous gullwing doors. Rather, it’s in its ability to adapt.
See, the DaVinci was envisioned as a 2+2 super-EV, with an electric motor mounted on each axle and batteries wedged in the floor between. However, Italdesign is very quick (and keen) to point out that the platform can also house a 4.0-litre V8 & mechanical all-wheel drive without any design modifications whatsoever. No prizes for listing down all the premium manufacturers who have just such a power plant in their parts bin.
Dimensionally it’s only a fraction or so larger than a BMW 8-Series, but it features a much, much longer wheelbase. Over those wheels droops a dramatic and evocative body, with pronounced haunches and one of the most beautiful rear three-quarter views of right now. There’s a set of OLED taillights back there as well as an active spoiler, while the enormous wheels are wrapped in Pirelli-developed rubbers that have been optimised for electric & plug-in hybrid vehicles.
And inside, you’ll find three screens in total, with one portrait-oriented one mounted on the central tunnel between the front seats. Interestingly, the HVAC controls have been embedded into the fabric of the centre console just underneath the centre air-vents, in a bid to de-clutter the cabin as much as possible. While that’s a little odd, the rest of the cabin is absolutely gorgeous.
Once again, Italdesign is keen to point out that they’re quite happy with the DaVinci going to a new home, as they clarify that it can “fit different platforms developed by different brands,” making it absolutely obvious that they’re hoping to not have to build it themselves. We do hope an established automaker will take them up on the offer though, as the DaVinci is so gloriously pretty that it’d be a shame if it remained purely fantasy.
For the best deals on a new car, check out our Showroom.
