Latest news with #Bertone
Car and Driver
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
1974 Lancia Stratos: Rally-Car Legend For Sale on Bring a Trailer
Arguably the most significant Lancia ever built, the Stratos nonetheless is not widely known and certainly not widely seen. This HF Stradale is one of fewer than 500 built for homologation requirements, making it rarer than a Lamborghini Countach. With an ultra-short wheelbase, a Ferrari-sourced V-6, and a tiny footprint, it's a fierce little world champion. If asked to picture a championship rally car, you might imagine some chunky-fendered Mitsubishi or Subaru sedan, all boxy menace with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine boosted to within an inch of its life. Less expected would be something like a short-wheelbase wedge with a screaming heart from Maranello, and yet, the 1974, 1975, and 1976 World Rally Championship–winning car was just that: the Lancia Stratos. The car was an absolute rocket over the stages, but to compete, the rules said Lancia also had to build 500 examples for the road. Bring a Trailer Our find of the day—well, maybe even find of the year—at Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos) is a 1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, just the second Stratos to ever come through BaT. This example is a blue-chip collector car, having been comprehensively refreshed to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past couple of years, and it has the desired certification from Lancia and Fiat's classic-car departments. Bring a Trailer Inspired by the Stratos Zero prototype from Bertone, literally the sharp end of the wedge-shaped automotive design trend that would sweep through the 1970s, the production Stratos was penned by Marcello Gandini, the man behind the Countach. Construction was modern racing technology at the time, a fiberglass body over a lightweight space frame, with a mid-mounted V-6 engine. Bring a Trailer That V-6 was sourced from Ferrari, and it was the same rev-happy 2.4-liter six that came in the Dino. Fed by three twin-barrel Weber carburetors, it was good for roughly 190 horsepower in roadgoing trim, with power sent to the rear via a five-speed manual transmission. In a car that hovered around 2000 pounds, that was plenty. Bring a Trailer Further, the Stratos has fully independent suspension at all four corners, and a wheelbase almost four inches shorter than that of a first-generation Mazda Miata. The curved windshield provides excellent forward visibility, and if you can't see well out the back, where's the problem in that? No Italian rally driver would care much about what was behind him. Bring a Trailer Sandro Munari, the Lancia works driver known as Il Drago, certainly didn't spend much time staring at the rearview of his race-prepped Stratos. He won the Monte Carlo rally three times in a row with the Stratos, along with multiple other WRC victories. This particular car is signed by him, and also by Miki Biasion, another Lancia works driver and WRC champion. The HF designation on Lancias stands for "high fidelity" and is meant to indicate that the car provides a driving experience that is as precise as a high-quality stereo. Certainly, that Ferrari-sourced V-6 provides a thrilling soundtrack, and with that short wheelbase, wide track, and 205-series Pirellis, this Stratos is born to dance. Designed from the ground up to be a rally champion, the Stratos delivered. As a road car, it's impossibly small, lively, and vital. The auction ends on July 25. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
Car and Driver
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
The Bertone Nuccio, the Design House's Oddball Swan Song, Can Be Yours
The Bertone Nuccio was the coachbuilder's final creation before it filed for bankruptcy in 2015, and it is now up for auction via RM Sotheby's. The Nuccio's unorthodox, wedge-style bodywork tried to emulate the Lancia Stratos Zero but wasn't exactly successful in mimicking that car's dramatic lines. Under the awkward surface, the Nuccio is fully functional thanks to the V-8 and six-speed gearbox from a Ferrari F430. All good things must come to an end. Bertone, the Italian coachbuilder responsible for automotive masterpieces such as the Lamborghini Miura, Lancia Stratos, and Alfa Romeo BAT series, filed for bankruptcy in 2015, ending over a century of design excellence. (The company has since been revived, but without involvement from the Bertone family.) But before the brand's demise, Bertone cranked out one last concept to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The Bertone Nuccio was an odd-looking swan song for the company, but its unusual bodywork is wrapped around Ferrari internals, and the concept is now up for auction via RM Sotheby's. RM Sotheby's Named for Nuccio Bertone, the son of founder Giovanni, the concept was reportedly inspired by the legendary 1970 Lancia Stratos Zero. While the Nuccio certainly attempts to mimic the wedge shape of the Stratos Zero, its lines don't flow as smoothly, and it doesn't achieve the same impossibly low, flat silhouette, the rear end sitting taller than the front, and the length of the windshield and A-pillars looking awkwardly long. There aren't a ton of great angles for the Nuccio, but it does have some eye-catching details, like the organic cutouts that look like the veins on a leaf and adorn the front bumper, side sills, rear wing, and bodywork behind the side windows. The orange roof wears a geometric pattern and envelopes the cabin like a tent, and the full-width headlight also serves as a forward-facing brake light, illuminating blue under deceleration to alert pedestrians ahead that the Nuccio is slowing down. RM Sotheby's The build process took Bertone three and a half months, with all of the work completed in-house. The Nuccio was initially shown at the 2012 Geneva auto show as a static display, before the company completed a separate working Nuccio to present at the 2012 Beijing auto show. This drivable Nuccio had a couple of differences, most notably a set of headlights above the main, full-width light bar that look suspiciously similar to the headlights on the Ferrari F430. That's because the Nuccio's powertrain came from the F430, with a mid-mounted 4.3-liter V-8 paired with a six-speed Graziano automated manual gearbox operated via column-mounted shift paddles. The windshield was also widened and fitted with a single wiper. RM Sotheby's Bertone filed for bankruptcy three years later, making the Nuccio the final Bertone-designed car. The company tried to find a buyer for the functional Nuccio when it was shown at auto shows, but failed, perhaps due to the unorthodox styling. It sat in storage until an array of Bertone's assets were auctioned off in 2018, and was acquired by a private owner who has kept it in his collection since. The odometer shows roughly 18,099 miles, although the listing notes that most of this mileage was from the donor Ferrari F430. The Nuccio is certainly not the prettiest design, but its status as the final true Bertone creation makes it an interesting piece of history. Plus, this oddity packs a glorious 483-hp Ferrari V-8 engine and is truly unique. RM Sotheby's estimates that the Nuccio will fetch up to around $585,000 at current exchange rates. Caleb Miller Associate News Editor Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
India Today
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Skoda Favorit in a new avatar: A classic reinvented as an electric concept
Skoda is turning back the clock to drive forward into the future. The Czech automaker has unveiled a striking new concept based on the Skoda Favorit, breathing fresh electric life into the iconic late-1980s hatchback as part of its ongoing initiative to reinterpret its historic models with modern new Favorit concept is part of Skoda's 'Icons Get a Makeover' design series, which has already seen retro-inspired revivals of the 200 RS, 1203 van, and Voiturette. With this latest effort, Skoda pays homage to a car that once played a pivotal role in its transformation into a global brand. advertisementA tribute to the turning pointOriginally launched in 1987, the Skoda Favorit was a revolutionary model for the brand — its first front-wheel-drive car and a landmark in engineering during the final years of the Eastern Bloc. Designed by the famed Italian firm Bertone and supported by Porsche in engine-mount development, the Favorit brought international credibility to Skoda and ultimately helped attract Volkswagen AG, which acquired the brand in 1991. Back then, the Favorit was more than just a car — it was a symbol of ambition, progress, and Skoda's ability to punch above its weight. Despite budget constraints and political pressure, the model was a technical achievement that earned 42 patents and sold over 783,000 units before production ended in new concept: Past meets future advertisement Fast forward to 2025, and the Favorit's story continues through the vision of designer Ljudmil Slavov. While deeply respectful of the original, the new electric concept embraces koda's 'Modern Solid' design language, giving the boxy hatchback a sharp, contemporary silhouette that feels progressive rather than most eye-catching feature? The lights. Slavov cleverly reimagines the oversized 1980s headlamps by embedding ultra-slim LED strips within semi-transparent panels, maintaining the visual proportions of the original while introducing a futuristic, customizable lighting not slated for production, the Favorit concept is a design statement — one that connects Skoda's storied past with its electrified future.A legacy that sparked a revolution The original Favorit's impact on Skoda cannot be overstated. Initially known as the Skoda 781 during development, the car was intended to be produced in limited numbers. But overwhelming demand and its international appeal pushed Skoda to extend production and add estate (Forman) and pick-up variants. The project also proved that even under economic and political limitations, innovation could flourish — and that design could drive its day, the Favorit cost nearly 50 times the average monthly salary in Czechoslovakia. Today, its legacy lives on not just as a nostalgic symbol but as a design inspiration — proof that a great idea, when reimagined thoughtfully, never goes out of Skoda looks ahead, more heritage-based concepts are expected. If the new Favorit is any indication, the journey from past to future will be as bold as it is in IndiaSkoda entered the Indian market in 2001 with the Octavia, a premium sedan, marking its debut. Following the Octavia's success, Skoda introduced models like the Laura (second-generation Octavia), Superb, Fabia, and Yeti, expanding its portfolio to include sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. In recent years, under the India 2.0 strategy, Skoda launched the Kushaq in 2021, a mid-size SUV, and the Slavia in 2022, a midsize sedan, both tailored for India. The Kylaq, a sub-4m compact SUV, was introduced in 2024, followed by the new-gen Kodiaq in April 2025. Currently, Skoda India sells the Kushaq, Slavia, Kodiaq, and to Auto Today Magazine
Motor 1
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Skoda Turned an Old Hatchback Into an Awesome New Concept
The Skoda Favorit isn't a car we know well in America. The hatchback, designed by Bertone, launched in 1987 and was a massive success for the brand. Now, in 2025, Skoda has reimagined the Favorit with the brand's latest design language, but it features a few styling quirks that preserve the past with a modern twist. The new Favorit concept retains the original's simple and clean design, rounding off some of the sharper edges, such as integrating the door handles into a single opening between the front and rear doors. The new interpretation is also bigger than its predecessor, adopting a crossover-like stance to appease modern sensibilities. Photo by: Skoda It features "the spirit" of the brand's Modern Solid design language but with a few noticeable changes. The front of the concept forgoes Skoda Tech-Deck Face, a new corporate look for the brand's vehicles, and adopts something unique. One of the concept's more striking features is the lights. The Favorit adopts thin LED elements front and rear, with illuminated badging on the hatch. There are translucent covers over the lights that one of the designers, David Stingl, said could fold away when the headlights are needed. The designers even imagined a racing version with plastic cladding and other sporty touches. Photo by: Skoda Designer Ljudmil Slavov said he imagined the new hatch as an electric vehicle, which would greatly benefit its performance capability. The original Favorit had a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing between 54 and 67 horsepower, which would not cut it on today's roads. However, since electric motors are small and powerful, they would likely turn a new Favorit into an incredible performance hatchback we still wouldn't get to enjoy in America. But we can dream. Check Out More From Skoda: Skoda Turns Its GTI Wagon Into a Wicked Police Car This High-Power Skoda Wagon Is Our New Favorite Sleeper Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Skoda Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Express
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Skoda Favorit reimagined for 21st Century with electric power
Before Skoda came under Volkswagen ownership, it created the Favorit – a people's car developed behind the Iron Curtain that could compete with the best from the west. The Skoda Favorit holds a special place in the history of of the Czech brand, so much so that the firm has asked its designers to create a modern interpretation of the eighties supermini. Reimagined with electric power, this design study purely shows us what a Favorit could look like in 2025; although there are no plans to put it into production. The original Favorit was penned by legendary design studio Bertone, and current designer Ljudmil Slavov approached the new car 'with reverence', according to Skoda. While Slavov introduced some of the company's current 'Modern Solid' design language on this creation, he purposefully left out the 'Tech-Deck Face' that's become an identifiable feature of current Skodas. 'I didn't want to use current design elements like the Tech-Deck Face' said Slavov. 'This is a tribute to the Favorit, so I studied its original details and tried to evolve and elevate them. Honestly, simplifying the already minimalistic shapes into Modern Solid form was very challenging.' Advertisement - Article continues below With everything digitally 3D-sketched on a tablet, the new Favorit has some interesting touches such as an asymmetrical badge (a 'Skoda' script, unlike the original's), a single door handle embedded into the body for both the front and rear, ultra-simplistic four-spoke wheels, illuminated 'Skoda' badging at the rear, and slim LED lights all round. The lack of a grille betrays the Favorit's electric powertrain. Slavov didn't stop at what Skoda calls the 'civilian' version of the Favorit. In a tribute to the car's competitive rallying history, Slavov also created a 'racing concept' with a more aggressive rear spoiler and diffuser with an integrated rain light, new decals inspired by the 1994 rally car, and even a roll cage. Would you like to see the Skoda Favorit return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month The BYD Seal is a seriously tempting Tesla Model 3 rival, especially at this price. It's our Deal of the Day for 26 May Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month If the Qashqai is too small for you, then the larger X-Trail is a fine alternative. It's our Deal of the Day for 25 May
