1987 Italdesign Aztec Information and History

Overview

The Italdesign was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, one of the world's most influential designers. It debuted at the 1988 Turin Auto Show. As with most concepts, the car was not meant to be produced but instead certain features were to be incorporated into future production vehicles. The Aztec is an exception. A Japanese concern, Compakt, liked the car so much that 255 vehicles were commissioned. The chassis and bodies were built in Italy then shipped to the German Audi tuner MTM, where a 250 horsepower Audi Quattro, 5-cylinder engine, was transversely installed behind the driver. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system used Lancia Delta components. The body is a combination of steel, aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber. The pilot and co-pilot use headsets connected to an intercom to communicate with each other.

The History
the Giugiaro Company had a long history with many reputable creations to its name. The most popular and well known example would probably be the Volkswagen Golf, also known as the Rabbit. Another memorable creation was the Audi 80 from the mid-1970s.

The Italdesign Aztec Concept was a bold and daring sportscar creation. The most unusual and unique feature of this car is that the driver and passenger sat apart from each other. To communicate, they both wore electronic head-gear. Dials and controls were accessible by both occupants. The interior is luxurious, with comfortable seating and safety constraints typically found on a sports-car of this caliber. The cars had a canopy that opened upwards to allow the occupants to enter or exit the vehicle. There is a roof which is removable to allow for maximum versatility in all types of weather.

Mounted in the rear of the car was an Audi engine that was given a turbocharger for additional power. The engine had five-cylinders and was mounted transversely. Power was sent to both the front and rear wheels, as this was an all-wheel drive vehicle. The car rode on 16-inch rims and 255/55 wheels.

There is a rear wing that has a unique design with curves that seem to flow along with the engine humps. It may even provide additional down-force as the car reaches its top speed of 150 mph.

The car, designed as a concept, was met with favorable response and was entered into limited production. They are very unique and exciting vehicles with many features that are not typical on a regular vehicle. They are everything that a supercar and a concept should encompass.

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Italdesign: 1981-1990

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