1987 Italdesign Aztec

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 they commissioned several examples to be built (possibly as many as 250 were commissioned). The chassis and bodies were built in Italy and 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 combines steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. The pilot and co-pilot use headsets connected to an intercom to communicate with each other.

It is believed that only eighteen examples were produced.

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.

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. In naturally aspirated form, the dual overhead camshaft engine offered around 197 horsepower. Most received a turbocharger which brought it closer to 250 horsepower. 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 a favorable response and was entered into limited production. They are unique and exciting vehicles with many features that are not typically found on a regular vehicle and are everything that a supercar and a concept should encompass. Along with futuristic styling cues, the car had control panels on both sides of the car located on the rear aluminum body panels, which required a code to be entered before the car's performance status was displayed. It also allowed access to various items, including a flashlight, a hydraulic jack, a fire extinguisher, a tire compressor, and a removable screwdriver.

The seats were made of leather, and the passenger had their own instrument cluster shaped like a steering wheel displaying vital information about the car. Located between the driver and passenger was a satellite navigation system.

The Italdesign Aztec appeared in the 1990 science fiction horror movie Frankenstein Unbound and in the 1996 Italian science fiction comedy movie A spasso nel tempo.