Italdesign recognizes that concept cars aren’t solely a glimpse into the future; they can also be a tribute to the past. The iconic Italian coachbuilder has recently unveiled an electric vehicle (EV) prototype known as the Asso di Picche In Movimento, a futuristic speed machine paying homage to a wedge-shaped sports car designed by the firm’s founder, Giorgetto Giugiaro, half a century ago.
The original Asso di Picche, which translates to “Ace of Spades” in Italian, made its debut at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show. This groundbreaking vehicle was the inaugural model in Giugiaro’s celebrated “Asso” concept line, and it was built upon the two-door Audi 80, introduced a year prior. Giugiaro ingeniously adopted the chassis and mechanics of the pragmatic German car but transformed it with a visually striking wedge-shaped exterior. While the original Asso di Picche never progressed to production, it served as a catalyst for two iconic rally cars of the subsequent generation—the Audi Quattro and the Lancia Delta.
Now, half a century later, Italdesign has resurrected this captivating design for the electric age. The Asso di Picche In Movimento boasts an even more pronounced wedge-shaped silhouette compared to its forebear. This 2+2 coupe measures 15.3 feet in length, 6.4 feet in width, and stands at just four feet tall, making it one of the most low-slung EVs on the market. While the sharp lines of the original car have been slightly softened, particularly around the wheels, this alteration enhances its aerodynamic performance. An eye-catching design feature is the seamless fusion of the front end, roof, and tail panel. Unfortunately, images of the interior are only available in the form of design sketches, but they echo the exterior’s sleek and futuristic appeal. Forward-thinking features include double-hinged doors that slide forward before rotating, side-view cameras instead of traditional mirrors, and a cutting-edge digital lighting system.
Specific technical details about the Asso di Picche In Movimento are currently scarce, apart from the fact that it will be constructed on a next-generation platform. It’s a safe assumption that this EV prototype packs considerably more power than the original concept, which was propelled by an inline-four engine generating a modest 54 horsepower and 68 foot-pounds of torque. Charging the vehicle is a straightforward process, with a concealed charging port located in the trunk.
At this stage, Italdesign refers to its new creation as a “digital show car,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t have an opportunity to get behind the wheel. Over the years, the coachbuilder has demonstrated a willingness to bring some of its more audacious designs to life. Consequently, there is a glimmer of hope that the Asso di Picche In Movimento might be the next in line to transition from concept to reality. The blending of iconic heritage with cutting-edge EV technology offers a promising vision for the future of automotive design.
