Monday, March 11, 2013

Best Niche Ever? Mid-Engined Italdesign 4WD Coupe Has Lamborghini V-10

Best Niche Ever? Mid-Engined Italdesign 4WD Coupe Has Lamborghini V-10 If you think Lamborghini isn’t moving fast enough in bringing to life the Urus SUV, Italdesign Giugiaro presents the Parcour. Powered by a 550-hp 10-cylinder engine from Lamborghini, the mid-engined, four-wheel-drive two-door is presented at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show as a coupe and convertible.

Best Niche Ever? Mid-Engined Italdesign 4WD Coupe Has Lamborghini V-10

Best Niche Ever? Mid-Engined Italdesign 4WD Coupe Has Lamborghini V-10

Best Niche Ever? Mid-Engined Italdesign 4WD Coupe Has Lamborghini V-10
































Best Niche Ever? Mid-Engined Italdesign 4WD Coupe Has Lamborghini V-10

ItalDesign Giugiaro Parcour front three quarters 300x187 imageMarking Italdesign’s 45 years in business, the Parcour is named after parkour enthusiasts. “The purpose of parkour is to move around as efficiently as possible,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro, in a release. “By efficiently I mean: simply, quickly, and safely, which are characteristic features of our car.”

We’re not so sure there’s anything simple about the two Parcour cars featured in the gallery below, but it’s hard to argue with an estimated 0-62 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds. The car has four driver-selectable settings that affect the ride height and the engine setup. The settings are optimized for comfort, off-roading, winter conditions, and track driving.

The Parcour clearly has styling ties to current Lamborghinis, but adds an A-pillar that’s detached from the front windshield. As with the detached rear pillar, the design has an impact on aerodynamics and, of course, curb appeal. In the exterior design, the Parcour reminds us a little of the Lancia Stratos. Beneath those carbon fiber doors that open upward, the two passengers sit close together, and in true concept car style, cameras replace the side and rear-view mirrors.

Italdesign Giugiaro Parcour Convertible with water 300x187 imageThe Parcour’s seats may be fixed in place, but the steering wheel and pedals are adjustable. Since this is a GT, Italdesign says three bags can fit in the space behind the seats. The Parcour rides on an advanced suspension Italdesign calls “pushrod 2.0,” so heavy bumps and badly paved roads shouldn’t present a problem.

If you’re already building a car as crazy as the Parcour, why not also introduce a convertible variant? That car, officially called the Parcour Roadster, has a mountable ski rack with custom Giugiaro Design skis, and is shown in white below.Best Niche Ever? Mid-Engined Italdesign 4WD Coupe Has Lamborghini V-10