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NEWS
GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Italdesign Parcour
Latin design house rolls out a pair of Lamborghini-based concepts claimed to be fast, efficient and suited to any terrainItaldesign Giugiaro is perhaps best known for turning out classics such as the original VW Golf/Scirocco and Lotus Esprit, but the Latin styling studio’s latest handiwork is an offbeat SUV/sportscar-crossover that’s underpinned by Lamborghini Gallardo running gear.
Created in both coupe and roadster formats, the squat, broad-shoulder concept is dubbed Parcour after the sport of parkour – freestyle street running of the type that features in the opening scene of the James Bond blockbuster Casino Royale.
Measuring 4530mm from bumper to bumper and 2070mm across the bows, the Parcour is around 180mm longer and wider than a Range Rover Evoque, but it sits a massive 270mm lower than even the three-door Rangie, which gives it a Lancia Stratos-esque sportscar stance.
Tipping the scales at a lithe 1550kg, the concept is propelled by a mid/rear-mounted 405kW 5.2-litre V10, with power being sent to all four corners via a Gallardo-sourced all-wheel drive system.
Its maker claims the Parcour can scoot from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.6sec, on its way to a v-max of 320km/h, which lends credence to Italdesign’s claim that it offers “supercar performance on any road surface”.
We’re not counting on a great deal of off-road ability though, as the Parcour sits on 22-inch alloy wheels, even though its ground clearance can be hydraulically raised from 210mm to a towering 330mm. Front and rear overhangs are also minimal.
There are also four different suspension/drivetrain modes – comfort, off-road, winter and track. The suspension itself is a pushrod-style set-up, but the pushrods are replaced by eight coil-overs, two at each corner, as Italdesign claims this delivers a superior blend of on- and off-road performance.
Another unusual design element is the front and rear roof pillars, which are detached from the windscreens to act as wind deflectors that efficiently channel air over the surfaces of the car.
Meanwhile, the carbonfibre butterfly doors, like those fitted on endurance race cars, swivel upwards and outwards, which is claimed to make getting in and out of the car easier.
There are no conventional wing mirrors, as these have been replaced by cameras fitted on the upper frame of the doors, where they cross with the top of the A-pillar. A third camera, which replaces the central rear-view mirror, is installed above the bonnet.
To make the most of the interior space, the seats are mounted as far back as possible. Although the seats themselves are fixed, the steering and pedal box are electronically adjustable to enable the driver to find a comfortable position.
Italdesign claims three bags can fit in the compartment obtained behind the two seats, but the press release stops short of mentioning how big said bags can be.
For now, we’re prepared to give the Parcour a thumbs-up on its good looks alone. And we also like the sound of a car that can do 320km/h and still go off-road, even if it’s not up to the task of taking on the Rubicon Trail...
For our full coverage head to motoring.com.au for the latest Geneva motor show news
Photo gallery of 2013 Geneva motor show at motoring.com.au
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Written byGautam Sharma
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