Brivido: Perfect Fusion of Italian Design and German Engineering

Unique ONES - The world of automobiles often falls into the trap of national stereotypes. Italian cars, with their stunning aesthetics, are renowned for their beauty but occasionally plagued by reliability issues. On the other hand, German cars are celebrated for their meticulous engineering but sometimes lack the flair that Italian designs exude. But what if you could merge these two worlds—combining German precision with Italian elegance? Enter the Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido.

The Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido concept car in the Martini Racing livery made its debut at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the Brivido is a remarkable concept that embodies this fusion. At the event, the Brivido was showcased in two striking variations: a vibrant red model and a Martini Racing livery edition. This concept car not only turned heads but also hinted at what could be possible when German automotive engineering meets Italian styling.

Rear right side view of the Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido concept car in the Martini Racing livery. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Volkswagen, which had acquired a majority stake in Italdesign Giugiaro in 2010, provided the platform for this avant-garde vehicle. The Brivido made its appearance shortly before the debut of Italdesign’s Parcour concept in 2013, marking a significant moment in automotive innovation.

The Brivido is a four-seat grand tourer that features a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Unlike many of its contemporaries, Italdesign opted for a design with only two doors, steering clear of the prevalent coupe-like sedans. The car's gullwing doors are a standout feature, and the roof is predominantly glass, enhancing visibility and creating a more inviting cabin space.

Striking-red Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido concept car also exhibited at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show with its gull wings door-styles opened. (Picture from: Autoblog)

The design of the Brivido is as captivating as it is functional. With its short overhangs, sleek roofline, and slim LED headlights, it commands attention. The car’s side view mirrors have been replaced by compact cameras integrated into the fenders. This choice, along with the use of aluminum and carbon fiber in the body construction, ensures that the Brivido is both lightweight and aerodynamic.

Striking-red Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido concept car shown off at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Inside, the Brivido continues to impress with its innovative features. The driver controls the sound system, climate, and other functions through touchpads embedded in the steering wheel. Passengers benefit from their own instrument panel, which provides trip information and controls for entertainment systems. Additionally, the car includes a built-in iPad docking system, adding a touch of modern convenience to the luxurious interior.

Dashboard view of the Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido concept car. (Picture from: Yahoo-Auto)

Under the hood, the Brivido houses a hybrid powertrain featuring a Volkswagen 3.0-liter V6 engine, capable of delivering 360 horsepower. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, this setup propels the Brivido from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in just 5.8 seconds and achieves a top speed of 171 mph. This impressive performance underscores the car’s potential to merge power with efficiency.

Rear side view of the Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido concept car with its gull wings door-styles opened. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

While the Brivido remains a concept, it represents a tantalizing glimpse into a possible future collaboration between Volkswagen and Italdesign. Volkswagen's influence has already enhanced brands such as Lamborghini and Bentley, suggesting that the Brivido's design principles could soon influence real-world vehicles.

The Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido stands as a testament to the exciting possibilities when combining German engineering with Italian flair. Although it remains a concept, it hints at the potential for groundbreaking designs that could reshape the automotive landscape. *** [EKA [11122018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | DIGITALTRENDS | YAHOO ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone