Vision Rapida: The Next-Gen Sports Car

Bold Innovation - The world of automotive design is constantly evolving, driven by innovation, creativity, and the desire to push boundaries. For aspiring car designers, the opportunity to bring their visions to life is a rare and invaluable experience. At the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Turin, students of the Transportation Design program are given a unique chance to do just that—designing and constructing a full-scale concept car in collaboration with industry leaders. 

The Vision Rapida shares similar dimensions with iconic '90s sports cars like the Mk4 Toyota Supra, capturing their timeless proportions in a modern design. (Picture from: Autocar)

In the 2023–2024 academic year, this dream became a reality with the creation of the Vision Rapida, a sports car concept developed in partnership with the renowned Italdesign. Designed with Generation Z in mind, the Vision Rapida embraces the spirit of classic Japanese sports cars from the 1990s, a decade that saw the rise of legendary models like the Mk4 Toyota Supra and Nissan Skyline GT-R. Measuring 4.51 meters in length, 1.86 meters in width, and 1.28 meters in height, the car boasts proportions that reflect these inspirations while maintaining a modern and dynamic aesthetic. 

The Vision Rapida features a fastback shape, deliberately chosen to enhance aerodynamics while improving practicality and cargo space. (Picture from: Autocar)

The fastback design not only enhances its sporty appearance but also improves aerodynamics and cargo space, making it a practical yet exciting vehicle. Aesthetically, the Vision Rapida exudes confidence with its aggressive front-end styling, sculpted bumper, and sleek headlights. The rear maintains a clean yet striking look, featuring an integrated spoiler that adds to its performance-driven persona. While rooted in the past, the design avoids falling into nostalgia, presenting a fresh and contemporary interpretation of the compact sports car segment. 

The Vision Rapida boasts a minimalist interior with a 2+2 layout, thoughtfully designed to balance usability, comfort, and a modern driving experience. (Picture from: Autocar)

The minimalist interior follows suit, with a 2+2 layout that prioritizes usability while incorporating a fighter jet-inspired cockpit. Instead of the button-heavy dashboards of older models, the Rapida embraces a digital-first approach, relying on an intuitive touchscreen interface to enhance the driving experience.

The Vision Rapida features a fighter jet-inspired cockpit with a sleek, digital-first design, replacing button-heavy dashboards with an intuitive touchscreen.. (Picture from: Autocar)

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Vision Rapida is its adaptability. Unlike conventional concept cars tied to a single manufacturer’s identity, this vehicle was designed with flexibility in mind. IED intentionally crafted it to fit multiple automotive brands, allowing room for different powertrain configurations, including internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric options. 

The Vision Rapida was designed to balance affordability, sustainability, and style, offering a sleek yet practical sports car experience for modern drivers. (Picture from: Autocar)

This approach underscores the vision of the students—to create a sports car that is not just aspirational but also attainable for young drivers seeking an engaging yet affordable experience on the road. The journey from concept to reality spanned six months, with students working alongside Italdesign professionals and other industry mentors to refine their ideas. 

The Vision Rapida was captured in a photo session alongside its design and build team from IED and Italdesign. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The final full-scale prototype was constructed in collaboration with Italdesign and Scuderia Torino, with support from major technical sponsors such as Pirelli, OZ Racing, and Lechler. The unveiling of the Vision Rapida marks a significant milestone, not just for IED students but for the future of automotive design, proving that passion, creativity, and technical expertise can come together to shape the cars of tomorrow. | Hse6H23sILU |

For those eager to witness this creation firsthand, the Vision Rapida  will be showcased at the Fuorisalone in Milan from April 7–13 and is currently on display at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin until May 4. With its blend of nostalgic influences and forward-thinking design, this concept car stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the next generation of automotive designers. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | IED TURIN | AUTOCAR | CARSCOOPS ]

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