SHANGHAI, China — Stile Bertone, designing for private clients from Turin, Italy, will bring much-needed luster back to the Bertone name with the Project M, debuting at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show. The one-off will be unveiled here on April 20 and is almost enough to make observers forget the bankruptcy of Carrozzeria Bertone.
Project M is a radical and exotic treatment based on a Nissan GT-R chassis. Through judicious use of carbon fiber and magnesium components, Stile Bertone's Project M peels off some 250 pounds from the GT-R's curb weight and can be expected to possess the speed, handling and craftsmanship characteristics that enter Bugatti Veyron territory.
The car was created for a private client in Asia, the company says, and although the price was not revealed, it can be expected to be north of $2 million.
After a showing at Shanghai, there will be two highly publicized dates for the car in Italy. Privately, Project M will be put through its paces — with Inside Line among those in attendance — on April 23 at the Balocco proving grounds near Turin. On April 25 and 26, the Bertone one-off will have its first public outing on the lawn at the concours d'elegance at Villa d'Este on Lake Como.
Design director Jason Castriota (Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano), Maserati GranTurismo, Pininfarina Ferrari P4/5) told IL about the philosophy behind Project M. He said it is intended to incorporate revolutionary aerodynamics strategies directly into the beauty of the design, so nothing looks tacked on, overwrought or out of place. On the inside, he said, Stile Bertone's brief was to cut weight without taking anything away from comfort. "Wait till you see it," said Castriota — which usually means, coming from him, something very promising is in store.
Inside Line says: Jason Castriota is a name you can trust to bring on the spectacle and beauty. Choosing the GT-R as the base automatically makes it huge news. — Matt Davis, Correspondent
Add A Comment »