Italdesign, founded in 1968 in Turin, Italy, has designed and engineered more than 300 production cars and 100 concept vehicles, many of which have been displayed the world's most important auto shows. More than a few cars designed by Italdesign are featured in Gran Turismo.
Some Italdesign creations have gone on to become famous movie cars, such as the DeLorean DMC 12 featured in the hit film trilogy "Back to the Future," and who can forget the Lotus Esprit that turned into a submarine in the James Bond feature "The Spy Who Loved Me?"
The Italdesign EXENEO Vision Gran Turismo continues the endearing relationship between Gran Turismo and Italian automobiles. Inspired by the 2013 mid-engine compact GT called the Italdesign Parcour, this concept machine features cutting-edge technology and four different chassis settings—track, snow, off-road and urban—thus, it's at home on both the race track and off-road trails.
The car comes powered by two 200 kW (268.2 HP) electric motors mounted up front, and a V-10 engine placed amidships that produce a combined 910 kW (1,219.9 HP), allowing the EXENEO VGT to reach a top speed of 236.1 mph and a zero-to-62.1 miles acceleration time of 2.5 seconds. The EXENEO also has a 7-speed gearbox, Individual Wheel Drive (IWD) and KERS recovery system. To ensure maximum stability, an intelligent suspension system adapts automatically to different types of terrain.
The crystal sphere cockpit was developed around the driver. A carbon-fiber and aluminum tape envelope the driver and engine as a "xenium." This Latin word translates to "gift for the guest," and what a gift the Italdesign EXENEO Vision Gran Turismo is.
