Italian coach builder, Bertone->ke2523, rarely makes waves, but when they do, they have a propensity to just take your breath away. Incidentally, the last we heard from these guys was when they unveiled the Jaguar B99 Concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Now, Bertone returns to Geneva with a new concept in tow, one that's being called the "Concept Nuccio." Making things extra special this year is the fact that Bertone is celebrating their centennial anniversary, and to commemorate this huge milestone, they came to Geneva locked, stocked, and ready to rock.

The concept was named 'Nuccio' in honor of Nuccio Bertone, the son of company patriarch Giovanni Bertone. It was designed as an evolution of the company's "cab forward" that started with the 1967 Alfa Romeo Carabo, the 1970 Lancia Stratos Zero, and the 1973 Lamborghini Countach. The concept combines elements from the three concepts in an attempt to create a modern, sporty, and "extreme," fully functional sports car.

UPDATE 03/08/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the Bertone Concept Nuccio.

Hit the jump for more information on the Bertone Concept Nuccio.

2012 Bertone Concept Nuccio

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Bertone Concept Nuccio
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 480
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

The Nuccio Concept borrowed its large, tapered windshield - a trademark signature for Bertone - from the Stratos Zero, as well as the so-called "twin peaks," but with a more futuristic interpretation. The first peak is visible at the highest point of the roof, while the second is placed behind the first one. Together they form the famous "eye of the crocodile."

Everything else on the Nuccio Concept is new, starting with its roof inspired by the avant-garde tensile structure technology used in modern architecture and going up to the air intakes located on the front bumper and lower rocker panels. There are also side and rear air outlets positioned strategically around the engine compartment.

The concept's roof is painted in bright orange - Nuccio Bertone’s favorite color - and has been combined with a gray car body color which is also treated with a high- tech transparent coat, "sirallico" bronze.

The headlamps and the tail-lamps both feature LED technology and extend across the entire width of the front and rear ends of the car.

Interior

Since the Nuccio was designed as an extreme sports car, its interior is all about elegant minimalism. The center console starts with a tall armrest and angles up towards the instrument panel in an inclined plane where all the controls (climate, radio, etc.) are installed. The seats are wrapped in bright orange leather combined with aggressive inserts in anthracite gray.

The driver has control of what happens on the exterior of his car thanks to an external rear view camera that projects the view of the road onto a 26 " LCD screen situated where the rear window is usually installed. The screen is visible from the driver via a traditional, central rear-view mirror hanging from the windshield. This big LCD screen can be transformed into a transparent rear window from which you can easily admire the V8 engine.

Engine

The Bertone Concept Nuccio is powered by a 4.3 liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 480 HP. It is mated to an automatic "triptronic" transmission, located under the steering wheel.

When Can I Buy One?

Don't expect to see a production version of the Bertone Nuccio anytime soon, but it's still a very cool design exercise!

Competition

We know there won't be a production version of the Bertone Nuccio, but the modern interpretation of the Lancia Stratos would be a good match up if there was. Built on a Ferrari chassis, it is powered by a 4.3 liter V8 engine that will sprint it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and up a top speed of close to 200mph.