This is a full-scale mock-up of the Tornante, a seriously nasty “fast tourer” designed and engineered by legendary Italian carosserie Touring Superleggera for German bespoke sports-car builder Gumpert, which is rapidly earning a reputation for its street-legal racing cars.
This one, however, will have a bigger cabin, a modicum of luggage space, more comfortable seats, easier access, better ventilation and a quieter ride than previous Gumpert models, while almost matching their performance levels.
The rolling chassis uses the classic Touring construction method (patented in 1936!) of lightweight body panels (in this case carbon fibre rather than aluminium) over a chrome-molybdenum steel space frame.
A prominent grille between balanced front wings emphasises the care taken to optimise the air-intake surface and overall airflow and a well-defined waistline reflects the functional separation between the greenhouse and the lower body, with a “light area offering extended space for driver and passenger and good all-round visibility .
Doors and boot lid are gull-winged, providing easy access to the interior, the mechanicals and the 200-litre luggage compartment. From the rear, low quarter panels outline the curve of the roof and, below the waistline, a distinctive air diffuser speaks of research into maximum downforce.
The engine is a 4163cc, 90-degree V8 biturbo that weighs only 196kg and kicks out a claimed 515kW. The block is bought in from Audi but everything else is designed and made in-house, including all the moving parts, air and fuel management, turbochargers, intake plumbing and dry sump lubrication.
A semi-automatic, paddle-shift, six-speed TT40e transmission provides extremely fast shifts; Gumpert quotes a lightning-quick 40 milliseconds from power-on to power-on, thanks to Formula one-type rocker switches on the steering wheel.
The classic double-wishbone layout uses double transverse control arms and fully-adjustable pushrod dampers to transmit suspension forces directly to the main frame for precise handling.
The mock-up is on display at the Geneva motor show; production of the real thing is scheduled for 2012 and if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it.