Italdesign Aims to License Design of DaVinci Concept

Italian design specialist Italdesign unit says its DaVinci concept electric car is near-production ready and aims to license the design to one of Volkswagen AG’s brands or to another carmaker.

VW acquired 90% of the legendary design house in 2010. Italdesign now operates under the carmaker’s Lamborghini unit, which would be the most likely candidate to use the DaVinci architecture.

The concept car’s design can accommodate all-wheel drive and an all-electric powertrain or a stand-alone engine as large as a 4.0-liter V-8, according to Italdesign. The company notes that a production version of the four-seater likely would lose its two gullwing doors for a more traditional sedan design.

Media reports liken the concept car’s exterior to the current Ford Mustang, with a low-slung muscular stance, long hood and short rear. Other highlights include a large rear spoiler and organic-light-emitting-diode taillights.

The interior features high-end materials and three display screens. In addition to a traditional instrument cluster and infotainment screen, there’s a separate display for the front-seat passenger.

Italdesgin developed the vehicle entirely at its Moncarlieri, Italy, facility. The name pays tribute to Leonardo DaVinci on the 500th anniversary of the famous painter and inventor’s death.