This unique concept car shown here was built in 2003, and it’s known as the 2003 Bertone Birusa. These rare photos provided by https://www.cartefacts.com (@cartefacts.official), and @slavchick2 showcase an eye-catching project which was constructed using a BMW Z8 as a base, and was first ever shown to the public at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. If you haven’t heard of Bertone, the Italian industrial design company has been specializing in car styling, coachbuilding and manufacturing dating back all the way to 1912, when Italian automobile designer, Giovanni Bertone started a carriage manufacturing business at the young age of 28 years old in Turin, Italy known as Carrozzeria Bertone. Heading into the 1920’s, at the end of the First World War, Bertone began shifting focus to the automotive sector. Their first project, which took place in the early 20’s, was called the FIAT ‘501 Sport Siluro Corsa’, a torpedo-style body based on a SPA 23S chassis. Since then, the company has advanced a substantial amount, as you can clearly see here. Included on this project was a 6-speed manual transmission, and a custom-made Bose sound system that was developed specifically for the Birusa, featuring 11 speakers with 2 subwoofers. Not only was the Birusa impressive in performance, but the technology included on this car was remarkable as well. The interior houses a multilingual voice control system which allows the driver and or passenger to control virtually every aspect of the entertainment and comfort features just by speaking into the system itself. If that wasn’t enough, Bertone also included night vision on this car, as well as a large roof system which electronically stows away into the trunk if desired. It’s important to note that during the time of it’s presentation, the Birusa was showcased alongside the Segway HT (Human Transporter), a Bertone-designed Segway scooter.
How many made? 1
Engine: 4.9-liter DOHC V8 engine that produces 400 bhp (298 kW; 406 PS) at 6600 rpm
Debut: 2003 Geneva Motor Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @slavchick2, https://www.cartefacts.com (@cartefacts.official)
Research: @rarecarsonly