This is the absolutely amazing, and perhaps one of the most underrated rare cars of all time, the 2009 Bertone Mantide. This is a Bertone designed car fixed over the chassis and mechanics of the C6 Corvette ZR1. The Bertone Mantide was originally known as “Project M” and began it’s life as a red car before it was repainted in 2009/2010 to Bianca Fuji (Pearl White). Due to better aerodynamics and weight savings, the Mantide actually has better performance numbers than it’s donor Corvette ZR1. The Mantide saves about 220lbs compared to the standard Corvette ZR1 thanks to its full carbon fiber body panels, interior trim & light-weight wheels and seats. Bertone originally set out to produce 10 total Mantides however, this was the only car ever to be completed. Thanks to our friends at @autosportdesigns we got a rare and very special opportunity to take a closer look at this rarity before it was sold off into the world. Another fun fact about the Mantide is that even though there’s only one of them, the car actually made its way into the popular video game series Forza Motorsport 4, meaning millions of people around the world were able to virtually drive, and experience this very rare machine. With highly desired materials such as carbon fiber & Alcantara all throughout the inside and outside of the car, the Bertone Mantide may not be for everyone with its outlandish design, but it’s certainly an impressive vehicle overall. The design for the Mantide was styled by automobile designer, Jason Castriota, and the finished project was first ever tested at the Nardo Test Facility in Italy.
How many made? Although production was planned for Bertone to produce 10 Mantides, only 1 was finished. This car is a 1 of 1.
Engine: supercharged 6.2L V8 producing 638hp and 604 pound-feet of torque. The powetrain is completely carried over from the C6 Corvette ZR1.
Debut: 2009 Shanghai Auto Show.
Top Speed: Top Speed for the Mantide is said to be about 218mph.
0-60mph: Testing at Nardo confirms that the Mantide can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds.
Photo credit: @am_media_ny, @autosportdesigns
Research: @rarecarsonly