Create a concept is more difficult than it seems, because if it is true that you have to work on a single model, it is also true that wanting to guarantee a WOW effect can complicate – and a lot – things. So imagine getting involved in bringing one to one but three prototypes simultaneously. However, this is what in 1988 did Italdesign Who, at the Turin Salon, presented theAztec Alongside his sisters Aspid et Asgard. Prototypes created by the company to celebrate its twentieth anniversary.
The objective was to demonstrate the workshop’s ability to create three cars with completely distinct personalities, however, starting from a common mechanical base signed Audi. In this trio, it was certainly theItaldesign Aztec which was distinguished, a really special roadster.
Passed with view of the future
With Aztec, Giorgetto Giugiaro wanted to celebrate the trays of the 50s and 60s, without giving up many futuristic elements. A meeting between two eras that gave birth to a Sporty without roofcharacterized by soft lines interrupted by more sharp and clean surfaces. The front panel seemed to be inspired by that of the Chevrolet Corvette of the time (the C4), with a in capot Descending to a minimalist front side, without optical groups. As it was fashion at the time, the retractable headlights, so as not to penalize aerodynamics.
There, aerodynamics: a fundamental point in the development of theItaldesign Aztecwho at the back sported a large carbon fiber While concealing the wheels, placed behind a fairing, in which there were several manageable panels via three -digit codes, to activate the oil drain tap, access a practical toolbox, raise the chassis and much more.
Cockpit
What surprised, however, was the interiorto which we acted by opening the door and lifting the upper part integrating the deflectors, composed of two symmetrical environments and separated dedicated respectively to the driver and the passenger. The two “mini-habitacles” were a hymn to symmetry, to the point that even the passenger found himself in front a steering wheel. Naturally not to drive but to manage a kind of infotainment before the hour, which also included a first example of a satellite browser. Perhaps, if return to the future had been shot in the early 90s, Doc Brown would have struggled to choose between the Delorean DMC12 and Aztec.
Italesign Aztec, driver’s steering wheel
Italdesign Aztec, Le Volant You Passager
Pushed futurism beyond all measure, animated by a piece of history like the 2.2 5 cylinders signed Audiborrowed from a 200 turbo and brought to 250 hp of power, combined with the Quattro all -wheel drive and the 5 -speed manual gearbox, while a four -disc braking system controlled everything.
Mixed success
Unique lines and a prestigious signature have made Italdesign Aztec the object of desire for many enthusiasts, to the point of convincing the company to make the big jump, transforming the tray from concept in series modelswith a planned production of 50 units. It is only after reality was taken into account, that is to say the final price: 500,000 German marks, or about 260,000 euros today. A figure that has slowed down the enthusiasm of some, resulting in a clear reduction in production, which finally reached 20 units.
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Aztec has also been a protagonist of some cinema appearances, in the films “Frankenstein Unbound“(1990) by Roger Corman and in”Walking over time“(1996) De Carlo Vanzina.
