The Quaranta is an "extreme" product, an environment-friendly, 4WD super
sports-car which incorporates a series of innovative aspects: its styling, but
also its drive technology, which combines a hybrid engine with solar energy, and
its internal layout which, despite its mid-mounted rear engine, can accommodate
three adults and a child, also providing a generous luggage compartment.
The idea which inspired the Quaranta project is that of the first single-volume
concept car with central engine and drive. The original reference is to the 1968
Bizzarrini Manta which, at that time, represented a major breakthrough in
styling, now adapted to state-of-the-art technology and enriched with Italdesign
Giugiaro's forty years experience of research.
The Style of the Future
Despite its flat, highly compact shape, the Quaranta features a single-volume
shape characterized by a continuous body line stretching from its clipped nose
to the tail that exploits the almost horizontal rake of the windscreen.
Access to the cabin is "step-in" via an upper door incorporating the side ones.
At the touch of an electric on/off button, the door opens upward in a downwind
direction, regulated by proximity sensors. The door is hinged to the hood pillar
and is aligned with a second upper rear door, for access to the engine
compartment and boot.
The roof houses the array of solar panels, necessary to power the electric
battery, in the space between the two doors. Along with the other solar panels
positioned on the front end, these create a central opaque strip, a distinctive
signature of the model, thanks to the interplay of light with the bright paint
of the bodywork. The solar panels can generate a power of up to 250 W,
sufficient for the functioning of the cockpit conditioning system and for
recharging the electric battery.
The styling of the Quaranta prototype is further enhanced by the attention
dedicated to surface aerodynamics, designed to ensure maximum possible
efficiency and penetration, also by using sharp edges on the rear. This can also
be noted in the front end of the vehicle where the radiator grille has been
eliminated and replaced by two side air inlets, positioned above the lighting
clusters, which perform the delicate function of front stabilizers. The rear of
the vehicle has also been conceived to improve overall aerodynamic performance:
an attentively-molded spoiler, with a perfectly square-edged cut and a very
technical design, has the scope of supporting the lower wing, modeled according
to latest generation F1 styling, that makes up for the absence of the
traditional upper stabilizer.
Styling research aimed at top aerodynamic performance is also reflected on the
sides, characterized by extremely generous glazing stretching from the front
fender to the tail and in which the air vents are housed, located after the
doors but also along the sill, in which the water cooling ducts are inserted.
The most innovative feature of the side profile is certainly the contour line,
between the door-windows and the sill, which is "negative" in the shoulder
section, a particular, absolutely innovative feature for super sports-cars.
Interiors: Technology for Safety and Comfort
Inside, the most striking innovation can be found in the multi-control steering
wheel which reflects an idea already incorporated in the 1980 Medusa, a
prototype developed by Italdesign and on display at its stand in Geneva: all
vehicle driving and control functions are concentrated on the spokes, where the
stalks have been eliminated and replaced with keys. This guarantees easier
control by the driver, in a central position which can be obtained due to the
absence of the gearbox-transmission block tunnel. This is possible thanks to the
electric four-wheel drive system which eliminates any obstacles on the floor
pan, making it completely flat. The generously-scaled central space of the
cockpit can accommodate two adults and a child, behind the driver. The dashboard
has been conceived with a sporting, modern look, with clean-cut details matching
the style of the exterior, and equipped with a vast array of instruments. These
are organized on two levels: the screens of the side and rear TV cameras are
positioned on the upper level, with particular attention to the left-hand view
mirror, useful when overtaking; the lower level is dedicated to the management
of the vehicle. The drive-panel also includes a visor for X-ray sensors for
night driving. The dark-colored leather and alcantara upholstery reflects the
most refined Italian taste.
The lighting clusters are extremely modern: the low-beam lights are based on led
technology, while the full-beam are of the Bi-xenon type. The direction
indicators, the tail and rear stop lights are of the full led type, inserted in
a single box but differentiated according to color, assembled and adapted by
hand at Italdesign Giugiaro.
Last but not least, the Quaranta features 9 ½ by 20" alloy wheels, without hub
caps for improved styling and aerodynamics, and four Vredestein tires as
standard, which differ only in shoulder height: 275/35/R20 front and 275/40/R20
rear. The dimensions are certainly tight for a super sports-car but suitable for
a 4WD car.
Mold-Breaking Mechanicals
The structure of the prototype is made up of the carbon monocoque frame onto
which aluminum and special steel parts are assembled, while the windscreen and
roof are made of stratified glass with UVA filter. The Quaranta is fit with
electronic four-wheel drive, divided in a small electric motor on the
fore-carriage and the thermal engine/electric engine system located in a central
rear position. This particular structure, which has seen Toyota's involvement in
the electronic control management, has made it possible to develop the vehicle
on a 2620-mm wheelbase, ideal for a mid-engined car.
The batteries which assist the electric motors are located between the engine
compartment and the cockpit and are powered directly by the solar panels. The
Quaranta features a double fuel-tank, integrated in the supporting frame, with a
total capacity of 60 liters, giving a mileage of up to 1000 km.
Dynamic asset is variable in two ride height positions: sporting and raised.
Maximum ground clearance is 230 mm, an absolute record which means that the
super sports-car can take any type of terrain in its stride. The main technical
aspect that distinguishes the mechanical design of the Quaranta is the weight
balance and in particular the "weight centering": all the mechanical weight of
the vehicle is contained between the two axles, including the mufflers which are
positioned in front of the rear wheels. Only the radiator and a large
overhanging luggage compartment, able to accommodate two golf-bags, remain
outside.
The front suspensions also represent a breakthrough: designed according to F1
cars, they are equipped with a central mono-shock echoing an idea already
presented by Italdesign – Giugiaro on the 2004 Toyota Volta and on the 1997 Alfa
Romeo Scighera. The linkage mechanism of the levers guarantees exceptional
stability in any type of situation, simulating a "multilink" mechanism. The
links have been designed and engineered entirely by ITALDESIGN GIUGUIARO: the "ovalized"
down tubes are made of special steel and the uprights of Ergal.
The entire Quaranta project is an idea of Italdesign Giugiaro, constructed in
accordance with the classical formula of the package of services furnished to
automotive manufacturers.
Quaranta confirms the classic Italdesign – Giugiaro versatile service formula
for car manufacturers. The competence and capability of designing a new car
model considering style development, frame development, safety and ergonomics
analyses and mechanics development, starting only from a given functioning
engine.
The chassis, bodywork and layout of the Quaranta prototype have been designed by
the Engineering Division of Italdesign Giugiaro, while the mechanicals and
electronics have been developed in cooperation with Toyota. The vehicle was
entirely built at the Moncalieri facilities.
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