by Return of Osca: Italian manufacturer returns with Chinese SUV and Lotus-based sportscar
Italian company DR Automobiles, known for importing Chinese cars and reselling them under its own brand, has decided to revive legendary Italian sports car manufacturer Osca. After nearly 60 years of obscurity, the brand plans to launch two models, one of which will be based on a Lotus chassis.
First model: MT6 crossover based on Changan UNI-T
The first model to be released under the revived Osca brand will be the MT6 crossover. Essentially, it is a reworked version of the Chinese Changan UNI-T with a new front bumper, a different radiator grille, and modified headlight shapes. DR Automobiles claims that the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has received unique calibration and a number of other changes.
This is not the most impressive SUV, but the company seems to believe in its future. This comes despite the fact that two years ago, the Italian Antitrust Authority fined the firm 6 million euros ($6.8 million) for misleading consumers about the place of production of its cars. The company hinted that they were assembled in Italy, when in fact they were manufactured in China and only slightly refined before sale in Europe.
The real intrigue: mid-engined sportscar based on Lotus Emira
Much more interesting is DR Automobiles’ other project. During a recent conversation with Askanews, company head Massimo Di Risio stated that Osca will present a prototype of a mid-engined sports car this year, with sales set to begin in 2027.
Di Risio revealed that the model will be based on the Lotus Emira, using the same aluminum chassis and the 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine from Toyota.
According to him, the car will be created in partnership with Italdesign, so it stands a good chance of being quite attractive. It is not yet known whether it will retain most of the Emira’s body panels or receive new badges.
Price and future plans
Osca plans to initially sell the sportscar in Europe, with a starting price of at least 200,000 euros (about $227,400 at the current exchange rate). For comparison, a well-equipped Lotus Emira with a V6 engine can be purchased for approximately 110,000 euros ($125,000). Where the additional cost of the Osca model will come from is not yet known. After launching in Europe, DR Automobiles also hopes to begin selling the car in the USA.
The revival of Osca evokes mixed feelings. On the one hand, it is another example of rebranding Chinese cars, which has already led to fines for the company. On the other hand, the use of the Lotus Emira platform and collaboration with Italdesign suggest serious intentions to create a genuine Italian sportscar. However, the price exceeding 200,000 euros casts doubt on the model’s success, as for that money one could purchase not only the original Lotus but also many other premium sports cars. Only time will tell if Osca can offer something unique, aside from its historical name.
