by Revival of Italian classic: Itala Automobili 35 unveiled
Italdesign, which left the Audi structure last year, has unveiled a new model, the Itala Automobili 35. The premiere took place at the National Automobile Museum in Turin. This is a revival of the Itala brand, founded back in 1903, which ceased to exist in 1934.
Design and styling
Created for DR Automobiles Groupe, the Itala 35 is likely a reworked version of the GAC Trumpchi GS3. Italdesign did not go into details but noted that the main focus was on the front and rear sections. A “complete redesign of all non-structural plastic parts, including bumpers, upper hood panel, tailgate, and spoiler” was carried out. Some elements, such as the lighting fixtures, were carried over from the base model but were “integrated into the new identity.”
The front of the car features a large SEAT-style grille, framed by elongated headlights and prominent Itala logos. There is also a wide central air intake and a rounded lower lip. From the side, a streamlined body and flush door handles can be seen. The picture is completed by a sloping windshield, plastic body cladding, and angular rear glass.
Interior and technical specifications
Images of the cabin show a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel and two digital displays. Glossy black plastic inserts and a minimalist gear selector are also noticeable. The interior is complemented by a padded dashboard and metal speaker grilles.
Italdesign’s head of exterior design, Cristiano Froechia, noted:
This was not developing a car from scratch, but shaping its visual identity through a balanced and consistent approach capable of being immediately recognizable. We worked on an existing structure and several fixed elements, such as the lighting fixtures. This meant relying on design to create a clear identity, focusing on the variable components.
Technical specifications
Under the Italian “costume,” the Itala 35 hides a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 hp and 270 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 7.5 seconds, and the top speed is 190 km/h. Fuel consumption, according to the manufacturer, is 6.8 l/100 km in the combined cycle.
The compact crossover has a length of 4410 mm, a width of 1850 mm, and a height of 1600 mm, with a wheelbase of 2650 mm. Trunk volume ranges from 341 liters to 1271 liters with the second row of seats folded down.
Future plans
The design studio also reported that it has received orders to develop five- and seven-seat Itala models, known as the 56 and 61. The first will likely sit on the border between compact and mid-size crossovers, while the second will most likely become a large SUV.
Sales of the new Itala 35 in Italy will start in September this year. The starting price will be around 35,000 euros, which at current exchange rates is approximately equal to 40,700 US dollars.
The revival of the historic Itala brand through the reworking of a Chinese model evokes mixed feelings. On the one hand, this allows preserving a name with a rich history and offering a modern car at a relatively affordable price. On the other hand, this approach raises questions about the authenticity and Italian identity of the car, especially given the recent fines imposed on DR Automobiles for passing off Chinese cars as Italian. Nevertheless, collaboration with Italdesign, known for its design expertise, could help create a visually appealing product that will find its buyer in a constantly growing market. Further models, the 56 and 61, will show whether the brand can offer something more unique than just a restyling of existing platforms.
