Italdesign Zerouno Duerta combines supercar performance with open-top experience
The Italdesign Zerouno supercar surprised the 2017 Geneva Motor Show with an aerodynamic carbon fiber body and a race-spec rear wing with a central longitudinal fin. A year later at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Italdesign Automobili Speciali is unveiling an open-top version of the super coupe – the new Italdesign Zerouno Duerta.
The new Italdesign Zerouno Duerta marks the second chapter of the Automobili Speciali project that was launched in 2017. It all started with the Zerouno exclusive ultra-low series coupes, of which five models sold in a few months after they were presented. The moniker Duerta is derived from ‘duerta’ of Piedmontese dialect that means ‘open’ – referring to the open-top nature of the second Zerouno model.
According to Jorg Astalosch, chief executive of Italdesign, the huge success of the Zerouno coupe was only the beginning. Likewise, the Zerouno Duerta won’t be the last, as the brand Automobili Speciali is all-set to continue beyond this targa-top model. The unveiling of the Zerouno Duerta at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show is a fitting way to celebrate Italdesign's 50th anniversary year while further proving the company’s 'Best is Next' motto.
Just like the Zerouno coupe, the Zerouno Duerta roadster will only be offered in five examples. It will offer the same performance as the coupe version, which has a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter engine that delivers 610 hp (449 kW) of max output and 560 Nm (413 lb.-ft.) of peak torque. This should allow the Zerouno Duerta to reach a top speed of more than 320 km/h.
The main difference between the Zerouno coupe and the Zerouno Duerta roadster is the roof. The coupe comes with a solid roof, while the roadster had it removed and replaced with a targa top. To facilitate the removal of the carbon fiber roof without compromising performance, certain modifications were implemented on the modular carbon-fiber and aluminum chassis.
For instance, Italdesign completely redesigned the upper and rear parts of the car's carbon fiber body (rear part of the cockpit and the engine bonnet) and added two roll-bars for the driver and passenger. The engine bonnet has its lowered central portion placed between the two rear shoulders.
Interestingly, the targa roof of Zerouno Duerta can be removed manually. This roof is supplemented by an emergency soft top, in case bad weather strikes during a trip. To retain the characteristics of the Zerouno coupe, the Zerouno Duerta adopted the same aggressive touches influenced by aerodynamics, with the bonnet retaining the Y Duct system for optimized levels of airflow and downforce.
In terms of dimensions, the new Zerouno Duerta has a length of 4,847 mm, width of 1,970 mm and height of 1,204 mm. It rides on a dedicated version of the high-performing P Zero tires from Pirelli, 245/30 R20 for the front wheels and 305/30 R20 for the rear rims.
The new Zerouno Duerta – just like the coupe – is open for personalization for both its exterior and interior.
PRESS RELEASE
ITALDESIGN AUTOMOBILI SPECIALI ZEROUNO DUERTA AT A GLANCE
• The targa-top version marks the second chapter of the Automobili
Speciali project, launched in 2017
• Five units will be built by the end of 2018
• Racing performance in a street-legal vehicle
• Modular carbon-fibre and aluminium chassis, a redesign of the coupé
version
• Ultra-lightweight 100% carbon-fibre bodywork
• Removable carbon hardtop
• Same performance as the coupé version: naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10
engine, top speed over 320 km/h
• Special packages are available for custom finish and performance
• Designed, engineered and produced by Italdesign
Speciali project, launched in 2017
• Five units will be built by the end of 2018
• Racing performance in a street-legal vehicle
• Modular carbon-fibre and aluminium chassis, a redesign of the coupé
version
• Ultra-lightweight 100% carbon-fibre bodywork
• Removable carbon hardtop
• Same performance as the coupé version: naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10
engine, top speed over 320 km/h
• Special packages are available for custom finish and performance
• Designed, engineered and produced by Italdesign
The Zerouno Duerta: Automobili Speciali, Chapter II
Created in 2017 and premiered worldwide at the Geneva International Motor Show, Automobili
Speciali is the new Italdesign brand associated with the production of exclusive ultra-low series cars intended
for collectors.
Speciali is the new Italdesign brand associated with the production of exclusive ultra-low series cars intended
for collectors.
The Zerouno Duerta represents phase two in Italdesign’s strategic plan for creating iconic, highperformance
products that collectors will treasure.
products that collectors will treasure.
“One year later, Zerouno has proved successful,” explained Jörg Astalosch, CEO of Italdesign.
“All five vehicles were sold in just a few months after they were officially presented, showing that car and
design enthusiasts continue to desire exclusive products of this kind.
“All five vehicles were sold in just a few months after they were officially presented, showing that car and
design enthusiasts continue to desire exclusive products of this kind.
"We had stated that Zerouno was not merely an end in itself, nor an experiment,” Astalosch
continued. “Rather, it is a new service that complements what Italdesign has been offering to the global
transportation industry for 50 years. The brand Automobili Speciali will continue beyond this targa-top
version of the Zerouno. We are excited to unveil the Zerouno Duerta during Italdesign's 50th anniversary year,
proving the truth of our motto 'Best is Next'.”
continued. “Rather, it is a new service that complements what Italdesign has been offering to the global
transportation industry for 50 years. The brand Automobili Speciali will continue beyond this targa-top
version of the Zerouno. We are excited to unveil the Zerouno Duerta during Italdesign's 50th anniversary year,
proving the truth of our motto 'Best is Next'.”
Completely designed, engineered and built at the Moncalieri plant to remain faithful to Italdesign’s
tradition, the Zerouno Duerta shares many features with the coupé version, although the upper part of the
chassis has been redefined and redesigned to guarantee performance, quality and safety standards in the open
version as well.
tradition, the Zerouno Duerta shares many features with the coupé version, although the upper part of the
chassis has been redefined and redesigned to guarantee performance, quality and safety standards in the open
version as well.
“The open version was already planned when we first presented the Automobili Speciali brand last
year,” said Filippo Perini, Head of Design at Italdesign. “The positive feedback we have received in
recent months has only strengthened our convictions. The Zerouno Duerta — where ‘duerta’ in Piedmontese
dialect means ‘open’ — shares many features of the coupé, including its supercar-like performance.”
year,” said Filippo Perini, Head of Design at Italdesign. “The positive feedback we have received in
recent months has only strengthened our convictions. The Zerouno Duerta — where ‘duerta’ in Piedmontese
dialect means ‘open’ — shares many features of the coupé, including its supercar-like performance.”
During the development phase of the Zerouno project, Italdesign involved the three-times winner of
the 24 hours of Le Mans and five-times overall winner at Sebring and new member of the Sebring Hall of
Fame and Audi Sport Ambassador, Dindo Capello: “I believe Zerouno perfectly reflects my idea of
supercars,” stated Dindo Capello, “fast, performing, safe that can also be driven on the roads every day. It’s
a real car, not just an object you keep displayed on a pedestal. I can say I really enjoyed driving it during the
development”.
the 24 hours of Le Mans and five-times overall winner at Sebring and new member of the Sebring Hall of
Fame and Audi Sport Ambassador, Dindo Capello: “I believe Zerouno perfectly reflects my idea of
supercars,” stated Dindo Capello, “fast, performing, safe that can also be driven on the roads every day. It’s
a real car, not just an object you keep displayed on a pedestal. I can say I really enjoyed driving it during the
development”.
Carbon fibre for a high-performance chassis
As in the case of the Zerouno coupé, lightness and aerodynamics are the core elements of this new
model’s design. Hence, the choice to use carbon fibre for the entire bodywork, accompanied by a generous
use of this material in the vehicle’s interior as well. State-of-the-art fibre-layering technology combines with
the skills of the craftsmen during the finishing stages to achieve a light weight, despite the car measuring 4,847
mm in length, 1,970 mm in width and 1,204 mm in height.
As in the case of the Zerouno coupé, lightness and aerodynamics are the core elements of this new
model’s design. Hence, the choice to use carbon fibre for the entire bodywork, accompanied by a generous
use of this material in the vehicle’s interior as well. State-of-the-art fibre-layering technology combines with
the skills of the craftsmen during the finishing stages to achieve a light weight, despite the car measuring 4,847
mm in length, 1,970 mm in width and 1,204 mm in height.
The modifications made to the chassis to allow the roof — also made of carbon fibre — to be
removed have not compromised performance: the powerful naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine
allows the car to attain a top speed of over 320 km/h.
removed have not compromised performance: the powerful naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine
allows the car to attain a top speed of over 320 km/h.
The team of designers has worked with a view to keeping all the characteristics of the Zerouno
coupé: the style is consistent with the coupé version, with the same aggressive touches dictated by
aerodynamics; the bonnet retains the Y Duct system to optimise downforce and airflow while in motion.
The upper and rear parts of the car's body have been completely redesigned to permit the roof to be
removed without compromising performance and comfort when the vehicle is being driven topless.
coupé: the style is consistent with the coupé version, with the same aggressive touches dictated by
aerodynamics; the bonnet retains the Y Duct system to optimise downforce and airflow while in motion.
The upper and rear parts of the car's body have been completely redesigned to permit the roof to be
removed without compromising performance and comfort when the vehicle is being driven topless.
"From an engineering standpoint," — continued Antonio Casu, Italdesign’s CTO, "the challenge we faced
was designing a new chassis: we reinforced the structure to compensate — in terms of rigidity — for the
absence of the B and C pillars, typical of a topless car, to ensure a performance comparable to that of the
Zerouno coupé."
was designing a new chassis: we reinforced the structure to compensate — in terms of rigidity — for the
absence of the B and C pillars, typical of a topless car, to ensure a performance comparable to that of the
Zerouno coupé."
The designers and engineers completely redesigned the rear part of the cockpit and the engine
bonnet, adding two roll-bars for the driver and passenger to ensure their safety in the event of a roll-over.
Compared to the coupé version, the Duerta’s engine bonnet features a lowered central portion located
between the two rear shoulders.
bonnet, adding two roll-bars for the driver and passenger to ensure their safety in the event of a roll-over.
Compared to the coupé version, the Duerta’s engine bonnet features a lowered central portion located
between the two rear shoulders.
The roof can be removed manually, but the Zerouno Duerta also comes with an emergency soft top
to be used in the event of inclement weather during a trip.
to be used in the event of inclement weather during a trip.
A unique feature of the Zerouno project is the option for clients to personalise both the exterior
and interior of their vehicles. The five lucky owners of the Zerouno Duerta will also have this option.
and interior of their vehicles. The five lucky owners of the Zerouno Duerta will also have this option.
"The experience we have gained over the past twelve months with the five coupés," — explained Massimo
Bovi, Head of the Pre-Series Center, "will continue to serve us well in this second phase of the project. It
might be said that what we built were not five cars in a single series, but rather we built five times a unique
car: the high level of personalisation and the ability to change a vast array of details in the car's interior and
exterior posed a constant challenge. Thanks to the professionalism of our team, this experience will now also
help us to best handle requests for the Duerta."
Bovi, Head of the Pre-Series Center, "will continue to serve us well in this second phase of the project. It
might be said that what we built were not five cars in a single series, but rather we built five times a unique
car: the high level of personalisation and the ability to change a vast array of details in the car's interior and
exterior posed a constant challenge. Thanks to the professionalism of our team, this experience will now also
help us to best handle requests for the Duerta."
Automobili Speciali Zerouno is a project that has garnered international success. "The clients who
purchased the five Zerouno coupés come from all over the world, proof that the language of design and the
expert craftsmanship know no borders," — stated Massimo Martinotti, Head of Business Development.
"The first expressions of interest that we have received for the Duerta indicate that this remains the case. In
the near future, we are already offering this new service — the production of ‘few-off’ series — to car
manufacturers."
purchased the five Zerouno coupés come from all over the world, proof that the language of design and the
expert craftsmanship know no borders," — stated Massimo Martinotti, Head of Business Development.
"The first expressions of interest that we have received for the Duerta indicate that this remains the case. In
the near future, we are already offering this new service — the production of ‘few-off’ series — to car
manufacturers."
Dedicated Pirelli P Zero tyres
Not only was the Zerouno’s front design inspired by the single-seater racing cars: the tyres too have a direct
motorsport link. Italdesign has chosen Formula 1’s exclusive tyre supplier, Pirelli, to equip also its second
Automobili Speciali model. The engineers developed a dedicated version of the high-performing Pirelli tyres,
the P Zero, in 245/30 R20 for the front and 305/30 R20 for the back.
Not only was the Zerouno’s front design inspired by the single-seater racing cars: the tyres too have a direct
motorsport link. Italdesign has chosen Formula 1’s exclusive tyre supplier, Pirelli, to equip also its second
Automobili Speciali model. The engineers developed a dedicated version of the high-performing Pirelli tyres,
the P Zero, in 245/30 R20 for the front and 305/30 R20 for the back.
Featuring High Working Range tread compounds, able to guarantee maximum grip in all conditions,
Zerouno’s dedicated tyres belong to the new line of coloured tyres. The new Pirelli Color Edition tyres are
customizable and available in all colours.
Zerouno’s dedicated tyres belong to the new line of coloured tyres. The new Pirelli Color Edition tyres are
customizable and available in all colours.
ZEROUNO DUERTA
TECHNICAL DATA / DIMENSIONS
TECHNICAL DATA / DIMENSIONS
Length 4847 mm
Height 1204 mm
Width 1970 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm
Fuel tank capacity 73 litres
Tyres Pirelli P Zero Special Series
Front 245/30 R20
Rear 305/30 R20
Brakes carbon-ceramic
front 8 pistons
rear 6 pistons
PERFORMANCE Top speed >320 km/h
POWERTRAIN
Engine V10, 5.2 l naturally aspirated
Gearbox 7 gears dual clutch with controls on
steering wheel
Total power 610 Hp (449 kW)
Maximum torque 560 Nm at 6500 RPM
DRIVE 4 wheel drive
Height 1204 mm
Width 1970 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm
Fuel tank capacity 73 litres
Tyres Pirelli P Zero Special Series
Front 245/30 R20
Rear 305/30 R20
Brakes carbon-ceramic
front 8 pistons
rear 6 pistons
PERFORMANCE Top speed >320 km/h
POWERTRAIN
Engine V10, 5.2 l naturally aspirated
Gearbox 7 gears dual clutch with controls on
steering wheel
Total power 610 Hp (449 kW)
Maximum torque 560 Nm at 6500 RPM
DRIVE 4 wheel drive
Italdesign Zerouno Duerta combines supercar performance with open-top experience
Reviewed by Nemanja
on
March 08, 2018
Rating:
Reviewed by Nemanja
on
March 08, 2018
Rating:
