Imagine, if you will, a machine so forward-thinking, so utterly audacious, that even the glass it wears is a testament to the future. Ladies and gentlemen, strap yourselves in—or perhaps strap yourselves on—because we're about to take a look at the 1988 ItalDesign ASPID, a car that refuses to blend in, preferring instead to bend reality.
The Backstory: A Coupe 20 Years in the Making
To truly appreciate the ASPID, we must rewind the clock to 1968, when a young Giorgetto Giugiaro unleashed the Manta on an unsuspecting Turin Motor Show. That car, with its one-box coupe design, was a statement of intent, a gauntlet thrown into the design ether. Fast-forward two decades, and the ASPID emerges as its spiritual successor, this time borrowing the genes of its sibling, the AZTEC spider.
But make no mistake: the ASPID isn’t just an AZTEC with a lid. It’s a rolling concept that marries the wild exuberance of the 80s with a technical sophistication that still whispers about tomorrow.
A Glass Revolution
Let’s talk glass. Not your average windscreen stuff, but double-camber glass, sculpted with curves so precise and so daring, it makes your average hatchback look like a cardboard box. The ASPID’s design centers around this technological breakthrough, which allowed Giugiaro to seamlessly blend the metal and the glazed surfaces into a harmonious whole. The result? A futuristic coupe that looks like it was hewn from a single block of raw speed.
From the windshield to the roof to the tail, the ASPID’s glass dome envelops its passengers like a high-tech cocoon. And it’s no ordinary dome; it’s darkened from within to shield you from the sun’s wrath, yet from the outside, it radiates an uninterrupted, otherworldly sheen.
Form Meets Function
Below that belt-line of wizardry lies a structure of equal intrigue. The ASPID is a visual symphony of curves and intakes, its sleek silhouette punctuated by just the right amount of aggression. A central air intake up front replaces the AZTEC’s twin scoops, emphasizing the coupe’s streamlined focus.
At the rear, things get delightfully dramatic. The engine hood, adorned with air intakes, rises to meet a spoiler that adjusts its angle depending on speed. It’s not just a spoiler; it’s a visual mic drop. And for those wondering, the tail design even nods to the 1984 Lotus Etna, blending homage with innovation.
Inside the Dome
Inside, the ASPID plays a clever trick on its occupants. Though it shares the AZTEC’s two-seat layout, it manages to feel like two distinct cockpits stitched together under one roof. The driver and passenger sit in symmetrical zones separated by a central tunnel that melts seamlessly into the dashboard. It’s intimate yet futuristic—a space that feels as much like a spaceship as it does a sports car.
Under the Skin
Powering this bold statement is an Audi-sourced 2.2-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, good for 250 brake horsepower at a heady 6,200 rpm. Mid-mounted and paired with a full-time four-wheel-drive system, the ASPID promises handling that’s as cutting-edge as its design. A five-speed manual gearbox keeps things visceral, ensuring the driver remains part of the equation.
The Numbers Game
At 4,270 mm long and a mere 1,110 mm tall, the ASPID has the stance of a sprinter poised on the blocks. Its wide body (1,970 mm) and long wheelbase (2,600 mm) ensure stability, while the reduced height compared to the AZTEC adds a sliver of menace.
Collaborators in Brilliance
This wasn’t a solo effort. ItalDesign roped in a host of industry giants to make the ASPID a reality. Audi provided the engine and gearbox, Pirelli the tires, and TRW-Sabelt the seat belts. Even Blaupunkt had a hand in equipping the ASPID with a stereo, proving that no detail was overlooked.
A Concept That Lingers
The ASPID was never meant for mass production; it was a vision, a peek into the mind of one of the greatest designers of our time. Yet, it feels as relevant today as it did in 1988. It’s a reminder that design isn’t just about function—it’s about emotion, audacity, and a refusal to settle for the ordinary.
In the pantheon of concept cars, the ItalDesign ASPID stands tall—well, metaphorically, at least.
And there you have it: a car that’s less an object and more an idea, wrapped in glass and powered by ambition. Giugiaro didn’t just design a coupe; he designed a legacy.
For an even closer look at this visionary masterpiece, we invite you to browse through the official ASPID press kit.
