Following last year’s success, I.DE.A Institute returned to Geneva for the 80th International Motor Show to present a 4-seater saloon concept designed to be powered by a hybrid engine. This concept car is symbolic of I.DE.A Institute’s continued drive to renew the company, which began in 2007. The styling by the new Design Center and the workmanship of the model makers and show car builders have together created this new “all-Italian” model, named “Sofia”.
The sedan’s lines and shape reflect how the car is related to its forerunner, ERA, presented in Geneva last year. The Sofia, according to I.DE.A, was inspired by the female form and its flanks, stance and elegance, by a glamorous red dress.The sculpted lines also emphasise the front and rear wings with the bird’s eye view showing off the car’s hourglass figure.
This latest concept car from I.DE.A is Italian to the core: its shape, look, elegance and name are instantly recognisable as being synonymous with Italian styling. It fails, however, to really push the boundaries of design.
The mechanical layout is designed for an 8-cylinder engine with front or rear-wheel drive.
A hybrid configuration with an endothermic engine combined with an electrical alternator/actuator is also possible.
About I.DE.A Institute
Founded in 1978 by the entrepreneur Franco Mantegazza, I.DE.A Institute rapidly grew into a company which could supply a whole range of services to the automotive as well as to other industries. With its modern headquarters in Turin, the company has expanded into global markets to respond to the needs of its customers and now has branches in Europe, Asia and South America.
Since 2000, I.DE.A Institute has been part of the Swiss multinational Rieter Group with a 2009 sales figure of 1.95 billion Swiss Francs.
I.DE.A Institute was created with the aim of providing a technological partnership to car
manufacturers and never to impose its own signature on the cars it designed. I.DE.A Institute’s true trademark is the innovative spirit that it has embodied in its approach to design and engineering for over thirty years. It is this spirit that, at some point in their professional careers, attracted figures of the calibre of Renzo Piano, Walter de’ Silva and Ercole Spada.
Over the years, I.DE.A Institute has contributed to the design of many cars for the world’s major carmakers as well as working with manufacturers in other fields such as motorcycle industry, household appliances and furniture.The Fiat VSS (sub-system vehicle), Fiat Tipo, Nissan Terrano II and Daihatsu Move are just a few of the many vehicles that have been designed by I.DE.A Institute.
