Automotive

Icona's magma-laden Vulcano hybrid sets Shanghai on fire

Icona's magma-laden Vulcano hybrid sets Shanghai on fire
One of only five Vulcanos will be made available ... flames not included
One of only five Vulcanos will be made available ... flames not included
View 27 Images
Claudio Lombardi with his team from Italtecnica designed the powertrain while Actua designed the hybrid system
1/27
Claudio Lombardi with his team from Italtecnica designed the powertrain while Actua designed the hybrid system
The car is built by Cecomp, one of the founding partners of Icona based in Torino, Italy, but designed by Icona in Shanghai
2/27
The car is built by Cecomp, one of the founding partners of Icona based in Torino, Italy, but designed by Icona in Shanghai
A four wheel drive alternative is expected with a twin-turbo V6 engine coupled with two electric motors for front traction, delivering 870 HP all in
3/27
A four wheel drive alternative is expected with a twin-turbo V6 engine coupled with two electric motors for front traction, delivering 870 HP all in
Vulcano is hybrid, runs a forward located V12, developing 950 horsepower in partner with an electric motor system
4/27
Vulcano is hybrid, runs a forward located V12, developing 950 horsepower in partner with an electric motor system
Engine heat evacuation is managed towards the sides, avoiding the negative aerodynamic impact of hot air
5/27
Engine heat evacuation is managed towards the sides, avoiding the negative aerodynamic impact of hot air
The Vulcano's top speed is reported at 350 km/h (217 mph), with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 2.9 seconds and a 0-200 km/h (124 mph) time under ten seconds
6/27
The Vulcano's top speed is reported at 350 km/h (217 mph), with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 2.9 seconds and a 0-200 km/h (124 mph) time under ten seconds
One of only five Vulcanos will be made available ... flames not included
7/27
One of only five Vulcanos will be made available ... flames not included
Fluid, sensual lines taper down the narrowing roofline to an integrated rear spoiler
8/27
Fluid, sensual lines taper down the narrowing roofline to an integrated rear spoiler
Samuel Chuffart, Icona's Director of Design, oversaw the Vulcano's design
9/27
Samuel Chuffart, Icona's Director of Design, oversaw the Vulcano's design
Rear wing mounted under the car helps with downforce while Integrated wings in the lower area of the wheel arches help manage air flow and air turbulence
10/27
Rear wing mounted under the car helps with downforce while Integrated wings in the lower area of the wheel arches help manage air flow and air turbulence
The powertrain of the Vulcano is the work of Claudio Lombardi, former Powertrain Technical Director at Ferrari
11/27
The powertrain of the Vulcano is the work of Claudio Lombardi, former Powertrain Technical Director at Ferrari
Open haunch venting assists with removing excess heat from the V12's engine bay
12/27
Open haunch venting assists with removing excess heat from the V12's engine bay
Vulcano wheels of forged aluminium, 20 x 10” front with 21 x 12.5” in the rear run on Pirelli P Zero high performance tires
13/27
Vulcano wheels of forged aluminium, 20 x 10” front with 21 x 12.5” in the rear run on Pirelli P Zero high performance tires
Sensual, curvaceous, aggressive lines are evocative of Ferrari's 599
14/27
Sensual, curvaceous, aggressive lines are evocative of Ferrari's 599
Various inputs and information display in a radial fashion around the center gauge in a very video-game like configuration
15/27
Various inputs and information display in a radial fashion around the center gauge in a very video-game like configuration
Vulcano measures out at 4.5 meters (14.7 ft) long and 1.9 meters (6.23 ft) wide with a wheelbase of 2.67 meters (8.76 ft)
16/27
Vulcano measures out at 4.5 meters (14.7 ft) long and 1.9 meters (6.23 ft) wide with a wheelbase of 2.67 meters (8.76 ft)
Hood scoop reminiscent of a Ferrari 575 is evident up front
17/27
Hood scoop reminiscent of a Ferrari 575 is evident up front
Vulcano's scale clay model
18/27
Vulcano's scale clay model
Icona Vulcano's GTR braking system, supplied by Brembo, uses 380 mm carbon ceramic discs and 6 piston calipers
19/27
Icona Vulcano's GTR braking system, supplied by Brembo, uses 380 mm carbon ceramic discs and 6 piston calipers
Can feel the heat emanating off every corner of the Vulcano
20/27
Can feel the heat emanating off every corner of the Vulcano
Tapered rear light treatment has trident like design
21/27
Tapered rear light treatment has trident like design
Digital display up the the console displays entertainment, temperature, GPS info and what engine power is available
22/27
Digital display up the the console displays entertainment, temperature, GPS info and what engine power is available
Starfighter guage configuration is as impressive as the rest of the Vulcano
23/27
Starfighter guage configuration is as impressive as the rest of the Vulcano
Lead Designer, Samuel Chuffart
24/27
Lead Designer, Samuel Chuffart
Lead Designer, Samuel Chuffart working on the clay model
25/27
Lead Designer, Samuel Chuffart working on the clay model
Vulcano clay model receiving skin
26/27
Vulcano clay model receiving skin
Leather sport racing seats are standard fare of course
27/27
Leather sport racing seats are standard fare of course
View gallery - 27 images

After weeks of teasing by boutique Chinese/Italian auto designer Icona, the high performance, hyper-red Vulcano hybrid has finally been unveiled (in front of a snack bar) at the Shanghai Auto Show. Based on initial images and performance specs, the one-off GT seems to live up to its magma-inspired moniker.

Sporting a hybrid configuration similar to Ferrari's LaFerrari and Porsche's fantastical 918 Spyder hybrid, the rear-wheel drive Vulcano H-Turismo uses a front-mounted V12 as its primary motivational force, with electric motors as subsidiary add-ons. The electric motor synchronizes the single clutch for fast gear changes and helps balance out torque for smoother acceleration. Together the two deliver a total power to the rear wheels of 950 horsepower. This translates into a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph), a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 3.1 seconds and a 0-200 km/h (124 mph) time of 9.2 seconds.

Fluid, sensual lines taper down the narrowing roofline to an integrated rear spoiler
Fluid, sensual lines taper down the narrowing roofline to an integrated rear spoiler

Despite the car being described as a "one-off,' Icona has also outlined a an alternate powertrain option. The H-Competizione variant employs an electric all-wheel-drive configuration coupled to a twin turbo V6 creating 550 hp. The company says both options will deliver a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) but the H-Competizione, using electric motors up front, beats the H-Turismo to 100 km/h (2.9 seconds) and 200 km/h (8.9 seconds). When both systems are at full drivers get to enjoy 870 horses in all.

In full electric mode the Vulcano has a range of 20 kilometers (12 miles), depending on power consumption. The H-Competizione version can make 30 kilometers (18 miles) in full electric mode before needing a plug-in.

Designed by Samuel Chuffart, the Vulcano's appearance exhibits old-world Italian GT influences. Aggressive, sinuous lines flow from flank to flank and tip to tail. One of my favorite design tricks, dropping the body and cockpit between rising haunches has been played out nicely and the taper towards the rear spoiler gives it a LeMans endurance-racer feel. But one of the Vulcano's coolest design tricks has to be its reversed, double rotation axis doors that open vertically towards the rear. Upon opening, the doors slide outward to clear the fenders, then pivot up and back from a point just behind the passenger's heads.

To keep weight to a minimum Vulcano's chassis uses an aluminum extrusion setup. Engine and gearbox, coupled to the rear axle are mounted in the traditional style to optimize forward/back balance weight split. Suspension is double triangle front and rear with coiled springs all around.

Aside from being stunning, the Vulcano design features some very functional elements. To get heat out of the V12 laden engine bay, rear facing vents atop the front fenders assist with cooling. The front grille features aerodynamic blades to encourage downforce while a rear wing mounted under the car also helps keep the wheels on the tarmac. Integrated wings in the lower area of the wheel arches also help control air flow and reduce turbulence. The body, made entirely from carbon fiber, works to keep Vulcano's weight down to 1595 kg (3,516 lbs) for the H-Turismo and 1635 kg (3,604 lbs) for the H-Competizione.

The Vulcano interior also offers something exclusive. Carbon fiber plays a significant role in the cockpit, looking cool next to black alcantra inserts while keeping weight to a minimum. The fully adjustable leather race seats with 5-point seatbelts are aesthetically stunning and the entire cockpit screams of sumptuous Italian future-tech design. Oversized paddle shifters mounted on aluminum stalks nicely frame the 3D-like gauge cluster. and similar to a Viper or Jaguar e-type, there's room behind the seats for storing Italian breads and snowboards.

Vulcano wheels of forged aluminium, 20 x 10” front with 21 x 12.5” in the rear run on Pirelli P Zero high performance tires
Vulcano wheels of forged aluminium, 20 x 10” front with 21 x 12.5” in the rear run on Pirelli P Zero high performance tires

There's no analog here. The gauge cluster looks to be borrowed from Tron, but with red overtones. Speed, brake horsepower, rpms, gear selection and mileage information is displayed in a radial fashion around the center gauge in a very video game-like configuration. To the right, nestled into the angled console is another digital display providing critical battery charge status, radio, temp settings, GPS information and details on which system is in use and what power is available.

Vulcano's rims are T6-6061 aerospace grade forged aluminum with dimensions of 20 x 10" up front and 21 x 12.5" in the rear. The Pirelli P Zero ultra high performance tires have a 355 mm (13.97 in.) footprint out back and 285mm (11.22 in) up the front and were developed using a new high-grip compound.

The Vulcano braking system is of course Brembo. The GT-R brakes use 6 piston calipers per wheel to squeeze the life out of 380mm (14.96 in) carbon ceramic discs.

The car was built by Cecomp, based in Torino, Italy.

Source: Icona

AUTO SHANGHAI 2013: OFFICIAL ICONA VULCANO

View gallery - 27 images
4 comments
4 comments
Clay Jones
Another fabulous car I'll never own. This is why I don't even look at Ferraris. What's the point?
Daishi
@Clay
This is part of the reason I am into motorcycles. Bikes aren't as sexy but the 0-200 km/h time listed for the S1000RR is about 6.9 sec vs the Vulcano at 8.9.
Not that speed is the main goal behind something like the Vulcano though. I am pretty sure the purpose of that car is to have panties thrown at it.
Bandarilla
rear ~! super sexy. good looking.. front end... reminds me Lexus LFA... nicely done BTW.
Glen Jacobsen
But one of the Vulcano’s coolest design tricks has to be its reversed, double rotation axis doors that open vertically towards the rear. Upon opening, the doors slide outward to clear the fenders, then pivot up and back from a point just behind the passenger’s heads.
And not ONE photo of these trick doors in action......