Apparently, Nissan’s much-hyped decision to create the ultimate small crossover by blending the body of the Juke with the mechanical hardware of the GT-R has found an imitator of sorts in the guise of Lazzarini Design Studio.
The unknown Italian company would like to find an investor and car enthusiast willing to spend around $550,000 (~€440,000) to fund the development of a unique Fiat 500, one that is powered by the…Ferrari 458 Italia’s running gear.
The proposed car is named Fiat 550 Italia, not only as a nod to its price, but also to the number of ponies produced by a slightly de-tuned version of the Ferrari’s 4.5-liter V8, and we quote Lazzarini Design:
“The engine it was slightly detuned from 570HP to 550HP, this cause in the simulator the exeed of torque could badly balance the car during fast shifting operations.”
The Maranello-sourced V8 would reside at the rear end of the Fiat 500 along with a modified limited-slip differential, transmission and suspension parts from the 458.
The Italian design studio says that it will stretch the Fiat 500’s wheelbase by about 300mm (~ 12 in.) to around 2,600mm (~102.4 in.) and that a wide body kit would add 300mm (12 in.) to each side at the rear end and 200mm (7.9 in.) on each side at the front.
The Fiat 500’s fuel tank would be re-positioned to the front-end of the car (that sounds perfectly thought-out and completely safe…).
Finally, Lazzarini says that it would add “two ballasts in the front and in the middle of the chassis for an approximate total weight of 2200lbs” to achieve an optimal weight distribution.
More pictures from Lazzarini Design’s fantasy flight follow below the break.
Story References: Lazzarini Design via Autoblog.nl
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