Bertone Reveals 1,100-HP Supercar That Runs On Plastic

Dec. 21, 2022 10:47 AM ET by Jared Rosenholtz Reveal / 13 Comments

We have more questions about this new supercar than Bertone has answers.

Bertone is one of the greatest design houses of all time, having penned supercars like the Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos. To celebrate its 110th anniversary, Bertone just launched a new supercar called the GB110 (centodieci). After being teased earlier this year, the GB110 debuts with a revolutionary (but mysterious) powertrain that produces 1,100 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque.

Aside from the output, no other details about the engine were shared (including cylinder count, displacement, or aspiration). We do know the car will have some kind of revolutionary new technology that allows it to run on gasoline made from recycled plastic, thanks to a partnership with elect Fuel. It sounds cool, but we await more information, and have reached out to Bertone to ask for more details.

Despite knowing little about what powers the GB110, Bertone hasn't been tight-lipped about its claimed performance. The firm claims the car can hit 62 mph from a standstill in 2.79 seconds, 124 mph in 6.79 seconds, and 186 mph in 14 seconds, with a top speed of 236 mph. A seven-speed transmission (unclear if it's automatic or manual) sends power to all-wheel drive for maximum traction.

Bertone claims the car is fully Euro 6 compliant and has a wheelbase of 103.5 inches. At each corner, double wishbone suspension with coil springs and four-way adjustable anti-roll bars is linked to staggered 21-/22-inch wheels - shod in Michelin rubber if we're to believe one of the images. The tires measure 335/25 at the rear and 255/30 up front.

The design of the car is quite pretty, as to be expected from Bertone, but the GB110 is unlikely a ground-up design. The chassis is reportedly based on parts "from a German manufacturer," but it's unclear which one Bertone is referring to. We can only think of the Audi R8 as a possible donor, given its mid-engined proportions and resemblance to the Lamborghini Huracan. The GB110 revs to 8,400 rpm, which isn't far off the R8's 8,700 rpm redline. The power figures are completely off for the R8's V10, however.

However, we foresee a problem if that is the case, as the Audi R8 ends production at the end of 2023.

These photos are clearly just digital renderings, and while we have nothing that looks like a final interior design, several design sketches show two completely different designs altogether. Both of them feature performance displays ahead of the passenger, but neither showcases anything resembling a production-ready design.

"The GB110 is continuing Bertone's automotive legacy and is a contemporary interpretation of the Bertone DNA," says project and design manager Giovanni Sapio. "It's paying homage to pioneering Bertone designs from the 50's and 70's, merging the soft, rounded lines of the 50s with 70's style sharp edges."

Bertone only plans to build 33 units, with deliveries not slated to start until Spring 2024.

It may come from a well-known company, but we wouldn't be shocked if this supercar fails to make it to customer hands like so many other exciting projects. If the GB110 is a success, Bertone says it will be the first in a series of limited edition cars.

Automotive reboot success or failure? Time will tell.