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A New Italian Stallion

Driver and carmaker Giotto Bizzarrini's modern remake of his iconic P538 sports car could hit tracks this year

A New Italian Stallion

by Stuart Schwartzapfel

This concept is a remake of the iconic P538 sports car from the late 1960s. Famed driver, engineer, and carmaker Giotto Bizzarrini is reviving the model he once drove as a new, modern super-car. Bizzarrini, a veritable automotive legend, was a test driver for the likes of Alfa Romeo and Ferrari.

The new P538 will feature an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber body, updated with sloping headlamps. Body lines echo those of the original, but oversize wheels with visible red brake calipers add a high-tech, contemporary accent. Like the original P538, the new vehicle will be powered by a midmounted Corvette V8 engine from General Motors (GM). The vehicle is slated to go into production this year, with a goal of building 100 cars over a period of four years. The price has yet to be determined.

The Verdict: A classic—reimagined by an icon.

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. Hehas studied the automotive marketplace and works as an advertising and marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.