This Concept Resembles a Jaguar F-Type from the Brand's Electric Future | Carscoops

      The research conducted by IED in collaboration with Italdesign is adaptable for various types of powertrains including internal combustion, hybrid, or fully electric systems.

      The latest concept from IED, developed in partnership with Italdesign, is the Vision Rapida. The objective was to design an affordable and versatile sporty fastback aimed at the new generation. The design can be modified for any automaker and accommodates different powertrain options.

      Each year, the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Turin gives its Transportation Design students the unique opportunity to create a full-scale concept car in partnership with a real automotive manufacturer. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the collaborator is Italdesign, resulting in the Vision Rapida. This compact and affordable sports car features a fastback shape and a 2+2 seating configuration targeted towards younger drivers.

      Upon first glance, the Rapida resembles a design that Jaguar's current team might develop if they were to modernize the F-Type for the electric vehicle era, perhaps unintentionally borrowing elements from the Type 00 Concept.

      The design brief aimed at producing a vehicle that fits into what IED describes as the “underserved compact sports car segment,” specifically appealing to Gen Z. According to the institution, “the excitement of driving a sports car should not be a privilege out of reach for younger audiences,” which justifies the focus on accessibility and affordability rather than sheer power or luxury.

      The Vision Rapida features traditional proportions with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The headlights are sharply designed, and the bumper has a sculpted appearance that conveys a robust stance. At the rear, the clean and functional fastback design includes an integrated spoiler for added visual interest. While IED indicates that the styling draws from “icons of the past,” the overall look is distinctly modern and does not overly rely on nostalgic elements.

      IED states that the concept does not adhere to any specific automaker's design language, allowing it to be “adopted and adapted by any automotive brand.” This aligns with the tradition of independent design firms like Italdesign, which have catered to numerous clients historically. Additionally, the Rapida can accommodate various powertrains, including ICE, hybrid, and fully electric options.

      Currently, there are no official images or renderings of the interior, but IED describes the cabin as designed to reflect "sportiness and simplicity" within a 2+2 seating arrangement. The concept features embracing seats, tactile materials, and subtle design elements inspired by streetwear, providing an interesting mix that resonates with Gen Z—a generation adept at blending diverse cultural references.

      The dimensions of the concept are 4,510 mm (177.6 inches) in length, 1,860 mm (73.2 inches) in width, and 1,280 mm (50.4 inches) in height, with a wheelbase measuring 2,800 mm (110.2 inches). This makes it longer than both the Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z, yet still more compact than the Nissan R34 GT-R.

      Dario Lauriola, an exterior designer at Italdesign, discussed how the students aimed to create a car that mirrors their generation's values and dreams. “With Rapida,” he stated, “they sought to address the absence of small sports cars that provided enjoyable and affordable driving experiences for youth in the 1990s.”

      Italdesign Business Development Officer Andrea Porta noted: “Rapida embodies the essence of JDM, invoking the cars and cultural elements cherished by Generation Z. Just like manga, video games, movies, and TV shows that help today’s youth connect with their identity and bridge different origins and generations, Rapida is poised to bring together parents and children through a shared passion for automobiles.”

      The development of the Vision Rapida took place during the 2023-2024 academic year, with students collaborating for six months alongside their professors and mentors from Italdesign. Following the design phase, a full-scale static prototype was constructed in Italy by Italdesign and Scuderia Torino, with contributions from technical sponsors Pirelli, OZ Racing, and Lechler.

      IED previously showcased its concepts at the Geneva Motor Show, but with the event no longer taking place, it is transitioning its approach. The Rapida will debut publicly at Fuorisalone in Milan from April 7–13, then move to the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin, where it will be displayed from April 15 to May 4.