The car was built to showcase Icona’s talents as well as preview some new automotive technologies, particularly those concerning its powertrain.
The Vulcano actually features two possible powertrain configurations, one of which consists of a front-mounted V-12 paired with an electric system and developing a peak output of 950 horsepower. The other is V-6-based and develops slightly less power.
Responsible for the powertrains was Italian engineer Claudio Lombardi, a successful motorsport engineer who oversaw many of Lancia’s World Rally Championship victories during the 1980s and Ferrari’s Formula One powertrain development during the 1990s. More recently he’s been developing new electrified powertrain concepts.
The two powertrain designs announced for the Vulcano include an H-Turismo street setup and H-Competizione racing version.
The street version is strictly rear-wheel-drive and uses an electric motor to synchronize its single-clutch automated gearbox for faster and smoother shifts. This is the version with the 950-horsepower output, which Icona says is enough for a 0-62 mph time of less than 2.0 seconds.
The racing version is tuned to deliver 870 horsepower and actually combines a turbocharged V-6 engine with two electric motors in a through-the-road hybrid setup. The V-6 powers the rear wheels while the two electric motors spin the front pair. The sophisticated drivetrain was recently fitted to an old Lancia 037 rally car and is said to have delivered some strong results, including a 0-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds.
Top speed for both versions is an estimated 217 mph.
Also on hand to present the Vulcano and its technology in Shanghai was the car’s designer, Samuel Chuffart. The French designer has completed stints at Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Stile Bertone and has been responsible for many of Icona’s recent projects including the latest Vulcano and previous Fuselage concept from 2011’s Shanghai show.
Specific elements of the concept include forged aluminum wheels measuring 20 inches up front and 21 inches in the rear, and wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires. The concept also wears carbon ceramic brakes clamped down by six-piston Brembo calipers.
No word yet if Icona is planning a limited production run for the Vulcano, but we're still hoping someone with deep enough pockets commissions one.
For more from the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, be sure to check visit our dedicated show hub.
