A Purple Suit Turned Auto

Have you ever ever ever in your long long life heard of “De Tomaso” car manufacturing company? They’ve done well, almost went into liquidation a few years ago, and are now back in business. And you know who wants to be on their team? Designer Frederik Tjellsesen. And he’s done one heck of a job creating a concept to catch their eye. Tjellsesen’s created a four-door sports car by the name of “Ghepardo,” accenting the fabulously modern gray with a smooth, sensual purple.

This entire auto is inspired not only by the De Tomaso past line of cars, but by a fine taylor-made Italian suit as well. De Tomaso cars Pantera and Mangusta are used as inspiration for surface treatments and more.

Instead of giant air intakes supposedly indicating power, the Ghepardo boasts ecoboost technology and methanol fuel cells. Sustainable energy sources are TRUE power. Elegant surface, stands, volume, tensioned lines, and integrated spoilers creating a 0.25 Cd drag. Bottom windows installed to “increase the rear passengers perception of speed.” With a cue from the Magusta, the rear gull wings function as boot cover and rear doors.* *First time I ever saw this feature was Back to the Future 2 on television. For real.

Ghepardo is powered either by a Ford twin-turbo ecoboost 3.5 V6 engine producing 465 bgp or by four electric in-hub fuel cells producing 85 Kw each (combined creating the equivalent of 440 bhp.) Electricity is produced by a methanol fuel cell stack located beneath the 500 liter boot.

AND: Since I am a resident of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, USA, I am required to ask: His Royal Purpleness, Prince, would you call this auto your ride if it were brought to fruition?

Designer: Frederik Tjellesen