Emilia GT Veloce
Restomods based on various Porsche 911s are well known. In addition, there are offerings such as the Kimera Evo37 or the Legende Automobiles R5 Turbo 3. In recent years, more and more conversions of classic cars to electric drive are also coming onto the market, which in a certain sense can also be pushed in the direction of restomods (restorations including modernization of the drivetrain and technology). For example, Totem Automobili from Italy has made the classic Alfa Romeo Giulia GT look new with carbon fiber parts and also glide down the road electrified. For some car fans, on the other hand, it is a horror to rob a well-maintained or perfectly restored classic car of its power unit and replace it with an electric motor. True petrolheads long for the smell of gasoline and the sound of the engine. What is there in the field of classic Alfas? Coming soon there will be the Emilia GT Veloce from Hamburg.
From classic car dealer to carmaker
Emilia Auto is a classic car and sports car dealer from the Hanseatic city on the Elbe in Germany. Under the direction of company boss Dr. Ralf-Henrik Steinkühler as well as Manfred Giesecke (co-owner Emilia Auto) and Andreas Puschel (managing director VELA Performance), a special restomod is now being created. The three chose the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Veloce, often referred to simply as “the Alfa Bertone” in the vernacular, as their base vehicle. About the motivation behind the project, Dr. Steinkühler says: “We have noticed that many potential customers find classic cars fascinating, but are less tolerant than they used to be when it comes to dealing with their weaknesses. Many beautiful cars therefore disappear into collections and are rarely driven. At the same time, many miss the emotion, focus on the essentials, compact dimensions and classic design of modern sports cars.”
Drivetrain from the Giulia Quadrifoglio
The company VELA Performance was brought on board as a partner, as it has already produced various projects for car manufacturers and motorsport teams. A feasibility study proved that the small Alfa has potential for significantly more power and better performance. This means that the idea of the two Emilia Auto managing directors can now slowly be turned into reality. They are in fact dreaming of transplanting the current V6 biturbo engine from the Giulia Quadrifoglio to its legendary namesake. In other words, they want to have 375 kW/510 hp and 600 Nm of torque in the classic car, meeting a dry weight in the region of 1,250 kilograms. Next to the engine, the company also wants to adapt the eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF. Shift paddles behind the classic three-spoke steering wheel are therefore obligatory.
New carbon body parts
There is a lot going on in terms of the vehicle’s appearance, but not too much. The aim of the conversion measures is to ensure that the car can still be recognized at first glance. Nevertheless, some changes are unavoidable. For example, the hood is more curved to give the engine enough space. Above the typical shield-shaped radiator grille, this results in an additional air intake. The fender flares provide space for the newly developed chassis with independent suspension on double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear axle, each with KW components, as well as the large Brembo brake system. The wheel arches are filled out by 19-inch wheels with sports tires. A front spoiler lip and the rear spoiler integrated into the trunk lid provide more downforce. For most of the new body parts, Emilia Auto uses carbon fiber. LED headlights and taillights give the GT Veloce a new night signature.
First vehicles expected for Q2 2022
To match the exterior paint colors, customers can of course also freely configure the interior. To create the most comfortable driving experience possible for driver and co-driver, Recaro sports seats are used, mounted further back than in the base car. The rear bench seat is omitted in favor of a luggage rack. There is a choice of wood, aluminium, body color or exposed carbon finishes for the dashboard. Thanks to a modern automatic climate control system, it never gets too warm in the car, even in midsummer. The beautifully integrated multimedia system and power windows and mirrors further enhance comfort. In keeping with 2022, the year in which the first finished cars of the Emilia GT Veloce are expected, the restomod is limited to just 22 units. The base price for the extensive conversion, including restoration of the base car, is expected to be in the region of € 400,000.
Images: Emilia Auto
