Isotta Fraschini T8 and T12
| Isotta Fraschini T8 Coupé | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Isotta Fraschini SpA |
| Model years | 1996 |
| Assembly | Cervere, Italy |
| Designer | Tom Tjaarda |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Luxury |
| Body style | 2 door convertible 2 door coupe |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Audi 4172cc 32-valve V8 |
| Transmission | Automatic Tiptronic |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4530 mm |
| Width | 1890 mm |
| Height | 1380 mm |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | 1947-1949 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8C Monterosa |
| Successor | 1998 Isotta Fraschini T12 Coupé |
| Isotta Fraschini T12 Coupé | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Isotta Fraschini SpA |
| Model years | 1998 |
| Assembly | Cervere, Italy |
| Designer | Tom Tjaarda |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Luxury |
| Body style | 2 door convertible 2 door coupe |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | V12 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4530 mm |
| Width | 1890 mm |
| Height | 1380 mm |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | 1996 Isotta Fraschini T8 Coupé |
The Isotta Fraschini T8 and T12 are Italian concept cars revealed in 1996 and 1998 respectively as an attempt by Isotta Fraschini to resurrect their prestigious luxury automotive brand name of the early 20th century.
Attempted Resurrection of Isotta Fraschini Cars
In the 1920s, a whole generation loved and wanted an Isotta Fraschini, but only the lucky ones managed to take wheel aboard one of these legendary cars. The firm started out importing French cars to Italy in 1900, but by 1907 began making their own cars, and built quite a name for themselves. Producing some of the most extravagant autos on Earth until 1934. With the exception of an attempt to get back into cars in the late 1940s, they stayed out of the luxury auto game, and focused on trucks (until the 1960s) and marine engines. But after a pause that lasted nearly half a century, Isotta Fraschini returned to the pavement in 1996 with the T8 concept, and followed up in 1998 with the T12 concept. Sadly nothing materialized and the firm went into bankruptcy in 1999.[1] The company kept in other businesses and is currently represented by two subjects: Isotta Fraschini Milano, s.r.l. (luxury goods) and Isotta Fraschini Motori S.p.A (marine, industrial and rail traction engines).[2]
T8 Coupé
The number 8 is recurrent in the brand. Their last model was the 1947-1949 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8C Monterosa which barely reached prototype. The Isotta Fraschini T8 is an aluminum bodied 2+2 Spider, but available with a hard-top, and was first publicly seen at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show. Production would have been undertaken at an-ex military weapons plant in Southern Italy but nothing materialized. Late in 2000 the remaining hardware was sold off.
Drivetrain
The Isotta Fraschini T8 concept used Audi A8 mechanicals, including four-wheel-drive and the same 4172cc 32-valve V8 engine.
T12 Coupé
The Isotta Fraschini T12, like the T8, is an aluminium bodied, 4-wheel drive 2+2 Spider, available with a hard-top. It was first unveiled in 1998.
Drivetrain
The T12 Coupé had a V12 engine with 400 hp. at 6000rpm, vented disc brakes, and 4 wheel drive.
References
- ^ KM Systems. "ISOTTA FRASCHINI T8: Il ritorno della tradizione". Automotriz.net. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
- ^ "Isotta-Fraschini :: All 3 models - 20 photos". autoviva.com. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
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