Coupetorino: Mercedes SL Italiano

Motoring Channel Staff - 16/December/2008

Turin, Italy – The same mob that created the Porsche Boxster-based RK Spyder and Maserati Quattroporte-based Cinqueporte has come up with a new model, the Coupetorino.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster, the new model is not yet built but the company has created a 1:4-scale model (pictured) with a view towards building the vehicle in limited numbers for interested customers.

The Coupetorino takes the SL Roadster and applies all-new body work which transforms it from a folding-roof convertible to a sports coupe with a fixed roof.

As the images show, the vehicle still retains Mercedes-Benz influences seen in the headlights and brakelights, but the overall shape is vastly different.

The roofline which slopes gently down past the rear pillars gives the car a fast-back look and the Ferrari comparisons are easy make.

The Italian design group has also changed the front grille and though it's not a complete success in design terms (consensus is that the headlights should have been changed as it creates a conflicted identity), it does provoke conversation.

Deep dish rear wheels look good and the sculpted rear apron and centrally mounted exhaust pipes are also positives.

Studiotorino is an Italian-based design studio that takes current cars, such as the Maserati Quattroporte, and transforms them so that they shift into completely new market segments.

This model, the Coupetorino, was designed initially to be entered into the 2008 World Design Capital competition which tasks entrants with reworking a vehicle currently on the market while keeping its essence.

The end result is a German car with very Italian sensibilities and there's even a bit of muscle car toughness about it too.

Originally designed for the competitive purposes, Studiotorino is believed to have shown the concept to Mercedes officials to gauge the German company's interest.