Rome: Italian design house Bertone has stunned the automotive world with the unveiling of its new Runabout supercar — a machine that looks less like a conventional road car and more like a luxury speedboat built for land. Inspired by marine design, the ultra-exclusive vehicle features a floating compass on the dashboard and deliberately avoids modern digital screens, embracing a pure, driver-focused philosophy.
Only 25 units of the Runabout will be produced worldwide, instantly placing it among the rarest collector supercars.
A Design Inspired by the Sea
The Runabout’s dramatic styling is the work of Andrea Mocellin, a designer with experience at Ferrari and Maserati. The car sits extremely low at the front, with a distinctive rear roll-hoop and sculpted bodywork that echoes the sleek lines of a racing boat.
Bertone says the design pays tribute to the 1969 Autobianchi Runabout concept, reimagined with modern engineering. Classic touches such as pop-up headlights and a mesh-style rear engine cover reinforce its retro character, while the floating compass on the dashboard adds a nautical signature rarely seen in automobiles.
Racing Performance Beneath the Art
Despite its boat-like aesthetics, the Runabout delivers serious performance. It is powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter Toyota V6 engine producing 468 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox — a deliberate choice aimed at purists.
The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 273 km/h, placing it firmly in modern supercar territory.
Lightweight and Driver-Centric
Extensive use of aluminum keeps the vehicle exceptionally light, contributing to sharp handling and agility. Buyers can choose between two body styles: a fully open Barchetta version or a removable-roof Targa variant.
Inside, the Runabout rejects the touchscreen-heavy trend dominating contemporary vehicles. The cabin is intentionally minimal, with no large digital displays or cluttered controls. Low-set seats and aluminum trim create a classic cockpit atmosphere designed to keep the driver fully focused on the road.
Bertone positions the Runabout as a machine for enthusiasts who value mechanical connection over digital distraction — a rare philosophy in an era of screen-saturated cars.
At an estimated price of around ₹4 crore, the Runabout is less about practicality and more about emotion: a rolling piece of automotive art that merges nostalgia, craftsmanship, and raw driving pleasure.
