Bertone Zabrus: Breaking Boundaries with Citroën Power - AllCarIndex

Bertone Zabrus: Breaking Boundaries with Citroën Power

Oct 14, 2024

At the 1986 Turin Motor Show, Bertone unleashed a concept car that caught the attention of car enthusiasts and designers alike: the Citroën Zabrus. Based on the mechanicals of the Citroën BX-4TC, this concept marked a bold departure from conventional automotive design, pushing the boundaries of what a grand touring (GT) coupé could be. Bertone, already responsible for the wildly successful Citroën BX, returned to the drawing board with greater freedom of expression to create the Zabrus—a car that blended performance, comfort, and exclusivity.

The Zabrus’ striking design accommodates four passengers without sacrificing comfort or versatility, yet its true power lies beneath the hood. Powered by a 2141cc Citroën BX 4TC turbocharged engine, this coupé delivers an impressive 200 hp at 5250 rpm and 294 Nm of torque at 2750 rpm, promising supreme performance without compromising on comfort.

What sets the Zabrus apart is not only its technical prowess but its dramatic design. Bertone ensured the coupé stood out from the crowd, creating a shape that symbolized high performance and exclusivity. Measuring 4300 mm in length, 1880 mm in width, and 1370 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2610 mm, the Zabrus' wide, low stance conveyed power even at a standstill.

Much like the beetle it's named after, the Zabrus concept embodies long-distance capability and powerful presence—fitting for a car built to traverse the boundaries of traditional automotive design.

With the Zabrus, Bertone delivered not only a G.T. coupé but a statement: high-performance engineering needn’t come wrapped in a standardized, anonymous package. For those who wanted more than just speed, the Zabrus offered style, individuality, and a thrilling driving experience.