2003 Bertone Birusa - AllCarIndex

The Bertone Birusa is a concept car that reinterprets a theme which is part of the company's genetic code: the most elegant, dynamic embodiment possible of the Italian sports car, an exclusive object and the source of supremely enjoyable driving. These are important features, acknowledged in the car's ironic name, derived from the adjective "biross" (pronounced "birłss") which in Piedmontese dialect describes a brilliant, extremely resourceful person. Like all Bertone's recent concept cars, the Birusa incorporates innovative features and technologies, which Bertone has developed with companies that are all leaders in their respective fields, and have succeeded in rendering the ideas and concepts developed by Bertone both credible and sustainable. These features include: voice controls (Loquendo) to open the doors and the double sunroof (developed with Inalfa) made of heat-resistant glass (Socar ICS) laminated with PVB film (Solutia), a Stereo system with Dolby Surround effect (Bose), semiadaptive headlights and an infrared night-time vision system (Valeo), and a Segway (HT) stored in the boot.
The Bertone Birusa gives us an idea how a typical interpretation of the high performance GT car (front engine, rear drive, two seats) could evolve stylistically in the near future:. In structural terms, the Bertone Birusa borrows the aluminium chassis and engineering of the BMW Z8, with a 400 bhp V8 engine and 6-speed manual gearbox. This design choice is also reflected in the interpretation of certain design details that are typical of the BMW brand identity.

Technical data

Length: 4400 mm
Width: 1900 mm
Wheelbase: 2850 mm
Chassis: derived from the BMW Z8, with the wheelbase extended 300 mm, and the rear of the floorpan modified to house the Segway
Engine: V8, 4941 cc
Power output: 400 bhp-294 kW at 6600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed mechanical
Wheels: 20 x 9 alloys designed by Bertone
Tyres: Michelin, front 255/35 R20, rear 275/35 R20

source: Bertone