Italian Super Cars in Video Game History
Explore the most iconic Italian dream cars featured in top video games, from Ferraris to Lamborghinis. See how gaming brought them to life.
The Iso Rivolta Vision Gran Turismo by Zagato.
The Iso Rivolta Vision Gran Turismo was a concept vehicle created by Carrozzeria Zagato as part of the Vision Gran Turismo project initiated by Polyphony Digital. The vehicle was unveiled in 2017 at the Tokyo Motor Show and represented a digital and physical homage to the Iso Rivolta marque. The project aimed to reinterpret the stylistic and mechanical ethos of 1960s Iso GT cars for virtual and prototype use in the contemporary context. The vehicle was conceived as a front-mid-engined grand tourer with rear-wheel drive. The powerplant was a Callaway-derived 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing between 552 and 559 horsepower in naturally aspirated configuration. Alternate figures, associated with a proposed twin-turbocharged version, suggested a maximum output of 997 horsepower. The engine was paired with a rear-mounted transaxle, reportedly a ten-speed automatic transmission, and configured to provide balanced weight distribution. The chassis construction was stated to utilise lightweight materials, though precise specifications remain undisclosed. The exterior design was executed under the direction of Norihiko Harada at Zagato. The bodywork incorporated the coachbuilder’s distinctive double-bubble roof profile, flared wheel arches, and deeply contoured surfaces. References to the original Iso Rivolta GT were made through proportion, volume distribution, and formal detailing. The prototype featured a low-slung front section, enclosed cockpit canopy, and an integrated rear diffuser. The car’s visual language was consistent with Zagato’s design identity, while introducing elements specific to the Vision Gran Turismo aesthetic framework. Only one physical example of the Iso Rivolta Vision Gran Turismo was constructed. No chassis number has been published. The prototype remained in the possession of Zagato and was not offered for sale. Although limited-series production was publicly suggested, no units beyond the initial prototype are confirmed to have been built or delivered. The digital version was incorporated into the Gran Turismo video game series. The IsoRivolta Vision Gran Turismo serves as a conceptual bridge between historical brand identity and contemporary design experimentation. It exemplifies the collaboration between digital simulation platforms and coachbuilders in creating speculative performance vehicles. The model remains a unique instance of virtual-to-physical design translation under the banner of a revived historic marque.
Explore the most iconic Italian dream cars featured in top video games, from Ferraris to Lamborghinis. See how gaming brought them to life.
If you mention a “double bubble” in casual conversation, most people think of chewing gum or bathtubs – but car enthusiasts will instantly picture two curious bulges atop a sleek roofline. And not just any roof: the double-bubble roof is synonymous with Zagato, the legendary Italian coachbuilder. It’s one of the most striking and enduring design cues to emerge from post-WWII automotive design. In this in-depth feature, we’ll explore how this quirky-yet-genius roof was born, why it exists (hint: it’s not just for looks), how it became Zagato’s signature, and the iconic cars (old and new) that proudly wear these twin domes. Along the way, we’ll dive into Zagato’s design philosophy and see why the “double bubble” holds a special place in car culture. Buckle up – mind your head – and let’s pop the hood on this story.
The 1910s: Aeronautics Ugo Zagato was born in Gavello, near Rovigo, on June 25, 1890. He began his coachbuilding career in 1919 when he…
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