Vignale New Star Jet

Vehicle Overview

The Vignale New Star Jet, a revolutionary concept car, epitomized Vignale‘s vision for maximum speed and aerodynamic efficiency. Designed in 1963, this vehicle was showcased at the prestigious Turin Auto Salon, where it drew considerable attention for its futuristic design and advanced engineering. The New Star Jet’s most striking feature was its extremely pointed Perspex snout, a clear, sharply angled front that sliced through the air with minimal resistance. This design choice was not merely aesthetic; it was a calculated decision to enhance aerodynamic performance, reducing drag and allowing the car to achieve higher speeds. Complementing this was a lift-up canopy hood made of the same transparent material, providing the driver with a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead. This canopy opened to reveal a cockpit that tightly enveloped the driver, emphasizing the car’s focus on speed and performance. Inside, the driver would recline in a specially designed seat, further reducing the car’s overall profile and contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency. The experience of driving the New Star Jet was akin to piloting a fighter jet, with the driver peering through the transparent front section, directly at the road. The mechanical components of the New Star Jet were equally impressive. Maserati, renowned for their precision engineering, meticulously machined the suspension parts, ensuring superior handling and stability at high speeds. The rear section of the car was notably wide, accommodating a transversely mounted engine and integral transmission. This 1.5-litre engine, also developed by Maserati, was in an advanced state of development and promised to deliver remarkable performance. Vignale’s decision to exhibit the New Star Jet at the Turin Auto Salon in 1963 was a testament to his confidence in the design and engineering of the car. It was more than just a display of automotive innovation; it was a bold statement of what the future of high-speed travel could look like. The New Star Jet remains a significant piece of automotive history, showcasing the ingenuity and forward-thinking approach of Vignale and his collaborators at Maserati.