The Thalìa concept for a hydrogen powered four seater sports car offering the rear occupants an unusual raised seating position, unveiled at Geneva by Fioravanti, was the designer’s vision of a cleaner future for the automobile, combining performance with the pleasure of driving and travelling.
“Reconciling an awareness for the environment with the widely differing needs of motorised mobility”, begins Leonardo Fioravanti, “is an issue that Fioravanti has addressed since its inception in 1987, and one that has led to the creation of over 30 patented solutions.
In 1994, when hybrid technology seemed destined only for small work vehicles, we interpreted it in a sports key with the Sensiva. In 1996, we focused on the rationalised, efficient use of materials with the Nyce, while the Flair was a significant study in aerodynamics. The theme of recyclable materials was the basis of the Tris presented in 2000, whereas research into lightness gave rise to the Kite project in 2004.”
“In developing the Thalìa”, he continues, “after opting for hydrogen power, the most important aspect we had to face was the fact that no fuel source today yields the same amount of power as petrol. As a result, the fuel tank had to be larger than in a conventional car in order to ensure sufficient range. We therefore had to develop the architecture of the car in this direction without, however, compromising on board space and driving pleasure.”…
The article continues in Auto & Design no. 164
