Bertone has unveiled a modern reincarnation of the 1969 Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept, a car that laid the groundwork for the Fiat X1/9 and the Lancia Stratos. This time around, though, the Runabout isn’t a quirky city car concept; it’s a full-fledged supercar with a snarling V6 under its hood. Set for a limited production run, this new Runabout marks the debut of an exclusive line of Bertone models aimed at enthusiasts who want their style with a side of raw performance. Staying true to the original, the updated Runabout flaunts that distinctive wedge profile, defined by the L-shaped line extending from the roll bar and the horizontal split across the bodywork. Up front, the wide-set fenders rise from the flat, vented hood, while a pair of pop-up headlights add a nostalgic but functional nod to its street-legal status. In the back, Pure eye candy—round LED taillights, a sculpted diffuser, and a quartet of perfectly placed exhaust pipes that scream Italian flair even before you’ve turned the key.
Buyers will get to choose between two configurations: the more daring, windscreen-free Barchetta or the Targa variant with a removable hardtop for a bit more civility. Inside, the two-seater cockpit sticks to a minimalist ethos, with red and black upholstery offset by cool aluminum accents—a stylish nod to performance-focused design without overindulgence in high-tech clutter.
Bertone has kept mum on the chassis
specifics, though they’ve hinted at a lightweight construction and confirmed
the decision to go with a mid-mounted, non-electrified V6. That engine packs a
robust 493 hp, which is a massively welcome upgrade from the
humble 1.1-liter four-cylinder that powered the original concept, which managed
just 54 hp. This modern Runabout, in other words, is all grown up, but it’s
lost none of its wild spirit.
Lead designer Andrea Mocellin explained
the approach: “The challenge was maintaining the spirit and purity of the
original 1969 model while integrating modern high-performance technology. The
new Bertone Runabout is a perfect blend of design heritage and modern
performance, created for those who celebrate the good life and the pleasure of
driving.”
The Bertone Runabout is expected to enter
production in mid-2026, with prices starting at a steep € 350,000 (US$ 378,000). In true Italian fashion, Bertone
has emphasized exclusivity, noting that the car will be “crafted in a select
series” for a discerning clientele. The target market? “Collectors and
connoisseurs who appreciate groundbreaking style and exceptional performance,”
the company says—no doubt aiming for the elite who’d rather stand out in style
than get lost in the ever-growing supercar crowd. Interestingly, Bertone says
that the reincarnation of the Runabout is the first among a new series of
models that will mix retro aesthetics with contemporary engineering, paying
homage to the design house’s golden era. If the Runabout is anything to go by,
we’re in for something special. Safe to say, we can’t wait to see what else
they have in store.
