Bertone Unveils Retro-Inspired V6 Sports Car Featuring Classic Pop-Up Headlights
- Offered in both barchetta and targa versions with a detachable roof.
- Constructed on a specially designed Lotus-based chassis.
- Equipped with a supercharged 3.5-liter Toyota V6 engine.
- Manual transmission includes an iconic gated shifter.
More than a year after the initial reveal, Bertone’s updated Runabout is officially entering production, now available in two body styles. The original preview showcased the open-top barchetta, while the latest targa variant introduces a full windshield and removable roof panel.
This sports car pays homage to Marcello Gandini’s 1969 Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept but swaps its original Fiat foundations for a custom extruded and bonded aluminum frame from Lotus. Coupled with lightweight carbon fiber panels, the vehicle tips the scales at just 2,330 pounds (1,057 kilograms), roughly matching the weight of a Mazda Miata.
Dimensionally, the Runabout closely mirrors the Miata’s size at 157 inches (3,990 millimeters) in length but sits significantly lower at only 43.9 inches (1,116 millimeters) tall. It features a wider rear track by 3.5 inches (91 millimeters) and rides on staggered forged aluminum wheels—18-inch in front with 225/40 ZR18 tires, and 19-inch in the rear with 295/30 ZR19 tires.
Performance Backed by Toyota Power and Manual Gearbox
Following Lotus’s tradition of using Toyota engines, the Bertone Runabout is powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 mounted behind the seats. This setup delivers an impressive 475 horsepower and 361 lb-ft (490 Nm) of torque.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission featuring a classic gated shifter, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h). The suspension setup includes double-wishbones, adjustable dampers, and anti-roll bars for a dynamic driving experience.
Design Echoes a Legendary Era
The styling draws inspiration from the Fiat X1/9, itself influenced by the original A112 Runabout concept. Marcello Gandini’s signature wedge-shaped design language from the '60s and '70s shines through in both the barchetta and targa variants. While the barchetta remains the purest tribute, the targa’s carbon-fiber roof is crafted to maintain the wedge profile as seamlessly as possible.
Bertone plans to limit production to only 25 units, each priced at €390,000—approximately $462,000 before taxes and import fees. This is the company’s second contemporary model, following the GB110, which shared a platform with the Lamborghini Huracan and Audi R8.
2026 Bertone Runabout: A Revival of Classic Sports Car Spirit
In a market saturated with uninspiring vehicles, the launch of a fresh two-seater sports car like the Runabout is a breath of fresh air. This homage to the golden wedge era, complete with nostalgic pop-up headlights, is sure to capture enthusiasts’ imaginations, even if it raises questions about compliance with modern safety standards.
The Runabout successfully balances retro flair without going overboard. While its premium price tag might seem steep for the underlying components, Bertone’s exclusivity and heritage are likely to attract buyers swiftly.
