2014 Geneva Motor Show: ItalDesign Guigiaro Clipper Concept

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

GENEVA – The Clipper, the latest Geneva show car from Italy’s famed ItalDesign Guigiaro (founded by legendary penman Giorgetto Giugiaro), may look familiar to you. Maybe because it’s all-electric powertrain, “gullwing” doors and people-mover proportions subtly mimic those of the forthcoming Tesla X, a vehicle that many in the industry are playing catch-up with.

As the Volkswagen Group holds a controlling interest in ItalDesign Guigiaro, it’s no surprise the Clipper is based off the automaker’s flexible MQB Platform. Power comes from a pair of electric motors that turn all four wheels and make 149 horsepower. Its designer claims a theoretical top speed of 204 kilometres per hour and a driving range of 540 kilometres before its batteries need recharging. Don’t be surprised if an evolution of the Clipper goes into production with a VW badge on its nose within the next few years.