1994 Porsche Karisma (Bertone)

How can we fail to be attracted by the unquestioned technical distinctiveness and "charism" of Porsche? Bertone wanted to cope with the difficult theme of a comfortable 4-seater saloon with rear engine. Saloons with rear engine had been widely popular for several decades, then they were supported by front wheel drive which offers undeniable advantages in luggage space. With the KARISMA, Bertone handled the project with the utmost exactitude. Though leaving the mechanical layout unchanged, Bertone succeeded in achieving a high-performance saloon with the interior spaciousness of a top-range vehicle and the outer dimensions of an average-sized car (4.5 m in total length). In addition to offering excellent access to the seats, the seagull doors give the prototype the appearance of a large-winged butterfly.

www.concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com

The Bertone-Porsche partnership was reaffirmed in the 1990's after the spider/roadster on a 911 chassis of the mid 1960's, which was presented to the public at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. 25 years and many changes in styling trends and tastes later, the Porsche 911 proved that it had stood the test of time, and at its relaunch showed more aplomb than ever. The identity and personality of the 911 were so marked that Bertone decided to avoid any comparison to the specific sports coupé in question and devoted his energies to designing a classy saloon. The project evolved with the intention of creating a design that would be feasible in terms of size and functionality. Bertone's Karisma was designed as a high performance saloon car, and its styling was characterised by deep swage lines running along the wings, a transparent roof and the large gull-wing doors incorporating the entire wings, an idea which had come about in 1967 for the Marzal prototype on Lamborghini mechanics. As a whole, the Karisma affords the onlooker a generous view of its interiors through the ample glazed surfaces, which also feature on the engine compartment. As for the interiors themselves, any unnecessary features were eliminated, enhancing the sensation of comfort and well-being. The result is a four-seater saloon with a rear-mounted engine with many futuristic functions and design features.

www.bertone.it

Едва ли не самой заметной концепцией начала 90–х стал седан “Bertone Karisma” на агрегатах... “Porsche 911”. “Поднять руку” на самое известное и популярное купе в мире — этого могли бы не простить даже патриарху. Но Бертоне, изменив машину до неузнаваемости, сумел сохранить ее дух, а главное — создать идеальный образчик биодизайна, столь же далекий от массовых “обмылков”, как “Porsche” был далек от “кафе–рейсеров”. И на сей раз никаких гениальных помощников у него не было. А то ведь как–то так вышло, что славу создания легендарных “Lamborghini” стали целиком приписывать Гандини. (С чем он, кстати, категорически не соглашался, не раз заявляя, что и концепция, и первые наброски отнюдь не его).

Владимир Матвейчук, Журнал «АВТОМОБИЛИ», 11-1997