Le Mans has recently introduced the new Hypercar class, which has attracted a range of automakers to the sport of endurance racing. One such automaker is Italy’s Camal Stile, which decided to showcase its design capabilities with the TEST/1 concept car.
The TEST/1 concept car is inspired by the Fiat Turbina, a test vehicle produced by the Italian automaker in 1954. However, Camal Stile has not been confined by the rules of the Le Mans Hypercar class, which mandate the use of a hybrid powertrain limited to 670 hp (500 kW/680 PS). Instead, the automaker has opted for a jet engine that is “of aeronautical derivation.” The engine is theoretically powered by kerosene and based on the turbojet principle, with an estimated output of up to 5,000 hp (3,728 kW/5,069 PS). With a coefficient of drag of 0.20, the team predicts that the TEST/1 could achieve a top speed of 280 mph (450 km/h).
H2: The Design of the TEST/1 Concept Car
Camal Stile has embraced “sculptural lines and monolithic volumes” in the creation of this design exercise. The driver and the jet engine are enclosed in a rocket-shaped cabin. Drivers are given a broad view out of the car thanks to an exposed glass cockpit. Meanwhile, for those looking in, the glass gives a view of the chassis, designed using additive technology, and a halo at the top provides motorsports-inspired rollover protection.
H2: The Inspiration Behind the TEST/1 Concept Car
While the Fiat Turbina is an undeniably lovely car, this outside observer sees more of the turbine-powered Chaparral 2J in the TEST/1. Both share a very pointy front end, a wedge-shaped profile, and a back end that stops suddenly.
H2: The Purpose of the TEST/1 Concept Car
Camal Stile describes the TEST/1 as a “stylistic laboratory” used solely for design experimentation, allowing them to explore new ideas that may be implemented in their future car designs.
In conclusion, Camal Stile’s TEST/1 concept car is a stunning example of the automaker’s design capabilities. While inspired by the Fiat Turbina, the car has been designed without being confined by the rules of the Le Mans Hypercar class. With a jet engine that could produce up to 5,000 hp and a top speed of 280 mph, the TEST/1 is a true testament to Camal Stile’s design prowess. As a “stylistic laboratory,” the TEST/1 allows the automaker to explore new ideas that may be implemented in their future car designs.