A Chinese Supercar Emerges | Icona

Icona Vulcano | Icona Vulcano

China's Supercar Icona Vulcano Arrives

A high-quality supercar has emerged from China. What is its background?Shanghai Motor ShowA report from Motohiro Yamazaki, who attended.

Text by YAMAZAKI Motohiro

Beyond Imagination

Even before the opening of Auto Shanghai, news had spread worldwide that a new supersports brand was being born in China. This was ICONA, headquartered in Shanghai, and the company had previously released teaser photos showing parts of the exterior design.

What kind of new supersports manufacturer is Icona? And what kind of appealing model is their first creation?

At this stage, it is still a concept car, but it was a model that demonstrated superb finishing and engineering, far beyond imagination. To express my first impression at Auto Shanghai frankly, these words would be most appropriate.

Vulcano: Its Origins

Why was a new force from a Chinese brand able to present such a model? The answer to this question becomes clear in an instant when you learn the names of the people and companies who have gathered under the banner of Icona, this new emerging power.

The Icona supersports, named VULCANO after a volcanic island in Sicily, Italy, was designed by French designer Samuel Chuffart, who previously demonstrated his skill in designing various new cars at design studios for Nissan and Land Rover.

Based on that dynamic and innovative design, the realization in three dimensions was brought to life by CECOMP of Italy, which has extensive experience in producing prototypes for car manufacturers, including the limited-production open-top version of the Ferrari Superamerica based on the '575M Maranello' and the BMW 'Coupe Zagato' Coupe Zagato', among others.

The Vulcano's body is scheduled to be completed with the support of TECNOCAD of Italy, which also has over 25 years of experience in automotive production technology and, more recently, contributed to the production technology of the Alfa Romeo '8C' series.8C' series.

The chief engineer is also a big name.

Claudio Lombardi, who conquered WRC with the '037' and 'Delta S4' during his time at Lancia and later proved his engineering prowess worldwide, primarily in motorsport fields, for Ferrari and Aprilia, oversees Icona's engineering.

He currently leads his own engineering office, AIPA, in Italy, and AIPA will also provide full support for the Vulcano's development and Icona's activities.

Knowing these circumstances, everyone would likely think: although the Vulcano is the creation of a new force born in China, it is nonetheless an Italian supersports.

950ps Hybrid Powertrain

There are two variations prepared for the Vulcano, called 'H-TURISMO V12' and 'H-COMPETIZIONE'.

The names 'Turismo' and 'Competizione' also give an impression of pure Italy.

The difference between the two models lies in their power units. The former combines a 5,998cc V12 engine with an electric motor on the rear axle, while the latter pairs a 3,800cc V6 twin-turbo engine with electric motors on both the front and rear axles.

The notable maximum output is 950ps for the H-TURISMO, totaling 790ps from the V12 engine and 160ps from the electric motor. Meanwhile, the H-COMPETIZIONE has a total of 870ps, with 550ps from the V6 twin-turbo engine and 160ps from each of the two electric motors.

According to Icona, by adopting lightweight materials such as CFRP, the Vulcano's curb weight is 1,595kg for the H-TURISMO and 1,635kg for the H-COMPETIZIONE.

The top speed for both models is stated to be 350km/h, with 0-100km/h acceleration achieved in 3 seconds for the H-TURISMO and 2.9 seconds for the H-COMPETIZIONE, in combination with a 6-speed gearbox.

Incidentally, the Vulcano is capable of zero-emission driving using only electric motors. It can be said to be a model with an ideal system as a supersports car living in the modern era.

The tires, selected in sizes 285/30R20 for the front and 355/25R21 for the rear, are supplied by Pirelli. The brake system, employing carbon-ceramic discs, is from Brembo.

Icona will proceed with the final development of the Vulcano towards the official announcement of the production model. Its debut cannot come soon enough.