Icona Fuselage

The Icona Fuselage is an electric concept vehicle introduced at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. Developed by Icona Design Group, a firm established through cooperation between Italian and Chinese interests, the Fuselage was conceived as a demonstration of advanced electric propulsion systems integrated within a framework of contemporary Italian automotive design. The vehicle’s development involved collaboration with Cecomp and Tecnocad Progetti, organizations based in Italy with established credentials in prototyping and engineering. Configured as a four-seat luxury sedan, the Fuselage is characterized by its aerodynamic profile and a drag coefficient of 0.26. The exterior form is defined by a smooth, uninterrupted surface treatment and a single, large gull-wing door that permits entry and exit from both sides without the need for a central B-pillar. Dimensions include an overall length of 4,737 millimetres, a width of 1,749 millimetres, and a height of 1,307 millimetres, with a wheelbase of 2,870 millimetres. The interior is arranged to evoke elements of aerospace design, employing a floating dashboard and central console intended to suggest the ergonomics of an aircraft cockpit. Instrumentation is digital and driver-centric, with supplemental systems including rear-view cameras replacing conventional mirrors. Seating is fixed in a 2+2 configuration, with attention paid to spatial efficiency and passenger legroom. Propulsion is provided by four electric motors located within the sub-axles, delivering a combined output of 100 kilowatts. The vehicle accelerates from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.5 seconds and attains a top speed of 200 kilometres per hour. Energy is stored in a 15 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack placed within the vehicle’s central tunnel, enabling a range of approximately 220 kilometres under standard conditions. The system includes an Energy Management Unit and regenerative braking, supplemented by solar energy collection via integrated photovoltaic panels. A variant equipped with a range-extending internal combustion unit was also proposed. This version operates the engine at constant low speed to recharge the battery, increasing total range to approximately 940 kilometres while adding 65 kilograms to the overall weight and marginally reducing acceleration performance.