Alfa Romeo Vola

The Alfa Romeo Vola, a concept car designed by Leonardo Fioravanti in 2000, was unveiled at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to sports car design. One of its most innovative features is the rotating glass roof, a remarkable concept that set the Vola apart. The roof’s design allowed it to rotate and rest on top of the trunk lid, providing both an open-air experience and unhindered trunk access. The hinges of the deck lid were concentric with the roof’s rotation, ensuring that the trunk could still be opened while the roof was in place. Originally presented in black with a red interior, the Vola returned to the 2005 Geneva Motor Show with a striking red paint job and brown upholstery. The rotating roof concept was later incorporated into the Ferrari Superamerica, another car designed by Fioravanti, and patented as the Revocromico roof in 2005. In 2008, the rear buttresses of the Vola were redesigned, taking inspiration from the Superamerica’s features. Fioravanti’s approach to the removable roof mechanism presented a solution that was both practical and simple, offering the benefits of weight reduction and increased trunk space. The rotating roof mechanism, supported by a carbon fibre frame, utilized transparent plastic to provide sun protection while maintaining rear visibility. Whether open or closed, the roof’s design ensured minimal impact on the car’s balance and barycenter. Aesthetically, the Vola showcased the distinctive Alfa Romeo style, with “Alfa trilobation” elements prominently featured in the design. The headlights were a unique feature, with elongated, thin fog lamps that also functioned as indicator and emergency lights. Daytime running lights, high beams, and night lights were incorporated into a single transparent element, which also served as an air vent for the engine and a housing for rearview cameras. The rear lights, which emerged from the rotating roof, maintained the high, thin, and separate design typical of Alfa Romeo’s aesthetic. Inside, the Vola embraced a minimalist approach, with a focus on symmetry and the reduction of components. The cabin featured two identical “canoes,” one for the driver and one for the passenger, each housing their respective seats, controls, and other components. The door panels were designed with a unique armrest that also functioned as a support and opening handle, and the interior displayed a harmonious layout with highly three-dimensional instruments and a rearview display. The steering wheel, inspired by F1 designs, featured carbon fibre construction with leather accents and integrated gear shifts. The central console included a multifunctional display that controlled various systems such as GPS, climate control, and the roof mechanism, offering the driver a seamless and futuristic driving experience. The Alfa Romeo Vola is a stunning example of Fioravanti’s innovative design thinking, blending form and function in a way that pushed the boundaries of sports car design while remaining faithful to Alfa Romeo’s distinctive style.