Bertone’s modern version of the Runabout has come a long way in just over a year. Now ready for production, this sports car comes in two different body styles. While the initial preview focused on the barchetta version without a roof, we can now see the targa model, which adds a proper front windshield and a removable roof.
Designed as a tribute to the Autobianchi A112 Runabout 1969 concept by the late Marcello Gandini, this revival version strays from Fiat roots and instead uses a Lotus chassis. Unlike being built on an existing model’s base, it uses a completely new extruded and bonded aluminum platform—purchased from a supplier then customized by Bertone. Combined with carbon fiber body panels, it weighs only 1,057 kg, roughly similar to a Mazda MX-5.
Interestingly, this new Runabout is roughly the size of the popular Mazda sports car, measuring 3,988 mm in length. However, Bertone’s retro-modern engine sits much lower to the ground at only 1,115 mm. It has a wider rear by 89 mm compared to the front and features forged aluminum wheels with staggered settings: 18 inches in the front with 225/40 ZR18 tires and 19 inches in the rear with 295/30 ZR19 tires.
The latest Bertone Runabout also borrows its heart from Toyota, similar to Lotus, in the form of a known V6 3.5-liter engine. The difference lies in the addition of a supercharger, boosting the power to 475 hp with 490 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with a gated shifter, allowing for acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h. Other technical highlights include double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers and an anti-roll bar.
In terms of design, it pays homage to cars like the Fiat X1/9, which was produced inspired by the A112 Runabout concept. The iconic wedge silhouette by Marcello Gandini—defining his work in the 1960s and 1970s—is still evident in these barchetta and targa open-air duos. Production will be limited to 25 units priced at €390,000 each. With the current exchange rate, that equals around $462,000 excluding taxes and customs duties. Runabout, the second modern car from both companies after the GB110, which was based on the same Volkswagen Group platform as the Lamborghini Huracan and Audi R8.
