The Coupetorino is a cultural, non-profit project developed by Studiotorino and Istituto di Arte Applicata e Design di Torino (IAAD).

This technical and stylistic study was aimed at transforming the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL roadster into an exclusive coupé with reliable technical solutions while maintaining the car’s identity.

The project is presented at the “Bespoke Coachwork” exhibition which takes place at the Turin Gallery (Via Maria Vittoria 6, Torino) as part of the greater event “Turin World Design Capital 2008”. The exhibition will be open to the public until 23 December 2008.

The exhibition includes a 1:4 scale maquette personally modeled by Alfredo Stola and a photographic exhibit presenting the development stages, from conception to final realization.

The construction methodology and aerodynamics study had the goal of creating a functional prototype with the reliability of a series model.

The Design

Directed by Alfredo Stola, the style of the Coupetorino was developed in cooperation with Istituto di Arte Applicata e Design (IAAD) and in particular with Piotr Degler Jablonski, student who participated in the project as part of his final internship.

Alfredo Stola and the Coupetorino Scale Model	Piotr Degler Jablonski

The theme is clear: to project an exclusive one-off based on the Mercedes SL and to transform it into a coupé all while maintaining its identity and adding a touch of Italian flair.

Alfredo Stola and Prof. Peter Pfeiffer	Alfredo Stola working on the scale model

Initial research explored several directions and resulted in a selection of two fast-backs and a traditional Italian coupé.

The alternatives were informally presented on 9 July 2008 during a meeting among Alfredo Stola, Dr. Michele Paganetti and Professor Peter Pfeiffer at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Como.

Here the more typically Italian coupé style was chosen.

The 1:4 scale model is presented like a sculpture: without wheels, monochromatic in bronze on a transparent support

For the event “Torino World Design Capital 2008” Mercedes-Benz has provided a 1:4 scale model of the SL, which was restyled and personally modeled by Alfredo Stola.

For additional information visit www.studiotorino.com.

(Source: Studiotorino)