‘When you can’t decide between practicality and pure insanity, the Bertone Genesis is the answer.’
A Lamborghini Minivan, the Genesis blurred the line between a minivan and a sports car with its futuristic mono-box design.
Marc Deschamps designed it from the Bertone design house, known for its bold and avant-garde concepts.
Unveiled at the 1988 Turin Motor Show, the Genesis stunned onlookers with its unconventional approach to the MPV concept.
At its debut, the Genesis received mixed reactions, with some praising its bold vision and others baffled by its unconventional appearance.
The Genesis was powered by a 5.2-litre V12 from the Lamborghini Countach, producing 455bhp.
Unusual for a vehicle of its size, the engine was mounted in the middle, under the seats, providing a maintenance headache yet enhancing its uniqueness.
Although, Nuccio Bertone optimistically believed cars would soon need no maintenance at all.
It boasted a luxurious interior adorned with leather, wood, and advanced tech, and it had a semi-reclining seating position.
The seating is a 2+1+2 arrangement, with the front passenger seat able to swivel 180 degrees.
It featured dramatic gullwing doors for front passengers and a sliding door for rear access.
Though it never went into production, the Genesis challenged traditional car categories and remained an iconic 1980s concept.
As a one-off, the Genesis is a rare and highly sought-after piece of automotive history.
Unfortunately, at nearly two tons, the Genesis lacked the performance to match its sporty aspirations. It had mismatched gear ratios and poor suspension.
The three-speed automatic transmission was sluggish, further diminishing its sporty intentions.
The Genesis received both praise and bewilderment for its bold vision but left a lasting impression as a daring experiment in automotive design.
The Bertone Genesis remains a fascinating glimpse into what happens when luxury, performance, and unconventional design collide in a single vehicle.
The Genesis proves that even a supercar engine can’t save you from looking like a futuristic toaster on wheels.
