Bertone Runabout 2026: Classic Italian design, Toyota V6 engine and 500 horsepower

Bertone Runabout: The Rebirth of a Legend on Two Wheels... and Four Wheels

The automotive world is witnessing a spectacular return to the emotional design and radical shapes of the 1960s. Design house Bertone, one of the most illustrious names in Italian automotive history, has officially unveiled the new Runabout. It's not just a supercar, but a modern love letter to aesthetic freedom, directly inspired by the revolutionary concept of 1969.

Who is Bertone?

Before analyzing the new model, we must understand the weight of the name on the body. Founded in 1912, Gruppo Bertone was one of the most influential design and coachbuilding "houses" in Italy. Under the baton of the legendary Nuccio Bertone and through the pencils of geniuses such as Marcello Gandini or Giorgetto Giugiaro, Bertone gave the world iconic cars that defined concepts such as "wedge design". Models such as the Lamborghini Miura, Lamborghini Countach, Lancia Stratos or Alfa Romeo Montreal bear the unmistakable signature of this workshop that transformed metal into kinetic art.

A Concept from 1969, Reinterpreted for 2026

The original Bertone Runabout, introduced in 1969, was a minimalist, doorless style exercise inspired by the world of speedboats. The new model retains this “sculptural honesty” but translates it into a contemporary language, using cutting-edge materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum.

The new Runabout is offered in two body styles, both respecting the "wedge" silhouette:

• Barchetta: The purest, completely open variant, where the boundary between interior and exterior disappears, offering a visceral driving experience.
• Targa: A slightly more practical version, equipped with a removable carbon roof, which maintains the aggressive lines but offers protection from the elements.

Japanese Heart under Italian Design

If the exterior is pure Italian passion, the mechanics rely on precision and reliability. The new Runabout uses a mid-engine configuration, choosing a 3.5-liter V6 unit from Toyota.

However, Bertone did not settle for the standard version. The engine was equipped with an Eaton/Edelbrock supercharger, boosting power to around 500 hp. The entire architecture was redesigned for performance:

• Transmission: A six-speed manual transmission with a gated shifter (exposed metal grille) to reinforce the analog connection between driver and car.
• Lightweight: Extensive use of carbon and an aluminum chassis ensures agility worthy of the Runabout name.

The Interior: Where Navigation Meets the Road

The cabin is a mix of digital minimalism and nautical details. The dashboard is dominated by a single digital tachometer to avoid distraction, while a nautical compass sits in the center console, a tribute to the maritime inspiration of the original. Everything is hand-finished in leather and milled aluminum, emphasizing the car's exclusive character.

Conclusion

The new Bertone Runabout is not just a car, but a declaration of independence from the generic design of the modern era. Production will be limited to just 25 units, each with a starting price of 390,000 euros (excluding taxes). With this model, Bertone demonstrates that its heritage does not belong only to museums, but is a living force, capable of creating vehicles that are, in equal measure, manifestos of art and pure performance machines.