2026 Bertone Runabout

The 2026 Bertone Runabout represents a precise revival of one of the most influential concept cars of the late 1960s, reinterpreted for a modern audience with updated engineering and materials. First previewed in both Barchetta and Targa body styles, the new Runabout will enter limited production in mid-2026, with just 25 units planned. Positioned as a lightweight, mid-engine supercar, it combines classic Italian design language with a supercharged V6 producing approximately 475–493 horsepower, depending on final configuration.

The design is directly inspired by the original 1969 Runabout concept created by Marcello Gandini during his time at Bertone. That concept never reached production but heavily influenced later vehicles such as the Fiat X1/9 and Lancia Stratos. The 2026 model retains the defining wedge profile, long flat nose, and truncated rear (coda tronca), while introducing modern surfacing and aerodynamic solutions. Notable updates include retractable headlights integrated into the upper bodywork and a functional S-duct that improves airflow without disrupting the clean design.

Built on a reengineered platform derived from the Lotus Exige, the new Runabout utilizes an aluminum monocoque paired with extensive carbon fiber body panels to maintain a low curb weight of approximately 1,057 kg. Power comes from a mid-mounted 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine, extensively modified with upgraded internals, improved cooling, and optimized intake and exhaust systems. Output reaches around 475 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque, delivered to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. This setup enables a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of roughly 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h.

Inside, the Runabout emphasizes a stripped-back, driver-focused environment inspired by nautical design. The cabin features a hull-like layout that positions occupants low within the chassis, reinforcing the car’s connection to its “runabout” boat inspiration. Materials are deliberately selected for tactile quality, including hand-finished leather, exposed carbon fiber, and machined aluminum components. A single central tachometer dominates the digital instrument display, while a physical gated shifter and mechanical switchgear maintain an analog driving feel. A compass mounted on the dashboard serves as a direct nod to the concept’s maritime roots.

The Runabout is offered in two distinct configurations. The Barchetta version delivers a fully open driving experience with minimal wind protection, closely echoing the original concept’s raw and exposed character. The Targa variant introduces a removable carbon fiber roof panel and a full windshield, adding usability without compromising the vehicle’s core proportions or design clarity. Both versions share identical architecture and performance characteristics, differing primarily in how they shape the driving experience.

Limited to just 25 examples and starting at approximately €390,000 before taxes, the 2026 Bertone Runabout is positioned as a modern coachbuilt collectible rather than a mass-market vehicle. Each unit is individually configured through a bespoke process with Bertone’s design team, reinforcing its exclusivity. More broadly, the Runabout demonstrates how heritage design can be reinterpreted with contemporary engineering, serving as both a tribute to Bertone’s legacy and a statement of its renewed presence in the high-end automotive space.