In 1980, Bertone created this futuristic concept car for the 1980 Turin Motor Show. It’s chiseled shape was typical of the mid-eighties design and it went on to inspire design in productions such as Tron, Total Recal and Robocop. Bertone built the Athon around the Silhouette chassis which featured a 2.6-liter V8 capable of 260 bhp. Bertone kept the Athon for their private collection and sometimes lent it out for public display at shows. In 2011 it will be offered for sale at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on 21 May by 2011 by RM Auctions.
Engine
Configuration
90º V8
Location
Mid, longitudinally mounted
Construction
aluminium alloy block and head
Displacement
2,996 cc / 182.8 cu in
Bore / Stroke
86.0 mm (3.4 in) / 64.5 mm (2.5 in)
Compression
10.0:1
Valvetrain
2 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Camshaft
Chain driven
Fuel feed
4 Weber 40 DCNF Carburettors
Lubrication
Wet sump
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Power
260 bhp / 194 kW @ 7,500 rpm
Torque
273 Nm / 201 ft lbs @ 5,750 rpm
BHP/Liter
87 bhp / liter
Drivetrain
Chassis
sheet steel platform chassis
Front suspension
McPherson struts, lower wishbones, coil springs over shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension
Chapman struts, reversed lower wishbones, trailing arms, coil springs over shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Steering
rack-and-pinion
Brakes (fr/r)
Girling ventilated discs, 278mm (10.9 in)
Gearbox
5 speed Manual
Clutch
Dry, single plate
Drive
Rear wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)
2,450 mm (96.5 in) / 1,484 mm (58.4 in) / 1,532 mm (60.3 in)
