The Vulcano actually features two possible powertrain configurations, one of which consists of a front-mounted V12 paired with an electric system and developing a peak output of 708 kilowatts. The other is V6-based and develops slightly less power.
Responsible for the powertrains was Italian engineer Claudio Lombardi, a successful motorsport engineer who oversaw many of Lancia’s World Rally Championship victories during the 1980s and Ferrari’s Formula One powertrain development during the 1990s. More recently he’s been developing new electrified powertrain concepts.
The two powertrain designs announced for the Vulcano include an H-Turismo street setup and H-Competizione racing version.
The street version is strictly rear-wheel-drive and uses an electric motor to synchronize its single-clutch automated gearbox for faster and smoother shifts. This is the version with the 708kW output, which Icona says is enough for a 0-100 km/h time of less than 2.0 seconds.
The racing version is tuned to deliver 649kW and actually combines a turbocharged V6 engine with two electric motors in a through-the-road hybrid setup. The V6 powers the rear wheels while the two electric motors spin the front pair. The sophisticated drivetrain was recently fitted to an old Lancia 037 rally car and is said to have delivered some strong results, including a 0-100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds.
Top speed for both versions is an estimated 349 km/h.
Also on hand to present the Vulcano and its technology in Shanghai was the car’s designer, Samuel Chuffart. The French designer has completed stints at Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Stile Bertone and has been responsible for many of Icona’s recent projects including the latest Vulcano and previous Fuselage concept from 2011’s Shanghai show.
Specific elements of the concept include forged aluminium wheels measuring 20 inches up front and 21 inches in the rear, and wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires. The concept also wears carbon ceramic brakes clamped down by six-piston Brembo calipers.
No word yet if Icona is planning a limited production run for the Vulcano, but we're still hoping someone with deep enough pockets commissions one.
