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The 1998 ItalDesign Structura was a futuristic MPV concept that showcased cutting-edge automotive engineering and design philosophies. Based on the Audi A8 platform and designed to accommodate Volkswagen’s W12 engine, the Structura aimed to emphasize “the hidden side of design”—specifically, the technological structures beneath a car’s exterior.
A standout feature of the Structura was its partially transparent body, with lower door sections made of glass to expose the vehicle’s aluminum framework. This design choice underscored ItalDesign’s vision of making internal structures a visible and celebrated aspect of car design. To enhance structural rigidity, the windows were fixed, as the designers believed that future climate control systems would render opening windows obsolete. They also anticipated that electronic toll payments would eliminate the need for manual transactions.
The Structura incorporated several advanced safety features, including a total of ten airbags. Its unconventional rear doors could only be opened after the front doors were unlocked, enhancing security and passenger safety. With its bold engineering choices and innovative approach to transparency in design, the Structura served as a striking exploration of what the future of automotive design could look like.
