FAB WHEELS DIGEST (F.W.D.): 2008 Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11 Bertone Coupe Concept

Until 1990, American dentist Gary Kaberle had been the owner of the Franco Scaglione designed Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 9 (Berlinetta Aerodynamica Tecnica) concept since its debut at the 1955 Turin auto show. The B.A.T. 9 was the third and final aerodynamic design excercise built by Italian coachbuilder Bertone on an Alfa Romeo 1900 chassis. All three of them were designed by Scaglione and even though they shared similarities, each was distinctly different.

Well over a decade later, Kaberle asked the Italian company to build him a new B.A.T. That idea had already crossed the Bertone's designers' minds numerous times, but they needed Kaberle's push to turn it into reality.

For the basis of the new B.A.T. 11, Bertone and Kaberle not surprisingly chose Alfa Romeo's new 8C Competizione chassis. Valery Muller's design was eventually chosen and finalized late in 2007. Original cues like the covered wheels and curved fins are prominantly featured on Muller's design. The body was made of unitary steel with carbon fibre body panels.

At present, B.A.T. 11 is only a non-functioning mock-up with operable doors, interior and drivetrain. Had it been completed, the rear wheel drive concept would have be powered by a 4.691 liter / 286.3 cu in V8. The naturally aspirated engine could produce 450 bhp / 336 KW @ 7000 rpm. Other features included paddle-operated 6 speed automatic transmission and power assisted rack-and-pinion steering. (ultimatecarpage.com & supercars.net)