(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Automobile revivals are actually rare in the industry. Especially when the manufacturer closed its doors over 91 years ago. The Fabbrica Automobili Itala from Turin already shut down in 1935 due to insurmountable problems following the First World War.
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Now Itala officially returns to the automotive stage. The reason is a project that aims to revive and put into series some of the most well-known names of the Italian industry. The start of this new phase is the Itala 35, a compact crossover SUV, which was presented as the first model of the Historic Italian Brands program at MAUTO in Turin.
The initiative is led by Massimo Di Risio, founder of the DR Automobiles Group. Also involved is O.S.C.A., the historic brand of the Maserati brothers. The concept is based on an industrial strategy that combines international platforms with Italian technical development. The first deliveries are planned from September 2026 – assembly is to take place in the new facilities of Fabbrica Italia in Molise.
Modern touch with symbolic reference
Visually, the new Itala 35 presents itself as a compact crossover with contemporary design language. The name directly refers to the historic Itala 35/45 HP. The vehicle participated in the legendary Peking-Paris race in 1907, which Prince Scipione Borghese won. This symbolic reference is attempted to be reinterpreted by the new model with modern proportions and a comparatively sophisticated appearance … admittedly, it requires quite a bit of imagination.
The front of the 4.41 meter long, 1.85 meter wide, and 1.60 meter high SUV is characterized by a large radiator grille with chrome applications and LED headlights. The suggested style runs along the body line to the rear. The openable panoramic glass roof is framed by high-gloss black pillars and a matching rear spoiler. Three prototypes displayed at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin also feature carbon body details specially made for this public preview.
Classically Italian inside
Inside, the Itala 35 refers to classic Italian attention to detail. Seats, door panels, and parts of the dashboard use leather and Alcantara. Selection and processing take place in Italy. The cockpit includes two digital displays: a 7-inch display for the instrument cluster and a central 10.25-inch screen for infotainment. Additionally, there is ambient lighting with various color tones. The cargo compartment offers 341 to 1,271 liters.
Photo series: Itala 35 (2026): Traditional brand returns after 91 years
A central theme of the project is customization. Customers should be able to choose specific combinations of upholstery, colors, and surfaces – as well as special paint finishes, which can be realized both with classic methods and by wrapping. According to the manufacturer, the goal is to offer a more exclusive experience than volume models in the segment.
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The drive remains classic
Under the hood of the Itala 35 works a 1.5-liter TGDI turbo petrol engine, developed based on the technical platform of the Chinese manufacturer GAC – the industrial partner selected for the project. The power output is 170 hp with 270 Nm of maximum torque, delivered to the road via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Performance figures include a top speed of over 190 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The average consumption is probably 6.8 l/100 km, which seems overall only slightly competitive. The chassis and drivetrain come from the shared platform, but large parts of the tuning were developed by the Italian team led by Roberto Fedeli. He previously worked for Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Aston Martin.
Electronics, infotainment, chassis, and braking system were customized. They want to clearly differentiate themselves from the dynamic behavior of the base model.
Full equipment at volume price?
Planned features include driver assistance systems, including a fully automatic parking function that should handle parallel, perpendicular, and angled parking without steering input from the driver.
The new Itala 35 will be launched in Italy at a starting price of 35,000 euros. This includes extensive equipment. Optical and interior customization options are available. The market launch is scheduled for September 2026. In Turin, the first Itala-O.S.C.A. showroom was opened together with the Biauto Group.
In the coming months, further SUVs will be presented: the Itala 56 (4.68 meters and 170 hp) and Itala 61 (4.98 meters and 231 hp) will follow. Was this rather uninspired SUV approach really necessary for the revival? The future strategy also includes electrified models – hybrid, range extender, and fully electric versions. This also includes a 3.90 meter long electric small car intended for urban areas.
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