21 April 2009 - 11:00
Red ’Tide
The latest one-off supercar from Jason Castriota - the man behind the awesome Ferrari P4/5 and new design director at Bertone - is here. It is called the Mantide.
Pronounced Man-ti-deh (not Man-tide, sadly), it's based on the already insane Corvette ZR1 and it looks... well, let's leave it to you to decide - what do you think of it?
It's a striking design, no doubt. Castriota, who talked
exclusively to our US site last year, says the Mantide ‘draws inspiration from modern aerospace and the world of Formula One', though we can't help fearing that the FIA would take a very dim view of all the aero flim-flammery. Like the P4/5, there's a teardrop canopy, though the whole package is far more aggressive and, er, futuresome than the curvy Ferrari.
The Mantide is a functional shape, though. It boasts a drag coefficient 25 per cent lower than the ZR1, and generates 30 per cent more downforce. Because the body, wheels, seats and trim are constructed from carbon fibre, it weighs in 100kg lighter than the Corvette.
All of which adds up to a simply staggering 0-62mph time of just 3.2 seconds and top speed of 217mph - the ZR1, in comparison, manages a tardy 3.5-second sprint and a 205mph maximum. The full FIA roll cage and four-point harnesses are probably a good idea, then - this isn't a concept, this is a proper driver.
Cost? It's one of those ‘pick a number at random, and then add a whole bunch of zeros until your hand hurts' cars. The estimated cost of Glickenhaus' P4/5 was around three million dollars, and we can't imagine the Mantide will be any cheaper.
So, once again, what do you think of the looks? We're genuinely interested to hear what you think of this one...
Want to comment on this?
It was desperately beautiful until I saw the back end. You know what the back end reminds me of? You know when you're stuffing a turkey, the shape of the hole in the turkey where you stuff it? That. And with the mental image of raw ass-pouting poultry stuck in my mind, I can't say I love this car. Though it'll look phenomenal in the metal.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
ewwwwwwwwwwww this car is sooo discusting the back of it remindes me of the reventon how pointy it is ewwwwwwww well horrible :(
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Looks like a parody of darth Vader covered in ketchup
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
i think it looks great especially that sweeping teardrop canopy, apart from that overbite they've decided to give it at the front.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
There is no doubt in me mind that this car looks absolutely awesome but somehow, it reminds of something Alfa Romeo would make. All that curvy stuff at the back and the 'smile' on the nose. The front is odd though. Where's the badge? The nose looks a bit bare...
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
It does look very sci-fi, like a 599, an Evo X, that Toyota FT-HS Concept, maybe a Maser GT and a spaceship all fell into the large hadron collider and this was spat out the other end - if it has an other end. I like the wheels too. A bit '80s-future, but they fit the overall design. Actually, in the 3rd picture (nose shot in the quarry place), the front looks a little too busy with all those shapes and surfaces, but I'm sure I wouldn't complain if I saw it for real! The most annoying thing though is that I keep saying Man-tide rather than man-ti-day.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
It somehow resembles a hand-held vacuum cleaner. It really feels like a step backwards from the P4/5.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Yikes that back end is awful! Looks good but I have to say looks a bit gimmicky and like a concept that doesn't run rather than a real car and for that I don't think I would part with my millions for it!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Mikeado: Perhaps a bit of Corvette Z06 (maybe ZR1) in there too? The front end makes me think of a Corvette with warped/melted Nissan GTR headlights. Actually when I put it that way, it's a bloody ugly little minger, isn't it?
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Pronounce: Man (sound like "MANchester") - ti (sounds like the ty of "empTY") de (sounds like "DEbug"). wish it was useful. i love this car is new, futuristic, original, and classical at the same time, full of italian classic but continues them , doesn't copy them. and reminds also his name, cause mantide is the praying mantis. fabulous.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I see what you're saying AshHorne. Actually, after seeing it a second time, it isn't half fussy. And what's with the Windows logo drilled into the side? I still think it would look good in the metal though. Nice 'n' mad.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
A car based on a piece of plastic called Corvette. Well that ruins it doesn't it. Such a pity... I liked the looks at first glance though. But only until I saw the back end. My god it's awful!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Now thats one ugly motherfu...... well, you get the idea. This guy got paid for that? It looks like a hotwheels dinky toy.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
who was high when they made this. looks extremely ugly. i cant stand it. im going to go look at a prius instead
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
looks like a luxury car from a future where blade runner and demolition man have collided together it is not a beautiful car like the Alfa 8c but you have to admit its an awesome machine. the back end does leave one thinking urgh but in as a whole it is a magnificent thing
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I don't know about some of you, but I found the back end better designed the the front. I've seen concept designs that looks better than that sweeping canopy. It just looks retarded. The lamps looks like they needed repositioning. The Back is nice, but wish it was the front!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I think it looks like absolute crap, its a shame there isn't a shot from underneath, its probably the only place this car looks decent.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
@keen88 - I think thats a bit harsh. Its not such a bad looking car! I do think that you have to be galacticly stupid to buy a Ferrari - they deppreciate so much!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
It's an interesting design, looks futuristic and it's definately a Castriota. I think it points to a bright future for a company striving to be a leader in automotive design!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Looks aren't great, it's a mixture of hotwheels and power rangers.This is not good looking despite being mad and futuristic.The wheels are the worst bit, they're atrocious, and so are the headlamps. However, throw away those to and you've got a not-bad looking car!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
The back looks like a warthogs nostril, after sniffing somethin naughty.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I think this car is gorgeous except for the slightly weird lip.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Mikeado: Agreed. We can laugh at it whilst it's on paper but if one grumbled through Lincoln High Street I guarantee many jaws would drop. Actually no. Lincoln HATES cars to the point of being listed as an official 'Anti-Car' city (one of the few in Britain). It might get keyed or kicked or something. Bad idea, so let's do it. :)
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
It should have a Citroen badge on the front
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Test Driven
.jpg?p=080926_03:52)
Seat Ibiza
FR offers ignificant performance shortfall versus insignificant savings. Buy the Cupra. Or better yet the Clio Cup.
Open Car Bar
Mazza commented on this article
21 April 2009
this is a great looking car
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.