The Vulcano Titanium is the world’s first and only titanium car. Handcrafted by Italian design house, Icona, the Vulcano took roughly 10,000 hours to make. With strong yet lightweight titanium body panels just .05 millimeters thick, the Vulcano showcases the benefits of the use of titanium for cars. It’s a one-off model currently on sale for a cool $2.7 million.
Unique aesthetics
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The Vulcano’s exterior design is inspired by the Blackbird SR-71, the world’s fastest plane, “whose sharp and dramatic silhouette complimenting its sensual surface transitions was key to the styling of the Vulcano,” explains Icona Director of Design, Samuel Chuffart. Of course, the Vulcano’s unique titanium body is what truly sets it apart from the rest. As a result, the car is robust, lightweight and rust-proof. Although titanium is already used in some cars, widespread use has largely been prevented by the material’s high cost. As it stands, pure titanium grades are typically used for parts in internal combustion engines, exhaust tubes and springs on car bodies. In fact, titanium springs are roughly 50% smaller and 60% lighter than steel springs.
Inside, the Vulcano’s design is race-inspired; it’s primarily made from carbon fiber and features a Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara trim. Designed by Sabbelt, the seats are comfortable carbon fiber buckets. A 12.3-inch digital screen sits alongside a larger touchscreen on the center of the dashboard with jet fighter-style switches underneath.
Impressive performance
The engine (a powerful LS9 V8) provides a modest 670 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. However, if the driver wishes, this can be increased to an impressive 1,200 hp. The paddle-shift, close-ratio gearbox and front-mounted paddle train was custom-made by ex-Ferrari engineer Claudio Lombardi and Mario Cavagnero of Lancia Racing Team fame. As a result, the Vulcano goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, 0 to 120 mph in 8.8 seconds, and reaches a maximum speed of 220 mph. Brakes, designed by Bembo, are carbon-ceramic, while shock absorbers are fully-adjustable for both compression and rebound.
The Vulcano is the first and only car of its kind, but as the cost of titanium gradually decreases, this amazing material will surely be incorporated into more car designs in the future. Once this happens, we can expect to see innovative, powerful and efficient titanium vehicles just like the Vulcano on the road.
