Touring’s Arese Alfa Tribute

Milan-based coachbuilder Touring Superleggera is marking its 95th anniversary with the first midengined car in its history: the Arese RH95. Although not specifically stated, the basis is the Ferrari 488 GTB. The Arese RH95 is the latest iteration of Touring's ‘Aero’ lineage, born in 2012 with the Alfa Romeo 8C-based Disco Volante and developed with the Ferrari F12-based Aero 3 of 2020.

The bodywork is all new and realised in carbonfibre. Striking features include a trilobe-style front grille, aluminium side-slash interrupted by the front wheelarch and hinged clamshells front and rear. In contrast to the donor Ferrari, the doors open scissor-fashion and incorporate roof cut-outs to ease entry. A large, fully functional fin-like air intake behind the cabin is supplemented by shoulder air inlets and a corresponding rear outlet.

The Alfa-style grille and smooth profile reflect the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, to which Touring specifically refers, saying “a brief, enchanting memory tickle might occur to the connoisseur”. The ‘Arese’ name may also hint at this, although Touring says it refers to the street where the carrozzeria is located in Rho, near Milan. The donor Ferrari 488 GTB’s V8 engine delivers up to 720hp, while the Ferrari F1 seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is retained. Touring claims a 0-62mph time of 3.0sec and a top speed of 211mph. It also says Ferrari’s “active dynamics have been engineered to handle the new body loadings and specifics”.

The first example is finished in Verde Pino paint with silver accents, plus a cabin in caramel, cocoa and saffron. Car number two will have Alfa Romeo Rosso Competizione paint with a white nose, and number three will have an orange-and-blue finish. A maximum of 18 cars will be built, each one taking six months to complete but prices have not been revealed. UK enthusiasts will be able to see the new car at Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace on 1-5 September 2021.