Sbarro Espera Evoluzione Unveiled by Students at Geneva
Espera Sbarro students built the Evoluzione concept in just four months, revealing a radical, motorcycle-inspired three-seater at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
A group of 25 students from Franco Sbarro’s Espera school in Montbéliard revealed the Evoluzione concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, delivering an extreme three-seat roadster after just four months of work. The project, which split students into mechanical and design teams, aimed to blur the line between motorcycle and car with its radical approach.
The Evoluzione’s styling draws immediate attention. Its sharp, angular lines and matte grey finish echo the Lamborghini Reventón, yet the car’s design is intentionally disruptive rather than harmonious. The front features a huge, low-mounted spoiler and gaping air intake, while the exposed engine and high-mounted exhausts at the rear give the car a stripped-back, motorcycle-like presence.
The chassis is painted bright red and remains visible, linking the car’s two distinct halves. The engine, an Audi-sourced 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, sits in a rear mid-mounted position and produces 180hp. While that figure lags behind most contemporary supercars, the Evoluzione’s 800kg weight means the power-to-weight ratio is still lively for a concept built in a matter of weeks.
Central driving position and three seats
Inside, the Evoluzione accommodates three occupants. The driver is placed centrally in a Recaro bucket seat, flanked by two rear passenger seats, a layout reminiscent of the McLaren F1, albeit in a much more minimalist setting. The dashboard is stripped back, with a central rev counter inspired by Porsche design. No roof is fitted, reinforcing the car’s open, motorcycle-like character.
The car rides on 20-inch black OZ Ultraleggera wheels, with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, 235/35 ZR 20 at the front and 265/35 ZR 20 at the rear. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The exposed engine bay and visible tubular chassis reinforce the engineering-focused, almost prototype-like aesthetic.
A showcase for student engineering and design
The Evoluzione is not intended for production. Instead, it serves as a showcase for the skills and creativity of Espera Sbarro’s students, who divided into two teams, one for chassis and drivetrain, the other for exterior and interior design. For the Geneva show, the Evoluzione appeared alongside the Speed’R, another student-built concept, underlining the school’s emphasis on hands-on automotive education.
- Three-seat layout with central driving position
- Open, roofless body and exposed engine
- 1.8-litre Audi turbo engine, 180hp
- Rear-wheel drive, 800kg weight
- 20-inch OZ wheels, Michelin tyres
While the Evoluzione’s looks divided opinion, its technical execution and the speed of its development highlight the capability of the students involved. The car stands as a reminder of the Geneva Motor Show’s role in giving a platform to experimental concepts and the next generation of automotive engineers.
For more on the 2011 Geneva premieres, seeGeneva Motor Show 2011: Key Premieres and New Models.
