Bertone Mantide supercar spotted parked in Dubai
One of only two Bertone Mantides built was seen in Dubai, highlighting the city’s status as a magnet for rare and ultra-exclusive supercars.
A Bertone Mantide, one of the rarest modern supercars, has been spotted parked in Dubai. The car, based on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and styled by the Italian design house Bertone, is one of only two known to exist as of 2010. Dubai is renowned for its concentration of rare and exotic vehicles, making it an unsurprising location for such a sighting.
Bertone Mantide Spotted in Dubai
Background: What is the Bertone Mantide?
The Bertone Mantide was unveiled in 2009 as a collaboration between Bertone and American engineer Jason Castriota. The project was intended to demonstrate Bertone’s design and engineering prowess by transforming the already formidable Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 into something even more exclusive and visually distinctive. The Mantide’s body is constructed from carbonfibre, a material chosen for both its lightness and strength, which contributes to the car’s improved performance over its base model.
The Mantide retains the ZR1’s 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine, producing 638bhp. However, extensive aerodynamic work and weight reduction allow the Mantide to outperform the standard ZR1. Bertone claimed a 0-60mph time of 3.2 seconds, which is two tenths of a second quicker than the Corvette ZR1, and a top speed of 217mph, 12mph higher than the donor car.
Design and Engineering
Visually, the Mantide is marked by its dramatic, angular bodywork, which sets it apart from the American original. The design is not merely for show: Bertone’s engineers focused on refining airflow over and under the car, resulting in a shape that is both attention-grabbing and highly functional from an aerodynamic perspective. The carbonfibre construction also contributes to a significant reduction in weight compared to the ZR1, enhancing acceleration, braking, and handling.
Inside, the Mantide features bespoke materials and finishes, although much of the underlying Corvette architecture remains. The result is a blend of Italian design flair with American muscle and reliability.
Production and Rarity
Bertone originally announced plans to produce ten Mantides, each with a price tag of $2 million (£1.2 million at the time). Despite this ambitious target, only two cars were completed and delivered as of 2010. This limited production run has ensured the Mantide’s status as one of the rarest supercars of its era. The reasons for the curtailed production are not fully documented, but the high cost and niche appeal likely played a role.
The car’s exclusivity is further heightened by its unique styling and the fact that it was built by a design house with a long history of creating one-off and limited-run vehicles. Bertone itself has been responsible for some of the most memorable concept and production cars in automotive history, making the Mantide a significant part of its legacy.
Dubai: A Supercar Capital
Dubai has become synonymous with luxury and high-performance vehicles. The city’s wealth, car culture, and relaxed attitudes towards exotic vehicles make it a magnet for rare cars from around the world. It is not uncommon for residents and visitors to spot ultra-rare models in hotel car parks or cruising along the city’s boulevards. The appearance of the Bertone Mantide in Dubai is consistent with this reputation, joining the ranks of other rare and expensive cars regularly seen in the city, such as Pagani Zondas, bespoke Ferraris, and limited-run Lamborghinis.
Dubai’s car scene is supported by a network of luxury dealerships, specialist workshops, and collectors. The city’s events calendar often includes supercar gatherings and shows, where vehicles like the Mantide can be displayed and appreciated by enthusiasts. The presence of such a rare car highlights both the international appeal of Dubai’s automotive culture and the enduring fascination with unique, high-performance machines.
Bertone Mantide: Key Specifications
| Base car | Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2-litre supercharged V8 |
| Power | 638bhp |
| 0-60mph | 3.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 217mph |
| Body | Carbonfibre |
| Planned production | 10 units |
| Known built (2010) | 2 units |
| Price when new | $2 million (£1.2 million) |
Conclusion: A Rare Sighting
The sighting of a Bertone Mantide in Dubai underlines the city’s status as a global destination for automotive enthusiasts and collectors. With only two examples built, the Mantide remains a seldom-seen highlight even among the world’s most exclusive supercars. Its combination of Italian design, American engineering, and sheer rarity ensures that any appearance attracts attention from car spotters and enthusiasts alike.
