Feb 22, 2002 - The brown colour of its skin is inspired by the skin of the powerful Buffalo of the Tibet region. This is not by chance. The Yak, not the animal but the design essay by Leonardo Fioravanti, soon to be presented at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, has the stance and the size of a beast. The concept is that of a modern Crossover combining a selection of body configurations (Wagon, MPV, SUV and you name it) with a tough V8 under the front lid.

Under the bodywork Fioravanti suggest the sophisticated mechanicals of the ultimate SUV and its interior design is said to be even more dramatic and spectacular, “very exciting” according to sources close to the project.

Typically of Fioravanti the show-model goes beyond mere body design ambitions and introduce three additional innovations, all patented by the Milan-born but Turin-based designer: A new headlamp concept, side window wipers integrated into the B-pillars, and new seats that make for easier wearing and fastening of the safety belts.

The images of the full scale model provided do not give an accurate size impression of the YAK but Mr. Fioravanti says it is rather big, even though its style aims at giving the vehicle the impression of a smaller and lighter all-purpose-automobile.

Photos: © Archivio Perini