Project Eterna Reworks the Carabo Without Turning It Into a Throwback

By Hugo Mattson April 2, 2026

A contemporary reinterpretation of the Alfa Romeo Carabo built around proportion and geometry
Clean surfacing and strong architectural volumes define the design
Interior and exterior developed as a single structural system

Where the idea comes from

One of the most impressive concept cars to ever be created is the Alfa Romeo Carabo. Its original design was accomplished by Marcello Gandini for Bertone. However, in creating the Carabo, Gandini went much further than just using a wedge-shaped design; instead, he created an even-more-grand design, one that utilizes extreme geometry, bold colors, and dramatic detailing to deliver a much bolder statement than anything else has ever accomplished.

Project Eterna's goal is to recreate this philosophy of design--not necessarily this same visual design philosophy, but rather to revive the underlying principles upon which it was created. Project Eterna's goal is to understand how the Carabo's radical (for the time) approach to volumetric and proportional layout can be reintegrated into modern days.

The proportions of this vehicle establish a particular character from the very start. The vehicle is very low in height, elongated and has an overall horizontal massing with a wedge shaped silhouette. The cabin shape has been designed to be seamlessly integrated into the entire shape without disrupting the flow of the form. The shape of the stance demonstrates a careful relationship between balance and exaggeration (by placing priority on balance).

The surface treatment is a systematic method. The body has clean geometries and constrained volumes with a limited number of sharp lines defining the structure. It is not overly detailed or layered and relies on proportion and surface interaction to create interest.

The identity of the vehicle is primarily defined by a single side cutline. This line divides the upper and lower portions of the body as well as navigates the line of sight along the entire length of the car. In doing so, this line functions as both an architectural and visual reference point that enhances the design’s overall clarity.

The door design exemplifies this kind of thinking. The door is integrated into the body without interruption to the silhouette. The door wraps around the glass area. It opens with a front-hinge scissor mechanism, allowing full visibility of the interior with controlled mechanical precision. When closed, the door is fully contained in the vehicle’s form, maintaining the continuity of the wedge.

The use of colour and material is intentional. The deep metallic green body provides a dominant and cohesive presence, whereas the warm orange accents highlight critical components, such as the front graphic and wheels. This juxtaposition is intended, limited in scope, and supports the overall design rather than detracts from it.

Keeping the surfaces under control

At surface treatment stage of the design process, each element should be treated in accordance with a predetermined set of standards that include, among others, the use of geometric forms at right angles (e.g., square/rectangle). The design will be based on precise geometry for all elements within the vehicle. Consistency in proportions between components (e.g., front/rear overhang) will create visual balance in relation to each other.

A single side cutline running along the centreline of the vehicle lends clarity to the design as well as providing a means of establishing both structural integrity and visual reference for the overall vehicle. The relationship between the upper and lower volumes can be visually defined by this same line.

For the door design, the same principle applies. While the door does not interrupt the silhouette of the vehicle, it integrates seamlessly into the body style and wraps around the windows. This design allows the door to open in a scissor type fashion from front to back while exposing the passenger compartment with precision and control.

The overall use of colour and materials in the vehicle has been used to enhance the overall design. The rich metallic green exterior gives the vehicle a strong, cohesive appearance; however, the warm orange highlights — found on the front fascia and wheel assemblies — allow the eye to emphasise particular details. Each element has been contrasted with another and used within a limited range. The goal of the colour/material interaction was to define each component separately without being visually distracting to the overall design.

Carrying the same logic inside

Throughout Project Eterna's design and construction, they maintained a consistent style for the interior. This included treating the interior as an exposed system, where both the structural and functional elements are still visible.

The design of the seats has been simplified to the most necessary volumetric aspects and then supported by a tubular framework that is clearly strong enough to provide support for the seat, but also allows for showing how the chairs were manufactured.

The addition of an orange fabric on the chairs creates a connection to the exterior of the vehicle and therefore helps create continuity for the overall project identity. The design of the wheels as well as the dashboard was done using the same rationale, using simple geometric shapes and matching the structural language of the car.

Project Eterna is characterized by its strong consistency. The design throughout the entire project follows the same principles, ranging from overall proportions to the smallest details, with no variations or additions to help offset any uncertainty in execution.

Eterna builds on the same thought process of the Carabo (which was how the original ideas were designed) but executes with a more focused approach. The wedge remains the primary design element, the geometric shapes remain clean and precise, and the designed elements themselves remain visible. The end result is an architecture that is fresh and still grounded in its origins.

For a new young designer to see this type of clarity and confidence in design provides an understanding of how to interpret an existing and historic idea through proportion, structure and restraint rather than just through how it looks based on the surface.

Connect with Gabriel Brando Naretto

To explore more of Gabriel Brando Naretto’s work, including ongoing projects and portfolio highlights, you can follow or connect with him on the following platforms:

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Disclaimer

These projects are creative explorations by young car designers. In some cases, they were developed independently, while in others they were created with guidance or mentorship from OEM design studios, such as during internships. Unless otherwise noted, they are not official works of the manufacturers or studios involved.

DailyRevs does not claim credit for the vision or effort behind these projects and receives no financial compensation for publishing them. Each feature is shared with the consent of the designer following direct outreach and agreement. We also welcome submissions from designers who wish to be featured, provided the quality of the work meets our editorial standards.