1988 Bertone Lamborghini Genesis Concept

• Bertone designed a Lamborghini-powered minivan before the world was ready.

• The Genesis concept combined a front-mounted Countach V12 with gullwing doors.

• It remains one of the weirdest, most memorable vehicles of the late 1980s.

A Lamborghini V12 in a Minivan? Yep. That Happened.

No one asked for a Lamborghini minivan in 1988. But that didn’t stop Bertone from building one. The 1988 Bertone Lamborghini Genesis concept was part sci-fi experiment, part design dare — and very much a real, running vehicle.

This wasn’t a static showpiece. It had a 5.2-liter V12 from the Countach Quattrovalvole, pushing 455 hp through a Chrysler-sourced four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain layout was also unusual — front-mounted and longitudinal — a far cry from the typical mid-engine madness of Sant'Agata.

Design: Sharp Wedges Meet MPV Practicality

Visually, it’s peak Bertone. Long, low, and glassy, the Genesis had the kind of wedge profile you’d expect from an Italian supercar — stretched across a van’s footprint. Its proportions were strange but coherent. The full-glass canopy, thin pillars, and flat surfaces made it feel more like a spaceship than something you'd take on a grocery run.

Up front, gullwing doors added drama — a sharp contrast to the more ordinary rear doors. The split between form and function was hilariously stark. But then again, that was the point.

Inside: Lounge Layout and Digital Dash

The interior looked like it belonged in an ‘80s concept catalog. Think four plush leather armchairs with a fifth swivel seat in the center. The front dash was broad and low, with squared-off pods, digital instruments, and strange plastic textures. It wasn’t minimalist, but it had presence — a visual extension of the car’s out-there exterior.

Bertone didn’t care about ergonomics here. It cared about a visual statement. And on that front, mission accomplished.

Not Meant to Sell — Meant to Shock

No one expected the Genesis to hit production, not even Bertone. But it made headlines, and more importantly, it made people stare. In an era when concept cars still took risks, the Genesis stood out for how far it leaned into its own absurdity.

Today, with minivans morphing into luxury EV pods, the Genesis doesn’t look quite as far-fetched as it once did. It’s still bizarre. Still impractical. But in hindsight, maybe also just a little bit visionary.

 Technical Specifications :

• Manufacturer: Bertone (built using Lamborghini components)

• Debut: 1988 Turin Motor Show

• Body Style: 5-door MPV (minivan)

• Doors: Gullwing front doors, one rear sliding door on passenger side

• Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR)

Engine & Performance

• Engine: 5.2-liter V12 (Countach Quattrovalvole)

• Power Output: 455 hp (approx. 340 kW)

• Torque: Approx. 392 Nm @ 5,500 rpm

• Transmission: 3-speed Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic

Dimensions & Weight

• Length: 4,475 mm (176 in)

• Width: 2,000 mm (78.7 in)

• Height: 1,520 mm (59.8 in)

• Wheelbase: 2,650 mm (104 in)

• Weight: Approx. 1,800 kg (3,968 lb)

Interior & Features

• Seating Capacity: 5 seats (4 fixed leather chairs + 1 swivel jump seat)

• Dashboard: Digital-style instrumentation with geometric controls

• Features:

  • Alcantara-trimmed seats

  • Lounge-style layout

  • Individual footrests

  • Integrated speaker system

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