Unveiled at the 2006 Geneva International Auto Show, the Alfa Romeo Diva is a striking car. The Diva was designed by Fiat Auto�??s R&D arm Elasis, the Alfa Romeo style center, and the Espera design school. Channeling �??cyber-punk�?� aesthetic, it molds lines old and new.
The most prominent design cue on the Diva is the triangle. From the signature Alfa Romeo nose, to the vent on the front quarter panel, to the grill on the rear quarter panel, the triangle is prominently placed all over the exterior. While there are a lot of angles, there are a lot of soft curves, especially around the hipline. The front end is marked by a protruding signature Alfa nostril, and an array of small circular LED headlights. Unlike most cars there is no slab sided front end, replaced by a spoiler that gives the impression of space, while show casing the rake underneath it.
The rear end is more conservatively styled, with major deviations. For instance the centered exhaust is not mounted low (e.g. under the bumper) but high providing the center mount of the rear spoiler. The counter colored back panel is not a panel per se, but rather a grill that allows viewing of the engine and rear suspension.
I say that the Diva is stylistically categorized �??cyber-punk�?� because the styling is reminiscent of �??Akira�?� and �??Ghost in the Shell.�?� Cyber-punk is the combination of technology and organic elements, while having a slightly dated look about it. For instance some of the elements on the Diva can be found on Italian sports car from the 60�??s and the 70�??s, like the size of the car, the curves along the hipline, and the shape of the doors. That look, combined with the ultra modern front and rear end, is the essence of cyber-punk. It has the emotional pull of the older style, yet has twisted it as to make it unrecognizable.
Unfortunately the Alfa Romeo Diva will remain a concept, and not see the factory floor any time soon. This is unfortunate, as it is a very beautiful car. Most unfortunate is the fact that these kinds of cars are going to take ages to land in India.
