Riccardo Quaggio is the founder and creative force behind Totem Automobili. Riccardo shares his journey from being a designer at Alfa Romeo to launching a brand that builds fully re-engineered, handcrafted Alfa Romeo Giulia GT restomods with modern technology, custom-built engines, and obsessive attention to detail.
We discuss how Totem began with an electric restomod before shifting focus to an ultra-lightweight twin-turbo V6 version, the challenges of designing an entire car—including a custom carbon fibre monocoque, a completely new suspension, and a bespoke engine—and why something as seemingly simple as designing a door can be harder than making an engine from scratch.
Riccardo also explains the complexities of homologation, crash testing, European regulations, the trade-offs between petrol and EV, and the excruciating attention to comfort and drivability he desires in his builds.
Show Notes:
00:00 The Golden Era of Car Design
02:01 From Designer to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins
06:08 Reimagining the Alfa Romeo: The Restomod Concept
10:01 Building a Car from Scratch: The Engine Development
13:48 Navigating Regulations: Crash Testing and Compliance
20:02 Electric vs. Petrol: Understanding Customer Preferences
24:04 Challenges in Electric Vehicle Development
30:05 Balancing Comfort and Performance in Car Design
34:32 Developing Traction Control and Customization Options
38:00 Innovative Engine Design and Performance Goals
44:26 Challenges in Scaling Production and Supplier Relations
48:28 Future Developments and Customer Satisfaction
50:19 Memorable Driving Experiences and Personal Preferences
56:39 Dream Garage: A Blend of Classic and Modern Cars
#AlfaRomeo #TotemAutomobili #CarChatPodcast #Restomod #AutomotiveDesign
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