Car Chat
Car Chat
Sam Moores
Riccardo Quaggio - Totem Automobili
1 hour 5 minutes Posted Mar 3, 2025 at 1:00 am.
The Golden Era of Car Design
From Designer to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins
Reimagining the Alfa Romeo: The Restomod Concept
Building a Car from Scratch: The Engine Development
Navigating Regulations: Crash Testing and Compliance
Electric vs. Petrol: Understanding Customer Preferences
Challenges in Electric Vehicle Development
Balancing Comfort and Performance in Car Design
Developing Traction Control and Customization Options
Innovative Engine Design and Performance Goals
Challenges in Scaling Production and Supplier Relations
Future Developments and Customer Satisfaction
Memorable Driving Experiences and Personal Preferences
Dream Garage: A Blend of Classic and Modern Cars
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Show notes
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.
https://totemautomobili.com/
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:
#AlfaRomeo #TotemAutomobili #CarChatPodcast #Restomod #AutomotiveDesign
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