In the heart of Italy, where automotive passion runs as deep as its cultural heritage, Totem Automobili emerges as a beacon of innovation and tradition. Founded by Riccardo Quaggio, a visionary with a profound love for classic cars, Totem is redefining the restomod segment—restored and modified vintage cars that marry nostalgic aesthetics with modern performance. At the core of their offerings is the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, a car that holds a revered place in the hearts of Alfisti, the devoted fans of Alfa Romeo. Through models like the GT Electric, GT Super, and the exclusive GTA modificata, Totem Automobili not only preserves the iconic silhouette of the Giulia but elevates it to new heights of luxury and performance, making it a significant player in the high-end automotive world.
Totem Automobili was born in 2018 from the creative mind of Riccardo Quaggio, a Treviso native born in 1995. His passion for classic cars was nurtured from childhood, influenced by his family’s appreciation for automotive history. After graduating from the Istituto d’Arte Applicata e Design (IAAD) in Turin as a transportation designer, Quaggio honed his skills at Honda and Alfa Romeo’s style department, gaining invaluable experience in exterior and interior design (LinkedIn Profile). Driven by a desire to create his dream car, he founded Totem Automobili in Marcon, near Venice, with engineering and manufacturing operations in Turin, Italy’s automotive hub.
Totem’s philosophy is deeply rooted in Italian craftsmanship, where each vehicle is treated as an “opera”—a work of art. The company’s mission is to collide Italian elegance with a customer-driven approach, blending the highest level of technological and engineering solutions with the timeless design of classic automotive icons (Totem Automobili). This commitment is evident in their meticulous manufacturing process, where a close-knit team of passionate professionals oversees every detail, from design to assembly.
Based in Marcon, Venice, Totem draws inspiration from the city’s artistic legacy. Their Turin operations ensure access to top-tier engineering talent. The company collaborates with renowned partners like Sabelt for seats, Brembo for brakes, and Italtecnica for engines, enhancing the quality and performance of their vehicles (Totem Partners).
Totem Automobili offers three distinct models, each a modern reinterpretation of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT, catering to varied enthusiast preferences.
The GT Electric is Totem’s vision of a sustainable Gran Turismo. This 100% electric restomod delivers 590 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. Its 81 kWh battery offers a 500 km range, supported by Type 2 charging (up to 6.6 kW) and CCS fast charging (up to 90 kW) (Totem GT Electric). The carbon-fiber body, weighing just 209 pounds, enhances performance while retaining the Giulia’s iconic lines. The interior blends vintage charm with modern amenities, featuring premium leather and digital displays.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 590 HP |
| Torque | 900 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 2.9 seconds |
| Range | 500 km |
| Battery | 81 kWh, 352 kg |
| Charging | Type 2 (6.6 kW), CCS (90 kW) |
| Weight | 1,490 kg |
For those who crave the visceral thrill of a combustion engine, the GT Super is powered by a 2.8L V6 twin-turbo engine, producing 600 horsepower (up to 740 HP in Stage 2) and 700 Nm of torque. It achieves 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, paired with a manual 6-speed gearbox for an engaging drive (Autoevolution). At 1,180 kg, its lightweight carbon-fiber construction ensures agility. The GT Super’s design pays homage to the Giulia GT while offering bespoke customization options.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 600 HP (up to 740 HP) |
| Torque | 700 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h |
| Transmission | Manual 6-speed |
| Weight | 1,180 kg |
The GTA modificata is the pinnacle of Totem’s lineup, limited to five units. This track-focused beast features a 3.2L V6 twin-turbo engine with 810 horsepower and 730 Nm of torque, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and exceeding 300 km/h (Quattroruote). Its sequential 6-speed gearbox and 1,095 kg weight make it a formidable performer. The wide-body carbon-fiber design and Pirelli Trofeo R tires ensure maximum grip, making it a collector’s dream.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 810 HP |
| Torque | 730 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 2.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | >300 km/h |
| Transmission | Sequential 6-speed |
| Weight | 1,095 kg |
Totem’s restomods start with an original Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Junior (1970s), but only 10% of the donor car remains, primarily the bulkhead, which is merged with a carbon-fiber monocoque for the passenger cell (Motor Authority). The body, also carbon fiber, reduces weight while enhancing strength and rigidity. This approach allows Totem to modernize the Giulia’s structure without compromising its classic silhouette.
The GT Electric features a “DNA” system for managing power through three efficiency settings: Dynamic, Normal, and Advance Efficiency, ensuring versatility (Totem GT Electric). The GT Super and GTA modificata use advanced V6 engines developed by Italtecnica, with dry-sump systems for optimal performance (Motor1). Suspension systems include manually adjustable Bilstein dampers, enhancing handling precision.
Totem offers extensive customization, allowing customers to tailor paint, interiors, and performance specifications. The online configurator enables enthusiasts to design their dream car, from unique color schemes to bespoke leather interiors. This bespoke approach ensures each vehicle is a unique reflection of its owner’s vision.
The GT Electric has been praised for its stunning design and powerful electric motor, though some reviewers note areas for improvement in damping and traction control (Top Gear). Henry Catchpole described the GT Super as “a spicy arrabiatta sauce that kicks you in the mouth,” emphasizing its raw power and engaging drive. The GTA modificata, unveiled at the 2024 Geneva International Motor Show, was lauded for its track-ready performance.
On platforms like Reddit, opinions are mixed. Some enthusiasts admire Totem’s innovative approach, appreciating the non-Porsche restomod and the aesthetic appeal. Others criticize the extensive modifications, arguing that the carbon tub and V6 engines deviate too far from the original Giulia’s bialbero engine, with some questioning the use of old VINs to bypass emissions regulations.
The GT Electric offers smooth throttle calibration and precise steering but can feel less connected due to its silent electric powertrain. In contrast, the GT Super’s V6 engine provides a visceral experience, appealing to traditionalists. The GTA modificata’s extreme performance is tailored for track enthusiasts, offering unmatched acceleration and grip.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, introduced in 1965, is a legend among Alfisti for its racing success and Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed aesthetics. Totem’s restomods preserve this heritage by retaining the Giulia’s iconic silhouette while enhancing performance to modern standards. The use of Alfa Romeo badges on early prototypes underscores this connection (Motor1).
Totem caters to both traditionalists and modern enthusiasts. The GT Electric appeals to those embracing sustainable mobility, offering instant torque and zero emissions. The GT Super and GTA modificata satisfy purists who crave the sound and feel of a high-performance V6 engine, delivering an analog driving experience that evokes the 1960s racing era (Totem Automobili).
By combining meticulous craftsmanship with advanced technology, Totem ensures that each car is a worthy successor to the original Giulia GTA. For Alfisti, owning a Totem vehicle is not just about performance but about possessing a piece of automotive art that celebrates Italian design and engineering excellence.
While many admire Totem’s craftsmanship, some purists argue that the extensive modifications, retaining only 10% of the original car, deviate too far from the Giulia’s essence. The use of modern V6 engines instead of the original bialbero engine has sparked debate among Alfisti, highlighting a tension between innovation and authenticity.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, launched in 1965, was a homologation special designed for racing. Its lightweight construction (GTA stands for “Gran Turismo Alleggerita,” meaning lightened) and powerful engine made it a dominant force in motorsport, winning numerous championships. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone, its sleek lines and compact dimensions became iconic (Top Gear Alfa Romeo). Totem’s restomods pay homage to this legacy, updating the Giulia for the 21st century while retaining its soul.
Totem’s manufacturing process is a blend of art and science. Starting with a 1970s Giulia GT Junior, the car is disassembled, with only the bulkhead retained for homologation purposes. A carbon-fiber monocoque is crafted, and the body is redesigned using advanced 3D modeling, with support from partners like CAMAL Studio (CAMAL Studio). Each vehicle undergoes approximately 6,000 hours of work, ensuring unparalleled quality. The process is highly collaborative, involving engineers, craftsmen, and suppliers to achieve perfection.
Totem Automobili is poised to expand its influence in the high-end automotive market. With only 40 units planned for the GT Electric and GT Super combined, and five for the GTA modificata, exclusivity is guaranteed (Driving.ca). Recent unveilings, like the one-off Hestia with 640 horsepower, demonstrate Totem’s ability to innovate (Motor1 Hestia). As the automotive industry shifts towards sustainability, Totem’s dual offerings of electric and combustion models position it as a versatile player.
Totem Automobili stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, where the timeless beauty of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA meets the exhilarating performance of modern technology. For Alfisti, Totem’s creations offer a unique opportunity to experience a beloved classic in a form that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. By preserving Italian automotive heritage while pushing the boundaries of engineering, Totem is not just building cars but crafting legacies that will inspire generations of car enthusiasts.
