Riccardo Quaggio - Totem Automobili

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: 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices