Pop-Up Headlights Are So Back! Bertone's New Sports Car Wears 'Em Loud and Proud

The Runabout model will arrive in mid-2026 with a mid-mounted V-6 gas engine producing more than 400 horsepower.

When it's not busy keeping Lamborghini's V-10 alive in new bespoke supercars like the recent GB110, design outfit Bertone is apparently hard at work crafting other bespoke models from its fever dreams. Now there's this, mid-engine, V-6-powered open-top Runabout, making more than 400 horsepower and coming in multiple charming flavors. Most importantly, perhaps, is the fact that it's trying to bring back pop-up headlights, and it looks very good doing so. Here's what we know about this 2026-destined project so far.

2026 Bertone Runabout 6

Given the nature of pedestrian impact rules and regulations squeezing out pop-up headlights in most markets, we're curious how Bertone plans to get away with this. For one, only 25 examples of the Runabout will be built, which might help it qualify for some sort of limited-volume safety loophole. The other probability is that the new Runabout simply won't be sold in most markets, since there's only going to be 25 of them, so we wouldn't be shocked to learn there's no deliveries to America, but we're not sure yet.

2026 Bertone Runabout 10

There will be two configurations on offer: a Barchetta and a Targa; the Targa comes with a bigger windshield and a removable hard top. There will be three color profiles available, including Rame Antico (a sort-of copper-looking color), Azzurro Mediterraneo (a blue), or Bianco Perla (a pearlescent ivory shade).

2026 Bertone Runabout 8

The design of the new Bertone Runabout is simply stunning, with a cleverly integrated DRL bar at the front of the nose, a distinctive profile with the L-shape of the body and a dramatically strong and bold lower defining line. At the rear are two circular taillights mounted in thick wedges of the body, with what's likely ventilation for the mid-mounted V-6 coming out of the rear holes in the back panel. That V-6 is said to be good for 460 hp total.

Bertone calls the vaguely 1970s-esque Runabout a "neo-retro masterpiece," supposedly beginning a new chapter for the bespoke automaker in that it'll be the first in a series of a new Bertone Classic Collection. Pre-orders for the Runabout are open now, and it's expected to be delivered beginning mid-2026 for a starting price of 350,000 Euros, or roughly $369,000 at current exchange rates.