Itala 35 debuts to mark revival of defunct Italian brand – GAC GS3 Emzoom-based SUV restyled by Italdesign

Itala, an Italian brand that was founded in 1904 and went defunct in 1934, has returned after a 92-year absence. Resurrected by DR Automobiles Group, which purchased the rights to the brand in 2025, the first model to mark the brand’s relaunch is this, the Itala 35. This is one of three Itala cars coming to market, with others being the Itala 56 (midsize five-seat SUV) and Itala 61 (seven-seater).

For some backstory on DR Automobiles Group, the company was established in 2006 and its main business is selling rebadged vehicles from Chinese automakers. The Itala 35 is no exception, with its foundation being the GAC Trumpchi GS3, which we know here as the GS3 Emzoom.

Measuring 4,410 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,600 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, the Itala 35’s dimensions are identical to the GAC model it is based on. Also carried over is the engine, which is a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four rated at 170 PS (168 hp or 125 kW) and 270 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels.

While the bones and heart are familiar, the exterior of the Itala 35 looks notably different than its Chinese counterpart. Italdesign is responsible for what you see here, with the company saying “the intervention focused primarily on the front and rear ends, with a complete redesign of all non-structural plastic parts.”

Starting at the front, the Itala 35 gets a Seat-style grille at the front with the Itala script located on a trim piece just ahead of the bonnet shut line. There’s also a new bumper featuring a more discreet lower intake and fog lamp surrounds, joined by a rounded lip.

Elsewhere, the Itala 35 gets its own tailgate with a creased section between the taillights that accommodates another brand script. The lower apron at the rear also gets revised with contrasting trim in a different profile. The only things that Italdesign did not alter but integrated into the final design are the lighting units, which are carried over wholesale.

As for the interior, it retains many of the GAC’s engagement points (screens and physical controls), but the atmosphere is made to feel more premium thanks to the extensive use of leather sourced from Italian tanneries as well as Alcantara produced in Italy.

Inside the cabin, the atmosphere is distinctly premium, thanks to the extensive use of leather sourced from Italian tanneries and Alcantara materials produced and upholstered in Italy, alongside a technology package featuring a 10.25-inch display. The styling stands out through a large chrome-detailed grille, full LED headlights, and an openable panoramic roof framed by gloss-black pillars that create an elegant two-tone effect.

The Itala 35 comes with a 20-inch wheels that are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres – the Italian tyre brand has a history going racing with Itala. Other items in the kit list include an ADAS suite, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, six speakers, a wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a powered tailgate, a powered driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, six airbags and a 360-degree camera.

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