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A major Chinese automaker marked the opening of its first design studio in Europe with a striking concept vehicle.

But although the sports car is unique, you\\u2019d need eye protection to take it on the road.

GAC Group, the fifth-largest automaker in China, surprised attendees at a ceremony to launch its Milan advanced design center with the GAC Barchetta, a maroon electric roadster that the company said combined elements of an earlier GAC concept sedan with an homage to Italian sports cars from the 1970s.

To others, however, it might look more like a large warehouse robot.

The Barchetta\\u2019s ultra-minimalist design features a flattened chassis and compact batteries, a sleek exterior made entirely of aluminum, and a simplified interior \\u2014 with just a steering wheel and a few other components.

The vehicle\\u2019s two seats, made from recycled materials, are suspended from a lightweight shell, and Auto Evolution also noted that the car features wheels with a hollow interior and anchored by triangular steel bars.

The concept car is likely most noteworthy, however, for what\\u2019s not there: the Barchetta doesn\\u2019t have a roof or a windshield. Its interior is instead protected by a panel hidden in the dashboard that slides over the seats while the car isn\\u2019t in use.

Because it's just a concept, the automaker didn\\u2019t disclose any details on performance or battery range. The company instead said it hopes the project reflects its vision for a greener future that mixes new concepts with conventional car culture.

It also highlights GAC\\u2019s ambitions for its Milan design hub: the company wants to foster new engineering talent and ideas while bridging the best ideas from both Europe and China.

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