Marcello Gandini's Bugatti EB110 Design of the 1990s

Other Proposal - The name Bugatti resonates with luxury, innovation, and unmatched engineering in the automotive world. Yet, even this iconic brand has faced challenging times. One such period of revitalization occurred in the early 1990s. This pivotal moment, initially proposed by Ferruccio Lamborghini, was brought to life by Romano Artioli alongside Paolo Stanzini, marking a significant chapter in Bugatti's storied history.

The Marcello Gandini' proposal design for the Bugatti EB110 of the 1990s named Bugatti DMD80 Concept. (Picture from: Carrozzieri Italiani)

Artioli, with his visionary approach, formed Bugatti Automobili S.p.A., a company destined to restore the Bugatti name to its former glory. To achieve this ambitious goal, he gathered an extraordinary team of experts, all united by a common goal: to create a supercar that would honor the Bugatti legacy.

The Gandini's Bugatti DMD80 Concept has a classic wedge shape that concealed a number of aerodynamic tricks up its sleeves. (Picture from: RareComponentCar)

Among these talents was Paolo Stanzini, a legendary engineer whose work on the Lamborghini Miura, Espada, and Countach had already earned him a stellar reputation. Stanzini became the technical director of Bugatti Automobili S.p.A., guiding the development of the new supercar's chassis. The engineering prowess of Tecnostile, led by Tiziano Benedetti, Achille Bevini, and Oliviero Pedrazzi, also played a crucial role. This team had been instrumental in the chassis and engine development of the Lamborghini Miura, adding their expertise to the project.

The Gandini's Bugatti DMD80 Concept was originally built with an aluminum honeycomb chassis but later redesigned with carbon fiber. (Picture from: RareComponentCar)

In 1987, work began on what would become the Bugatti EB110. The development of the car’s chassis and mechanics involved not only engineering brilliance but also the creative input of some of the most renowned designers and styling houses in the automotive world. ITAL Design, Bertone, Paolo Martin and Marcello Gandini were among those invited to propose designs. In the end, Artioli's company chose Gandini's design, setting the stage for a new era in Bugatti's history.

The Gandini's Bugatti DMD80 Concept has deep recesses in the nose of the car provided airflow to elements of the cooling systems. (Picture from: RareComponentCar)

The EB110 was initially built with an aluminum honeycomb chassis but was later redesigned with cutting-edge carbon fiber technology. At the heart of the EB110 was a bespoke 3.5-liter V12 engine, featuring four turbochargers, which generated an impressive 550 bhp. This immense power was delivered through a 6-speed manual gearbox and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. These innovations allowed the EB110 to achieve a top speed of 221 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, extraordinary figures for its time.

The Gandini's Bugatti DMD80 Concept fitted also double fan-assisted rear diffuser aided in road-holding. (Picture from: RareComponentCar)

Gandini's initial design for the EB110 featured a classic wedge shape, a design that cleverly integrated aerodynamic features under the guise of the Bugatti DMD80 Concept. The car's nose had deep recesses that directed airflow to various cooling components, while a double fan-assisted rear diffuser enhanced road stability. An active rear spoiler, which deployed at high speeds, further underscored the car's advanced engineering.

The Gandini's Bugatti DMD80 Concept has also an "active" spoiler at the rear which rose above the deck while it run at high speed. (Picture from: RareComponentCar)

The EB110's design was clean and somewhat aggressive, reflecting Gandini's flair for creating striking, memorable vehicles. During the development, four prototypes of the EB110 were built, each showcasing Gandini's signature scissor doors and undergoing extensive testing.

However, despite Gandini's remarkable work, Romano Artioli was not entirely satisfied with the car's angular aesthetics, particularly the shovel nose and flared rear wheel arches. He requested revisions, leading Gandini to produce a second version with softer lines, updated headlights, and altered rear wheel arches. This revised design bore some resemblance to the Maserati Chubasco of 1991.

The Bugatti DMD80 Concept is clothed in Gandini' style of the uniqueness scissor-door types and went through extensive testing in that form. (Picture from: RareComponentCar)

Despite these changes, Artioli remained unconvinced, leading to Gandini's eventual departure from the project. The EB110’s final design would not bear Gandini's direct influence. Instead, Artioli turned to Gianpaolo Benedini, an architect known for designing the Bugatti "Blue Factory" in Campogalliano. Benedini was tasked with refining the EB110’s design to meet Artioli’s expectations.

The final version of the EB110 featured significant changes, such as replacing the network of cooling slots on the bonnet with ducts in the front fenders. These ducts led to the large fixed headlights, replacing the pop-up lights of earlier prototypes. Small horseshoe-shaped vents, a nod to Bugatti’s heritage, were added to the front fascia, unique pill-shaped vents and lighting were introduced at the rear.

The 2nd iteration of the Bugatti DMD80 Concept done by Marcello Gandini with softer lines, revised head and taillights and slightly different proportions for the rear wheel arches. (Picture from: RareComponentCar)

This redesign marked a notable moment in automotive history, not only for Bugatti but also for Gandini, whose designs had been altered twice by clients—first with the Bugatti EB110 and later with the Lamborghini Diablo under Chrysler's ownership. However, Gandini found solace in the Cizeta V16T, a supercar born from his original Diablo design, which became one of the most radical cars of the early 90s.

This marked as the first of two occasions that Marcello Gandini's designs were ignored by his clients. The same thing happened during the development of the Lamborghini's supercar that would become known as Lamborghini Diablo when the company under the Chrysler's ownership. By employing internal staff, they also revised Gandini's design. 

The Bugatti EB110 production version (in the middle) is flanked by the four prototypes of the Gandini's Bugatti DMD80 Concept. (Picture from: RareComponentCar)

On September 15, 1991, Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. unveiled the Bugatti EB110 in its final form at Versailles and in front of the Grande Arche de la Défense in Paris, commemorating the 110th anniversary of Ettore Bugatti's birth. Despite its groundbreaking design and engineering, the company faced financial difficulties and was liquidated in 1995 after producing only 139 units of the EB110, with a few additional cars made in carbon fiber by Dauer of Germany.

The closure of Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. might have signaled the end of the brand's story, but it did not diminish its allure. In 2000, the German automotive giant Volkswagen Group acquired Bugatti, bringing the legendary brand back to life. Under Volkswagen's stewardship, Bugatti has produced some of the most extraordinary supercars ever seen, continuing the legacy of innovation and excellence that Ettore Bugatti envisioned. Today, the Bugatti name stands as a symbol of unparalleled craftsmanship, speed, and luxury—an enduring legacy that would undoubtedly bring a smile to Ettore Bugatti's face. *** [EKA [19122021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES |  RARECOMPONENTCARS | CARROZZIERI ITALIANI ]

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