Bugatti EB 112 (ItalDesign) (1993)
The first extra deluxe Bugatti saloon by Giugiaro: the classic lines of the historical French manufacturer reinterpreted with creative freshness and sinuous movement.
The research that led to the creation of the EB 112 arose out of a close analysis of Bugatti saloons of the past in order to fully appreciate the creative genius behind them and recover the aesthetic and functional starting points required to convey the same expressive force.
The influence of formal retro hints is evident, particularly from models of the 1920s and 1930s, such as the Atlantic, the Tipo 55 2 door and the Tipo 32 Tank and 57 Tank.
Great luxury was also evident inside the passenger compartment, created using leather and walnut but without renouncing high-tech equipment such as a videotape system and small monitor positioned in the dashboard in front of the passenger.
The engine was located in a front mid position, in other words within the wheelbase and not straddling the axle. This achieved the effective balancing of weight that gave the EB 112 its superior stability and handling.
The transmission was permanent four-wheel drive and the aspirated engine was derived from the unit fitted to the EB 110: a 6000 cc V12 with five valve heads.
The result of cutting-edge technology with an aluminium body and carbon chassis never before fitted on a car of this type, the EB 112 set out to be an authentic Bugatti, that encapsulated the dual vocation of the great brand with its association with top-class saloons and sports cars.
Source: ItalDesign
The design of the EB112 was developed by ItalDesign (including the technical part) and Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The length was 5090mm, width 1950mm, height 1385mm, wheelbase 3100mm. Trunk volume 385 liters. The mass of the machine is 1800kg, the weight distribution along the axis is 53%/47%. The engine is located inside the wheelbase, after the front axle, the chassis elements are made of carbon fiber, and the body panels are made of aluminum alloy.
Motor – newly designed aluminum V12 5994cc, 60 valves, DOHC 455hp/590Nm, 6-speed manual (!!!) gearbox, full-time four-wheel drive with chain drive to the front wheels 40%/60%.
The head chassis designer was Ferrari engineer Mauro Forghieri. Suspension of all wheels – independent, lever-spring with pneumatic elements to compensate for the load. The suspension was made on subframes to reduce vibration and noise. Brakes of all wheels disk with ABS. Steering – rack and pinion with hydraulic booster. Both a sports (more powerful version) and a fully controlled chassis were planned (!!!).
Dynamic parameters: – maximum speed 300 km/h, acceleration time to 100 km/h 4.4s. Fuel consumption from 12-25l/100km.
The salon was equipped with a climate control system, a stereo system, monitors for passengers, aluminum, wood and high-quality leather were present in the decoration.
Serial production was planned, since 1995 300 copies, but only 2 prototypes were built in 1993-1994 and three copies in 1997-1998.
After testing and fine-tuning prototypes, the company simply ran out of money, which was so necessary for pre-production. In September 1995, Automobili Bugatti SpA stopped work and was declared bankrupt.
The rights to the brand went to the Volkswagen concern, but that’s a completely different story …