Bugatti EB110: These days blistering hypercar like the Chiron or Veyron are the first thing that spring to mind when you think about Bugatti. But few people remember that Bugatti was in danger of going extinct in the late 1980 and early 1990. Nevertheless during that difficult period the business produced the first quad turbocharged supercar one of the most remarkable technical feats in automotive history.
The Italian Renaissance of Bugatti
Roman Artoli an Italian businessman, purchased the Bugatti rights in 1987. What did he see? to revitalize the venerable French brand, move it to Italy and develop a cutting-edge supercar capable of competing with anything on the planet. Plans were in motion by 1989. To assist realize this vision, Artoli brought in legendary engineers Paolo Stanzani and veteran Lamborghini designer Marcello Gandini.
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The outcome was the Bugatti EB110 a vehicle that had a unique appearance and sound for its era. Its 3.5-liter quad turbo V12 engine ensured that it supported its daring look and its wedge-shaped, mid-engine design screamed performance.
EB110 Specs That Still Impress
- 3.5L quad-turbo V12 engine
- 553–603 horsepower
- 412 lb-ft of torque
- From 0 to 60 mph, 3.2 second (EB110 SS)
- 221 mile per hour is the maximum speed.
The EB110 came in two main variation:
- The EB110 GT is a road-oriented vehicle with a speed-sensitive rear wing.
- EB110 SS: This track-focused car is lighter thanks to carbon-fiber panel a fixed rear wing and more aggressive vents.
Even by today standard the only cars that could rival the EB110 SS at the time were legends like the McLaren F1.
Why Quad-Turbos?
Quad-turbos weren’t just for show—they were a necessity. The 3.5L V12 initially lacked the power to qualify as a hypercar by early ‘90s standards. Four turbocharger allowed the engine to deliver unprecedented performance, bridging the gap between engineering ambition and real world speed.
Turbulence Behind the Scenes
Reviving a brand like Bugatti wasn’t smooth sailing. Artoli vision clashed with Gandini and Stanzani’s more avant-garde ideas. What could have been an all-wheel-drive monster ended up more luxury-focused, prompting both Gandini and Stanzani to leave. Artoli then brought in Nicola Materazzi, but even he departed in 1992.
A Famous Owner
The EB110 attract racing legend like Michael Schumacher who from 1994 until 2003 owned a vivid yellow EB110 SS. The car was repaired even after Schumacher crashed it once and it continues to stand as a testament to Bugatti bold inventiveness.
The Fall and the Revival
Despite the EB110’s brilliance, financial mismanagement and overambition led to Artoli’s Bugatti filing for bankruptcy. But the EB110’s legacy didn’t die. When Volkswagen Group purchased Bugatti, they returned the brand to its French roots and carried forward the quad-turbo concept into the Veyron and later the Chiron.
Today, the EB110 is remembered not only as the world’s first quad-turbo car but also as the supercar that saved an iconic brand—at least in spirit.
FAQs
Q: What was unique about the EB110?
A: It was the world first supercar with a quad turbo V12 that produce amazing acceleration and speed for its time.
Q: Who created the EB110?
A: Paolo Stanzani provide engineering assistance to Marcello Gandini original design which Nicola Materazzi later refined.
Q: After the EB110 what happened to Bugatti?
A: The EB110 project was put on hold because to financial difficulties but the Volkswagen Group revive Bugatti and developed the Veyron and Chiron to carry on the quad turbo tradition.
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