Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The Bugatti DMD80: Marcello Gandini’s proposal for the EB110.
The Bugatti DMD80 is a design proposal from Marcello Gandini for the Bugatti EB110. In 1989, Bugatti sent chassis drawings for the future EB110 to four Italian design firms: Paolo Martin, Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign, Bertone, and Marcello Gandini. Engineer Paolo Stanzani provided specific guidelines for the design: the car should have compact dimensions (4.10 meters in length) and a lengthwise, compact engine configuration to accommodate the integration of the six-speed gearbox parallel to the engine block. Stanzani also devised several aerodynamic techniques to ensure the car had substantial grip. One such method involved directing the air stream under the front of the car, where it was used for radiator cooling, and then extracting it through a large rear diffuser. This approach aimed to enhance the car’s stability and cooling efficiency. Marcello Gandini’s first concept proposal for the Bugatti EB110 was the Bugatti DMD80. Gandini, known for his sharp and angular designs, initially presented a vision that aligned closely with his previous works, which included iconic Lamborghini models. However, Romano Artioli, who was leading Bugatti at the time, was not satisfied with Gandini’s proposal, feeling it resembled another Lamborghini too closely. Despite this, Gandini’s proposal laid the groundwork for the final design of the EB110. The design was subsequently modified by Giampaolo Benedini, who refined Gandini’s initial concept into the production version of the EB110, blending Gandini’s aggressive lines with a more distinctive and unique Bugatti aesthetic. The Bugatti DMD80 thus represents an essential step in the development of the EB110, showcasing the collaborative and iterative process that ultimately led to the creation of one of the most celebrated supercars of the 1990s.
In the world of high-performance automobiles, few cars command as much intrigue as the Bugatti EB110. Brought to life by Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli, the EB110 was a groundbreaking effort to revive the storied Bugatti name. Combining avant-garde engineering, meticulous design, and theatrical presentation, it was a car that set new benchmarks for what a supercar could achieve—both on paper and in practice.
The Bugatti ID 90 stands as a testament to the visionary work of Giorgetto Giugiaro. Unveiled at the 63rd International Car Show in Turin, this concept car was more than just a futuristic representation; it was a bold exploration of form and function, drawing inspiration from the technical drawings of Bugatti mechanics published in the late 1980s.
