The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Bugatti EB 118 is the first concept car developed by Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.. The 2-door coupé was presented at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. Bugatti commissioned the design of the EB 118 to Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign. The EB 118 is powered by a W18 engine and has permanent four wheel drive.
The Bugatti EB118, a striking creation by Italdesign Giugiaro, pays homage to the iconic Bugatti models of the past, particularly drawing inspiration from the 1931 Type 50 and the 57SC Atlantic. Unveiled with grandeur at the 1998 Paris Auto Show, this conceptual masterpiece left an indelible mark on automotive enthusiasts. A distinctive feature of the EB118 is its longitudinal rib, a nod to the Atlantic’s defining longitudinal body seam. This subtle yet significant design element adds a touch of nostalgia while seamlessly integrating the elegance of Bugatti’s historical lineage with modern aesthetics. The unveiling in Paris was met with awe and anticipation, setting the stage for the EB118 to make further appearances on the global stage. Continuing its showcase, Bugatti presented the EB118 alongside its four-door counterpart, the Bugatti EB 218, at both the Geneva Auto Show and the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with enthusiasts and experts alike marveling at the fusion of classic Bugatti charm and cutting-edge design elements. The presence of the EB118 at these prestigious events solidified its status as a remarkable concept car, captivating the automotive world with its allure. It’s worth noting that the EB118 wasn’t the first collaboration between Bugatti and Italdesign. In previous instances, Giugiaro had unveiled the ID90 and the EB112, further cementing the partnership’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. Despite the EB118 being production-ready, Bugatti took a different direction. The company shifted its focus towards a sports car based on the 18/3 Chiron concept car, introduced in 1999. This strategic decision meant that the EB118, despite its readiness for the market, remained a concept car and never materialized into a production model. Nevertheless, its legacy endures as a testament to Bugatti’s commitment to innovation and reverence for its storied history.
The 90s was not exactly a golden age for Bugatti. The brand rolled out just one production car under Romano Artioli, who took over in 1987. But hold up—Bugatti wasn’t short on wild ideas. They dreamed up some seriously awesome concept cars, even if they never hit the road. It’s a shame because there were at least four models that were so cool they made you wonder: why didn’t Bugatti build these? Let’s start with their actual production car, the EB 110.
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.
When the Bugatti EB112 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1993, its design and engineering caused quite a stir. It managed to establish a brand new segment for ultra-luxurious Grand Tourisme vehicles, showcasing Bugatti’s unrivaled heritage and commitment to innovative technologies.
