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Iso Grifo 90
The Iso Grifo 90 one-off designed by Marcello Gandini.
Vehicle Overview
The Iso Grifo 90 was unveiled in June 1991 near Modena, marking a bold attempt to revive the iconic Iso marque by Piero Rivolta, son of the company’s founder Renzo Rivolta, and Piero Sala. This ambitious project aimed to bring the Iso name back into the spotlight with a modern interpretation of the classic Grifo concept, blending advanced engineering with nostalgic design elements. The Iso Grifo 90 was powered by a front-mounted, turbocharged 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 engine, which had been tuned by Callaway to produce an impressive 440 bhp. This powerful engine drove the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, promising a top speed of nearly 300 km/h and an acceleration time of just 4.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. The choice of a front-engine layout was a deliberate nod to the original Iso Grifo, setting it apart from other supercars of the era like the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Diablo, which favored mid-engine configurations. The Grifo 90 featured an aluminum body mounted on a tubular steel chassis frame, a design that combined lightweight construction with robust performance. The suspension system utilized double wishbones and disc brakes on all four corners, ensuring precise handling and strong stopping power. The car’s aerodynamics were carefully refined, with a drag coefficient of just 0.31, contributing to its high-speed capabilities. The design of the Iso Grifo 90 was the work of the legendary Marcello Gandini, known for his contributions to many iconic supercars. The sleek, modern lines of the Grifo 90 were crafted from plastic, giving the car a distinctive appearance while maintaining a connection to its heritage. The bodywork, characterized by sharp angles and a low, aggressive stance, was a modern interpretation of the classic Grifo’s design language. Despite the excitement generated by its debut, the Iso Grifo 90 project never advanced beyond the prototype stage. Only one non-functioning specimen was ever built, finished in striking yellow, which was displayed at various automotive exhibitions to gauge public interest. Although there were initial plans to begin series production in 1993, these plans were ultimately shelved. One of the main reasons cited for the project’s cancellation was the projected purchase price of £100,000, which limited potential buyer interest. The Iso Grifo 90 remains a fascinating “what could have been” in the world of supercars, embodying the ambitious spirit of Piero Rivolta and his desire to rekindle the legacy of Iso.
Technical Specifications
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Body
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Year1991
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MakeIso Rivolta
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ModelGrifo 90
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CoachbuilderGandini
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Length (mm)N/A
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Units built1
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Engine Typenone
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DESIGNERN/A
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