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A Closer Look21 July 2024 by Andreas 331 Viewed

The Fiat Bravo Concept Cars

fiat bravo concept cars

When Fiat launched the Bravo in 1996, the Turin-based automaker invited Italian coachbuilders to showcase their own coupe interpretations of the vehicle at the Turin Motor Show. This followed the tradition set by the Cinquecento and the Punto. The show became the perfect stage to witness the ingenuity and creativity of Italian designers, with 25 concept cars making their debut, 17 of which were based on the new Fiat models. Among these, ten were ‘official’ sponsored by Fiat and displayed as a group—while seven were ‘unofficial,’ the result of independent interpretations by various coachbuilders. The ‘official’ section featured five coupes, two compact minivans, a four-door pickup, a recreational vehicle, and a special taxi. In this article, we will explore the most fascinating concepts based on the Fiat Bravo, revealing how each coachbuilder infused their unique style to transform a production car into a work of art on wheels. These were the Fiat Bravo Concept Cars:

Bertone Enduro

The Fiat Enduro by Bertone redefined the SUV concept by adapting the Bravo chassis for off-road use. With its four-wheel drive, elevated ground clearance, and rugged design, the Enduro was built to tackle tough terrain while maintaining a sporty, compact appearance. The 2000 cc engine delivered 147 horsepower, ensuring strong performance. Bertone’s focus on off-road capability also led to the creation of the Enduro-Raid variant for rally racing, showcasing its versatility.

Boneschi Taxi-Help

Following the Baby-Taxi based on the Fiat Cinquecento presented in 1992, Boneschi’s Taxi-Help built on the Fiat Bravo chassis to create a spacious and accessible taxi designed specifically for disabled passengers. This large cabin concept featured extensive glass surfaces and windows, ensuring a bright and airy interior. The design emphasized ease of access and comfort, making it an innovative solution for improving mobility and inclusivity in urban transportation.

Coggiola Sentiero

Carrozzeria Coggiola’s Fiat Brava Sentiero presented a fresh take on vehicle design by blending practicality with style. This concept was designed to offer a versatile alternative to traditional pickups, featuring seating for five and a spacious cargo area. The Sentiero stood out with its off-road bumpers, which added a rugged edge while maintaining its passenger-friendly design. Coggiola’s proposal highlighted the potential of adapting the Brava platform to create a vehicle that combined traditional comfort with enhanced functionality, showcasing their innovative approach to automotive design.

Fioravanti Flair

The Fiat Bravo Flair by Fioravanti was a bold exploration in aerodynamic design. Named “Flair” for “fluid air,” it focused on optimizing aerodynamics to improve driving dynamics and efficiency. Building on previous studies, the Flair featured advanced aerodynamic brakes that deploy automatically at high speeds to enhance braking performance. Its sleek 2+2 coupe design included transparent engine hood surfaces, a retractable wiper system, and a deployable front spoiler. The Flair also used a high-intensity LED rear strip and replaced side mirrors with rear-facing cameras, showcasing Fioravanti’s innovative approach to blending aerodynamics with style.

Giannini Windsurf

When Fiat launched the Bravo in 1996, the Turin-based automaker invited Italian coachbuilders to showcase their own coupe interpretations of the vehicle at the Turin Motor Show. This followed the tradition set by the Cinquecento and the Punto. The show became the perfect stage to witness the ingenuity and creativity of Italian designers, with 25 concept cars making their debut, 17 of which were based on the new Fiat models. Among these, ten were ‘official’ sponsored by Fiat and displayed as a group—while seven were ‘unofficial,’ the result of independent interpretations by various coachbuilders. The ‘official’ section featured five coupes, two compact minivans, a four-door pickup, a recreational vehicle, and a special taxi. In this article, we will explore the most fascinating concepts based on the Fiat Bravo, revealing how each coachbuilder infused their unique style to transform a production car into a work of art on wheels.

I.DE.A Vuscia

The Fiat Bravo Vuscià by I.DE.A Institute, designed by Justyn Norek, featured a lengthened wheelbase and an overall length of 4.45 meters. This versatile concept could seat up to six passengers or provide a generous cargo area for two. Its design emphasized spaciousness and adaptability, making it ideal for modern leisure use. Despite its practical features, the Vuscià’s slim snout and overall appearance were not universally praised for their beauty. Reintroduced in 2003 under the Chinese brand Changan as the Jiexun, the Vuscià’s innovative design demonstrated its lasting appeal and practicality.

Italdesign Formula Legram

The Fiat Bravo Formula Legram by Italdesign was an elegant 4-seater coupé designed to complement the Formula 4 and Formula Hammer. Italdesign’s proposal featured smooth, 1960s-inspired lines and achieved a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.255. The design paid homage to the Fiat Bravo and Brava, with a distinctive grille and integrated light clusters combining indicators, high beams, low beams, and fog lights into a single element.

Maggiora Armadillo

The Fiat Bravo Armadillo, designed by Centro Stile Fiat and Maggiora, featured a unique 3+2 seating configuration, a flat interior floor, and a low drag coefficient of 0.17. This mini-MPV aimed at urban mobility combined a friendly aesthetic with practical design. The spacious interior and versatile layout catered to city dwellers, making it suitable for daily commutes and small family outings. The aerodynamic efficiency of the Armadillo improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, showcasing how thoughtful design and engineering can create a practical and environmentally friendly city car.

Pininfarina Sing / Song

The Fiat Sing and Fiat Song, both designed by Pininfarina on the Fiat Bravo chassis, highlighted distinct styles. The Sing offered a sporty look with aerodynamic lines, a bold front, and performance enhancements like a tuned suspension. Its interior combined advanced technology with a driver-focused design.

Zagato Bravo Bis

The Fiat Bravo Bis, designed by Zagato, reimagined the SUV Coupe genre with a stylish blend of retro and modern design. Drawing inspiration from the classic Fiat 8V rather than the Tipo-based coupe or earlier Fiat models, the Bravo Bis featured sleek, aerodynamic lines highlighted by a sophisticated silver paint job. A distinctive off-road touch came from the covered spare tire mounted on the back, enhancing its rugged appeal. Additionally, the tail lights were sourced from the original Fiat Bravo, linking the concept to its heritage while emphasizing its retro theme.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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In the vibrant landscape of automotive history, certain vehicles stand as beacons of ingenuity and design. Among these legends resides the Autobianchi Runabout, a concept car that emerged from the creative minds of Bertone and Marcello Gandini in 1969 unveiled at the Turin Auto Salon. It was a time when the automotive world was ripe with experimentation and bold ideas, and the Runabout encapsulated the essence of this era perfectly.

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Bugatti EB110

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.

Who Is Romano Artioli?

Romano Artioli is a visionary entrepreneur and car enthusiast who played a pivotal role in the revival of the Bugatti brand. Born in the Province of Mantua, he grew up in Bolzano, where he established himself as a key figure in the luxury and performance automotive world. In the 1980s, he managed the largest Ferrari dealership in the world, expanding his reach into northern and southern Germany.

Artioli’s expertise extended beyond Italian exotics. He entered the business of importing Japanese cars through his company Autexpò, which in 1982 became the first official importer of Suzuki vehicles in Italy. This venture bolstered his business acumen and financial resources, laying the groundwork for larger ambitions.

Bugatti EB110

A passionate admirer of Bugatti, Artioli joined forces with Ferruccio Lamborghini and Paolo Stanzani to resurrect the legendary French marque. Leveraging their credibility and Stanzani’s industrial expertise, Artioli negotiated with the French government, which controlled the Bugatti brand at the time. In 1987, he successfully acquired the rights to Bugatti, forming the Bugatti International holding company, with Jan-Krister Breitfeld as president.

The same year, Artioli and Stanzani co-founded Bugatti Automobili S.p.A., with Stanzani acting as sole administrator and technical director. Initially, Artioli took a backseat, not assuming a direct managerial role until 1990, when he became president of the company. However, deep-seated disagreements over business strategy led to Stanzani’s departure just as the Bugatti EB110 prototypes were nearing completion.

Romano Artioli’s Vision for Bugatti

The Bugatti marque, dormant since the mid-20th century, was revived in 1987 when Artioli acquired the rights. For Artioli, Bugatti was more than a brand; it was an embodiment of perfection and artistry. His vision was to resurrect the marque in a way that honored its legacy while propelling it to the forefront of automotive innovation.

Bugatti EB110

To that end, he established Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. in Campogalliano, Italy, a high-tech facility designed to reflect Bugatti’s meticulous ethos. Even the smallest details of the factory, from its architecture to its branding, were crafted to exude sophistication. Artioli’s pursuit of excellence extended to every facet of the operation, with no expense spared to ensure that the car would become a technological and artistic marvel.

The Bugatti EB110: Designed for Elegance and Performance

The design of the EB110 emerged after several high-profile proposals were reviewed. While initial sketches by Marcello Gandini offered an angular and aggressive aesthetic, Artioli found them inconsistent with Bugatti’s legacy of elegance. Additional proposals were considered, including contributions from Italdesign Giugiaro, Bertone, and Paolo Martin.

Ultimately, the task of finalizing the car’s design fell to Gianpaolo Benedini, who also oversaw the construction of the Campogalliano factory. Benedini reworked Gandini’s initial drafts, softening the harsh lines and introducing a more aerodynamic, timeless shape. The final design balanced modernity with subtle nods to Bugatti’s heritage, including a minimalist interpretation of the iconic horseshoe grille.

Artioli’s design philosophy for the EB110 drew inspiration from the weight-saving principles famously championed by Carrozzeria Touring, applying advanced materials and innovative techniques to achieve unparalleled efficiency and performance.

A Technical Masterpiece

At the heart of the EB110 was a 3.5-liter quad-turbocharged V12 engine, a marvel of engineering that delivered both raw power and remarkable sophistication. The engine, featuring five valves per cylinder (three intake, two exhaust), produced 553 horsepower in the GT model and 603 horsepower in the more aggressive SS variant.

This technological showcase included 12 individual throttle bodies, ensuring razor-sharp response. Engineered to operate at a stratospheric 8,600 RPM redline, the powertrain underscored Bugatti’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was mechanically possible.

Bugatti EB110

The engine’s advanced systems were paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, allowing precise control over the car’s immense power. To harness this energy, the EB110 employed a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that delivered 27% of the torque to the front wheels and 73% to the rear. This rear-biased setup provided excellent traction while maintaining the dynamic feel of a rear-wheel-drive sports car.

The EB110’s chassis was equally advanced. Its carbon-fiber monocoque, developed in collaboration with aerospace specialists, was one of the first of its kind in a production car. This construction provided exceptional rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum. The suspension system, with double wishbones at all four corners, ensured precise handling and a planted feel at high speeds.

The car’s aerodynamics were optimized through extensive wind tunnel testing, with active features like a deployable rear spoiler that adjusted based on speed and braking inputs. All of this culminated in a car capable of 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 218 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its era.

A Spectacular Debut

The launch of the EB110 on September 15, 1991; Ettore Bugatti’s 110th birthday; was a spectacle befitting its ambitious design. The unveiling began in Paris, the birthplace of the original Bugatti marque, where a carefully choreographed celebration honored the brand’s heritage. Over 70 vintage Bugatti cars were displayed in a horseshoe formation, evoking both history and exclusivity. Thousands of guests, including dignitaries, journalists, and celebrities, were treated to an elaborate presentation that emphasized Bugatti’s past and future.

Bugatti EB110
Bugatti EB110
Bugatti EB110

After the Parisian festivities, the EB110 was transported to Molsheim, France, where Ettore Bugatti had established his original factory. There, the car was revealed to the public, symbolizing the brand’s return to its roots.

Artioli spared no effort in making the event memorable. From champagne receptions to grand dinners, the entire celebration reflected the opulence and ambition that defined the EB110 project.

Challenges and Legacy

Despite its technological brilliance, the EB110 faced significant challenges. The global economic recession of the early 1990s reduced demand for ultra-expensive supercars, and Bugatti’s ambitious production targets proved unattainable. Financial pressures mounted, exacerbated by Artioli’s overextension into ventures like the acquisition of Lotus.

Rumors of industrial sabotage and pressure from rival manufacturers added to the drama. Bugatti Automobili declared bankruptcy in 1995, having produced only 139 units of the EB110. The company’s assets, including the Campogalliano factory, were eventually sold.

Yet, the EB110’s legacy endures. It set the stage for modern Bugatti hypercars like the Veyron and Chiron, which adopted its pioneering use of carbon fiber, all-wheel-drive systems, and quad-turbocharged engines. The EB110 is now a highly coveted collector’s car, celebrated for its engineering prowess and historical significance.

Why the Bugatti EB110 Failed

The failure of the Bugatti EB110 was a tragic convergence of bad timing, overambition, and industrial intrigue. Romano Artioli’s vision for Bugatti included not just reviving the brand but also acquiring Lotus, creating a global network of luxury dealerships. While Lotus found modest success, Bugatti faced a rough start, worsened by external and internal challenges.

The EB110 launched in 1991, during a global recession that decimated the exotic car market. Bugatti aimed to sell 150 cars annually, but only 115 were produced over three years. Compounding this was the Black Monday crash in 1987, just as Bugatti Automobili was established, creating economic turbulence that hampered the brand’s revival.

Bugatti EB110

Behind the scenes, Artioli claimed sabotage: suppliers allegedly cut off deliveries under pressure from rivals, and even employees were rumored to have tampered with production. Adding to the turmoil, Suzuki terminated its distributorship deal with Artioli, cutting a critical revenue stream.

Ambitious projects, like the state-of-the-art factory in Campogalliano, drained resources, while Bugatti’s inability to meet supplier payments strained production. Despite a car that dazzled in engineering and design, the company’s collapse was a tale of overreach and misfortune. The EB110 remains a brilliant but brief chapter in Bugatti’s storied history.

A Bold Dream, A Lasting Impact

The Bugatti EB110 was a supercar born of audacity and innovation. Though its production run was short-lived, the EB110 remains a symbol of what is possible when visionaries push the limits of technology and design. Its story, marked by triumph and turbulence, encapsulates the essence of the Bugatti spirit: a relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of overwhelming odds.

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