The Bugatti EB110 is a truly legendary car. He is powerful, extraordinary and already quite “adult”. He appeared in the late 80s. And this car was completely unlike the other cars of the brand.
A bit of history
So, introduced the new “Bugatti” to the world in 1990 in Paris. The name that was given to him was given in honor of a significant date. Namely, the 110th anniversary of the birth of the greatest man - Ettore Bugatti, the founder of the company.
The general layout of this machine was developed by Paolo Stanzani, who at that time was the company's technical director . Designed by Marcello Gandini. However, the chief financier of the project was unhappy that the appearance of the car is very similar to the Lamborghini model. But Gandini did not agree to redesign. So he was removed from this work and assigned to his place by Gianpaolo Bendini.
Technical part
It should be noted that a completely new engine was developed for the Bugatti EB110. Its creation was engaged in Nicola Materazzi. It was a V-shaped 12-cylinder engine, the volume of which was limited to 3.5 liters. Interestingly, the same volume was allocated to the units of the machines participating in Formula 1. Thanks to four turbines, this engine produced a capacity of 560 “horses”. And the maximum that the car could reach was 336 kilometers per hour.
The engine block was made of aluminum. In general, the designers managed to achieve a low compression ratio. The brakes for the Bugatti EB110 were designed by Bosch. And the automotive concern itself then decided to improve their design. Concern specialists equipped the brakes with an ABS system (with ventilation).
Test
All units and components of the Bugatti EB110 are strictly tested for reliability and quality. Motors, for example, passed tests on a dynamometer stand. At the same time, the turnover was at the level of 95 percent of the maximum. And so - for 300 (!) Hours. After 50 thousand kilometers of testing, the aluminum chassis lost its rigidity. She fell by 20 percent. And when this was found out, the rocket division called Aerospatiale began to develop a carbon fiber monocoque. Everyone knows how light and durable this material is. It is much more reliable than aluminum, but weighs less.
Monocoque is designed to carry a four-wheel drive system and gearbox, which is located in front of the engine and is connected by a cardan to the front-wheel differential. Interestingly, the transmission was developed jointly with Porsche specialists.
Twelve prototypes were involved in the tests, and the responsibility for the test work was placed on the shoulders of Jean-Philippe Vitecock and Loris Bicocci. There is also an interesting fact - Michelin manufactured specially for the Bugatti EB110 both tires withstanding more than 300 km / h and winter tires.
Design and other features
Interestingly, this sports car has a body made of aluminum panels on a carbon-fiber spatial frame. And doors of the “guillotine” type have become a real calling card of this model. The engine was decided to put on display through the glass-covered surface of the hood. In the rear, you can see a large wing that extends itself if the car moves at high speed. Although it can still be activated by pressing the appropriate button in the cabin.
Special attention should be paid to the driver's seat. It looks like an aircraft cockpit. The seat is so comfortable that it seems as if it envelops the driver, which provides convenient access to all controls.
It is worth noting that, exclusively for this model, Elf Aquitaine has developed a special mechanical lubricant that has enhanced lubricating properties and a unique ability to completely decompose. And the development of an advanced multimedia system involved Nakamichi. Each machine was accompanied by a commitment of full technical support for three years. Moreover, this was not only a guarantee. Another machine provided a systematic update of all systems and components, as well as the replacement of consumables.
Further production
This car has become very popular. A sports car with high arched doors, a luxurious interior trimmed with leather and a walnut tree could not but win the hearts of people who appreciate rich models. Inside, attention was drawn not only to the design, but also to the impressive dimensions of the dashboard with a clock, air conditioning, CD-recorder and a special function of electrical programming of the supporting surface.
In 1991, the Bugatti EB110 GT was released. This car was not much different from the basic version. Changes were noticeable in the interior. More developers have improved the powertrain. The engine had the same volume (3.5 liters), but its power increased to 559 liters. from. And the speed maximum also became higher. The car in the GT configuration could accelerate to 344 kilometers per hour! This incredible feature made the model the fastest car in the world, mass-produced.
Version "Supersport"
In 1992, the Bugatti model was released in another unique configuration. The car became known as the Bugatti EB110 SS. The last two letters, as you might have guessed, meant “Supersport”. Under the hood of this incredible car was a 610-horsepower engine, thanks to which the car could accelerate to a maximum of 351 km / h! This model was a frequent participant in various sports. And of course, she managed to achieve considerable successes. Interestingly, in 1994, Michael Schumacher acquired such a model. He did not plan. It’s just that the driver rode on this model during a test drive organized by one German magazine, and he liked it so much that he decided to buy it.
The SS version has become the best of the best. Unfortunately, this sports car did not have a promising future. In total, EB 110 managed to produce 150 pieces. And in the mid-nineties, the project turned out to be doomed, as the demand for cars fell monthly. And in 1995, as you know, the Bugatti company announced that they are now bankrupt.
Cost
And of course, one cannot fail to say how much the Bugatti EB 110 costs. The price of this car cannot be small - and this is easy to understand, taking into account the characteristics. For example, not so long ago at an auction in a city called Scottsdale (USA, Arizona) this car was sold for 775 thousand dollars. And this, at the current rate, is approximately 50.2 million rubles! True, the car was in perfect condition. Despite a very solid “age” - as much as 22 years, the model’s mileage was only 8,235 kilometers. The car with a 550-horsepower engine was stored in excellent conditions, so the corresponding price was also asked for it.
Company collapse
As you can see, the Bugatti EB 110 has a very impressive performance. And this was known to all lovers of cars of the nineties. The success was phenomenal. In 1995, the world became aware that Romano Artiolli decided to supplement the lineup with a chic sedan - a follower of the EB 110. This car would become known as the EB 112. Artiolli also bought the Lotus company, which was famous for its engineers. However, the development of new items and the acquisition of the company dragged the concern into a swamp of debts. The project as a result turned out to be an adventure. This is precisely what caused the enchanting bankruptcy of the concern. After that, all the rights to production and documentation (together with half-made EB 110) were purchased by Dauer Racing GmbH. And in the 2000s, as you know, the company was taken over by the Volkswagen concern, which continued to manufacture Bugatti machines. By the way, the notorious Veyron model took a lot from the legendary EB 110.