The iconic French manufacturer, Bugatti, was resurrected in Italy in the late 1980s, and a few years later, the EB 110 was introduced as its first modern supercar. While the EB 110 was impressive in many aspects, its design could have been more aesthetically pleasing.
The EB 110’s design, though innovative and technologically advanced for its time, lacked the timeless elegance and visual impact that many enthusiasts associate with the Bugatti brand. While its aerodynamic shape and powerful lines were admirable, they failed to capture the essence of the brand’s heritage.
The EB 110’s interior, although luxurious and well-appointed, also fell short of expectations. While it was comfortable and spacious, it lacked the intricate detailing and craftsmanship that Bugatti was renowned for in its earlier models.
In contrast, the Italdesign ID 90 concept, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, offered a more compelling vision of a modern Bugatti. Its sleek and flowing lines, combined with its aggressive stance and striking details, successfully captured the spirit of the brand. The ID 90’s design was not only visually appealing but also functional, incorporating elements that enhanced its performance and aerodynamics.
The ID 90’s front end featured a low slung nose with distinctive headlights that integrated seamlessly into the design. The side profile was characterized by its smooth, flowing curves and prominent wheel arches, which accentuated the car’s muscular stance. The rear end featured a large diffuser and prominent tail lights that complemented the aggressive lines of the front and sides.
The ID 90’s interior was equally impressive, featuring a combination of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship. The cockpit was designed to be driver-focused, with all controls within easy reach. The materials used throughout the interior were of the highest quality, including fine leather, Alcantara, and polished aluminum.
While the EB 110 was a significant achievement for Bugatti’s revival, it ultimately failed to fully live up to the brand’s legacy. The Italdesign ID 90 concept, on the other hand, demonstrated the potential for a truly iconic and timeless Bugatti design. If Bugatti had chosen to adopt the ID 90’s design for the EB 110, it could have created a car that not only met but exceeded expectations and solidified the brand’s position as a leader in automotive design.
Enveloped in an aura of intrigue, the Bugatti ID 90 concept car emerged at the 1990 Turin Motor Show and fascinated audiences with its futuristic design. Despite its static nature, rumors swirled about the ID 90’s potential role. Some whispered it was a proposed design for the upcoming EB 110, Bugatti’s first production car in decades.
However, official sources paint a different picture, suggesting the ID 90 was a separate project a stylistic exploration unconstrained by production limitations. This distinction highlights the ID 90’s true significance: a visionary interpretation of a modern Bugatti, unburdened by the realities of mass production.
Beyond its historical context, the ID 90’s influence extended far beyond the 1990s. The concept’s positive reception fueled a wave of similarly styled Giugiaro designs in the years that followed. The BMW Nazca series and the stillborn EB 112, a proposed four-door Bugatti, both bear the ID 90 mark.
Though the EB 112 never reached production due to financial constraints, it stands as a testament to the ID 90’s lasting impact. While the Italian era of Bugatti was fleeting, the ID 90 remains a fascinating relic, a concept car that deserved to transcend automotive dreams.
