The Bizzarrini brand, reintroduced to the world with the 5300 GT Corsa Revival early in 2022, has revealed its first completely new car, The Giotto. Named after company founder, Giotto Bizzarrini, it is a limited run super sports car focused on delivering Italian design, exceptional luxury and an ultimate dedication to driving enjoyment. A purist choice, authentic and incredibly rare.
In the Giotto, a partnership first established 60 years ago is rekindled, with Giorgetto Giugiaro penning the design alongside his son Fabrizio. A young Giugiaro, whilst at Bertone contributed to the design of the Bizzarrini 5300 GT, so naturally there was no more qualified an individual to establish the design language of the first entirely new Bizzarrini model. The bespoke carbon fibre body is intricately sculpted to intersect the mindsets of the designer, engineer and driver – crafted with purpose through the collective brilliance of the team.
Classic low-slung supercar proportions are seamlessly blended with core elements of Bizzarrini’s signature design DNA. The prominent dual bonnet-mounted vents of original Bizzarrinis are evolved into a new frontal visual character for the Giotto, incorporating ultra-slimline LED headlights. As they end in the centre of the bonnet, they cradle a prominent centre-mounted Bizzarrini badge, just as it was framed on the 5300 GT.
In profile, the Giotto is marked out by a reimagining of the 5300GT’s triangular B-pillar and a rear windscreen that wraps so far around the rear it almost seems to cascade onto the wheel arches. Rear-mid-engined, rather than front-mid-engined like the 5300 GT, the predatorial forward stance of the Giotto is a visual representation of power driving from behind and conveys the might of the power unit. The tail gently tapers and curves away gracefully, creating an aerodynamic teardrop shape.
Giorgetto Giugiaro said: “To have the opportunity to design an entirely new car from Bizzarrini is a privilege. Our two names are united in nearly six decades of history and a series of now iconic designs. With the Giotto, we honour the past but we focus wholly on the future. Designed for purpose, and incorporating active aerodynamic technologies, we have created something that is
both recognisably Bizzarrini and totally relevant for an entirely new era of this cherished Italian brand.”
Giotto Bizzarrini is renowned as a genius engineer and test driver who initially made his name as controller of experimental, Sports and GT car development at Ferrari. He played the key role in the development of the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO, latterly developing the advanced aerodynamics for the legendary Ferrari 250-based ‘bread van’.
Also lauded for his work in building the famous Lamborghini V12 engine, first used on Lamborghini’s debut model, the 350 GT. Bizzarrini’s V12 engine proved such a compelling design that aspects of this power unit were used by Lamborghini right up until 2010.
In the Giotto, the rare set of diverse skills possessed by the founder of Bizzarrini have come to define the character of the car.
Full technical details will be revealed later this year, as Bizzarrini will again look to its heritage for powertrain options. Bizzarrini’s work on the Lamborghini V12 provides inspiration, with an exclusive naturally aspirated V12 engine planned. Designed to meet Bizzarrini-specific performance, drivability, emissions compliance and emotional targets, it will be paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Development of the powertrain, as well as all engineering aspects of the Giotto will be overseen by newly appointed Bizzarrini, CTO, Chris Porritt, who has led engineering divisions at Aston Martin, Tesla and Rimac.
Chris Porritt, Bizzarrini CTO, said: “We have a very clear vision for the Giotto, defined ultimately by how it makes a driver feel. Bizzarrini is a brand built on genius and passion, established by a polymath with world-class talents as a designer, engineer and test driver. We now very deliberately and authentically recreate Giotto’s vision, choosing not to chase acceleration times or lap records, but to develop a car that appeals to those experienced drivers seeking purity, authenticity and rarity. This is vocal and emotive, it’s mechanical and it’s tactile. But it’s also incredibly practical and luxurious, delivered with the personality and emotion of a bespoke Italian brand.”
One of Giotto Bizzarrini’s most valuable talents was his ability to push the limits of contemporary engineering. The 5300 GT made extensive use of the strongest lightweight material of its day, the Giotto will likewise make use of the lightest, strongest and most suitable materials available
to its creators. As well as the purposeful carbon fibre body, the Giotto will be based on a composite body structure – designed to meet or exceed worldwide safety standards, using technologies and manufacturing processes developed in top-tier motorsport.
Testing of the Giotto will begin in 2024, with further technical details divulged throughout 2023. Its reveal comes at a time of enormous momentum at Bizzarrini, not only with the appointment of Chris Porritt as CTO but also with Ian Fenton joining as CEO. Ian brings with him 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry, including senior or director roles in Ford of Europe, Ford Motor China, Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin Lagonda and Aston Martin Works.
Dr. Saeed Dana, President and Chairman of the Pegasus Automotive Group Board, said: “I am thrilled to announce the launch of the new Bizzarrini Giotto, designed by none other than the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, who designed the first Bizzarrini car 60 years ago. This exclusive addition to the Bizzarrini lineup marks a major milestone for the brand, and showcases our unwavering commitment to delivering only the finest and ultra-premium vehicles.”
“The Giotto represents the pinnacle of Bizzarrini’s focus on luxury and exclusivity, and sets a new standard for the industry. With its sleek and sophisticated design, this car is a true masterpiece that will be highly coveted by those who appreciate the finer things in life.
As we continue to prioritize exclusivity and luxury, the Giotto stands as a symbol of our commitment to providing the best vehicles to a select few. Whether it’s through our attention to detail or our use of premium materials, Bizzarrini is dedicated to being at the forefront of the luxury automotive industry.”
“As the President and CEO of Pegasus Automotive Group, I am honored to be a part of this exciting moment in Bizzarrini’s history. The Giotto, designed by the iconic Giorgetto Giugiaro, is a true representation of our commitment to exclusivity and luxury, and I have no doubt that it will be highly sought after by those who demand the best. I eagerly anticipate the moment when our lucky customers can experience this extraordinary car for themselves.”