Named after the company’s founder, Giotto Bizzarrini, it is a limited-edition supercar that focuses on Italian design, exceptional luxury and an uncompromising dedication to driving pleasure. A purist’s choice, authentic and incredibly rare.
At Giotto, a partnership first established 60 years ago has been revived, with Giorgetto Giugiaro creating designs together with his son Fabrizio. A young Giugiaro, while at Bertone, contributed to the design of the Bizzarrini 5300 GT, so naturally there was no one more qualified to set the design language for the first all-new Bizzarrini model. The bespoke carbon fiber bodywork has been intricately crafted through the collective ingenuity of the team to transcend the mindset of a designer, engineer and driver that is purpose-built.
Classic low-slung supercar proportions blend seamlessly with core elements of Bizzarrini’s signature design DNA. The original Bizarrinis’ prominent dual hood-mounted air vents evolve into a new frontal visual character for the Giotto, which includes ultra-slim LED headlamps. Terminating in the center of the hood, they support a prominent, centrally mounted Bizzarrini badge, as it was produced on the 5300 GT.
In profile, the Giotto is marked by a reimagining of the 5300GT’s triangular B-pillar and a rear windshield that wraps around the rear so much that it almost appears to cascade over the wheel arches. Instead of mid-engined at the front, mid-engined at the rear like the 5300 GT, the Giotto’s predatory forward stance is a visual representation of the power unit operating and transmitting power from the rear. The tail gently tapers and curves, forming a streamlined teardrop shape.
Giorgetto Giugiaro said: “It is a privilege to have the chance to design an entirely new Bizzarrini car. Our two names are united in almost six decades of history and now a series of iconic designs. With Giotto, we honor the past. but fully focused on the future. Designed for purpose and incorporating active aerodynamic technologies, we’ve created something that is recognizable and perfectly poised for a whole new era of this treasured Italian brand relevant to.
Giotto Bizzarrini is recognized as a genius engineer and test driver who initially made a name for himself at Ferrari as a development driver for experimental, sports and GT cars. He was instrumental in the development of the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO, later developing advanced aerodynamics for the famous ‘bread van’ based on the Ferrari 250.
He was also praised for his work in the creation of the famous Lamborghini V12 engine, which was first used in Lamborghini’s first model, the 350 GT. Bizzarrini’s V12 engine proved to be such a reliable design that Lamborghini used aspects of this power unit until 2010.
In Giotto, the rare set of diverse skills possessed by Bizzarrini’s founder has come to define the character of the car.
Full technical details will be revealed later this year, as Bizzarrini will once again look at powertrain options on its Legacy. Bizzarrini’s work on the Lamborghini V12 provided inspiration, with plans for a unique naturally aspirated V12 engine. Designed to meet Bizzarrini’s specific performance, drivability, emissions compliance and emotive goals, it will be mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Powertrain development, as well as all engineering aspects of 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, ultimately defined by how it makes the driver feel. Bizzarrini is a brand built on genius and passion, created by a team of designers, engineers and founded by a scholar with world-class talents as a test driver. We now very deliberately and authentically recreate Giotto’s vision, choosing not to chase acceleration times or lap records, but a want to develop a car that appeals to experienced drivers looking for purity, authenticity and rarity. It’s articulate and emotional, it’s mechanical and it’s tactile. But it’s incredibly unique with the personality and spirit of a bespoke Italian brand. It’s practical and luxurious too.”
One of Giotto Bizzarrini’s most valuable talents was his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary engineering. The 5300 GT made extensive use of the strongest lightweight materials of its time, Giotto would also use the lightest, strongest and best suited materials available to its manufacturers. In addition to the carbon fiber bodywork, the Giotto will be based on a composite body structure, designed to meet or exceed global safety standards using technologies and manufacturing processes developed in top-tier motorsports.
Testing of Giotto will begin in 2024, with more technical details to be released later in 2023. This has been revealed at the time of heavy movement in Bizzarrini. In addition to the appointment of Chris Porritt as CTO, Julian Jenkins has been appointed as CCO responsible for the commercial and operational aspects of the business. Like Chris, Julian has more than 30 years of automotive experience, including senior positions at Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin and most recently at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Both Julian and Chris will report to Ian Fenton, who most recently joined as CEO. Ian also has over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including senior or director roles at Ford of Europe, Ford Motor China, Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin Lagonda and Aston Martin Works.
Bizzarrini CEO Ian Fenton said: “As we continue to deliver all 24 examples of the 5300 GT Corsa Revival to customers around the world, we now focus on developing the Giotto’s vision as the connoisseur’s car.” made especially for rare, pure pleasure and luxury.
“The 5300 GT Corsa revival was an introduction to the world of Bizzarrini’s talent, but Giotto is the centerpiece of our future as a specialized supercar manufacturer. It is the centerpiece of a ten-year strategy which will see this iconic building among the world’s best performance brands And there will be additional variants and more Bizzarrini revival models to come, firmly establishing the respected name.”
Bizzarrini will be present at Retro Mobile Paris from 1 to 5 February. Hall 1 Stand P024
