In this feature, we take a look at the development of the Bizzarini Picchio track-based sports car from its early sketches to its recent evolutions.
Picchio is a manufacturer who believes that aerodynamics laws, if well interpreted, bring natural beauty to a vehicle's design. The work of Giotto Bizzarrini, designer of the 1962 Ferrari GTO, reflects this approach. When Giotto Bizzarrini was working on the very first Picchio prototype in the late ‘80s, he would react very unfavourably when referred to as a ‘stylist'. It was his mantra that he wasn’t designing to achieve beauty, rather to obtain high performance in aerodymics; although the aesthetics of his work were clearly appreciated: the Ferrari GTO, the road Bizzarrini 5300 and the Picchio Prototype itself.
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The Bizzarrini prototype ('80s). The vehicle bears some resemblance to the Duca d'Aosta and the road 5300 Bizzarrini
In the ever-increasingly competitive racing industry, a vehicle's identity often becomes secondary to engineering considerations. Picchio say that they agreed that the engineers should work side by side with the style department, in order to maintain the character of their cars.
Picchio have developed their vehicles from the original example designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, through several evolutions to their current line-up.
"The cars have to be immediately recognisable and unmistakably identifiable as ‘Picchio’ cars. So there is continuous and non-stop contact among the departments: in particular, aerodynamics and stylists work together and the problems the aerodynamicists have to solve are just an incentive to the designers’ creativity."
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As with the industry as a whole, Picchio increasingly use CAD systems for aerodynamic and mechanical development as well as rapid prototyping for 3D evaluation and component manufacturer. All this means that engineers and designers work even closer to ensure that projects run smoothly and meet all the necessary requirements.
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