Meet the prototype of the first release by Eccentrica Cars, developed in collaboration with the design studio BorromeodeSilva: a restomod based on the 1990s’ Diablo which exalts the personality and performance of the iconic supercar while preserving its identity. The project came out from the passion of Emanuel Colombini, Head of one of the biggest companies in the furniture sector, as well as being a Lamborghini collector, and an AM driver in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo. The Milanese design firm BorromeodeSilva participated as a supplier in the development of the prototype alongside a first-class team of engineers and technicians who are taking care of the vehicle’s technical development. In addition to the aforementioned two companies, equally famous world-class technical partners have been chosen for this one-of-a kind piece of machinery: tires by Pirelli, braking system by Brembo, audio system by Marantz, exhaust system by Capristo, and the upholstery by Alcantara.
The restomod shows extreme proportions, new integrated details, the wide use of composite materials, and a steel tubular chassis which has been reinforced and hardened. Its interiors are a meeting point between the minimalism of the early 90s and the state-of-art mechanics typical of luxury watchmaking. An authentic few-off series of 19 custom models produced by the Eccentrica start-up located in San Marino. No one had ever considered reinterpreting the Diablo before, perhaps due to its legendary history which has become a part of the collective imagination thanks in part to hit films and music videos. Only someone like Colombini, who deeply respects and cherishes this model and Italian brand, could have taken on the challenge.
As a child I remember seeing the red Diablo in the first release of the Quattroruote magazine. It was love at first sight! It’s hard for other cars to leave such a strong impression on me. Later, after having had the chance to drive the GT version, I decided to pay homage to it, conceiving of a restomod company built around this project. At its essence lies the idea that the hypercar and supercar market will require a product with a more authentic soul, precisely like the sensations drivers experienced while driving these speedsters.
Emanuel Colombini
This gentleman driver shared his dream with some of the most prestigious premium automobile brands in the world, constructing a high-caliber network of professionals including the design firm BorromeodeSilva which worked as a supplier on the design of the Eccentrica. Similarly, the technical development was entrusted to a team of internationally renowned engineers who are providing their know-how for the vehicle’s future production.
For those of us who grew up in the 90s, the Diablo is not only a car, but a genuine icon which represents all of the enthusiasm and ambition one can dream of in life. This is the most ambitious project we have ever been a part of and we are really proud to have aided Emanuel and the Eccentrica team in carrying out their vision.
Carlo Borromeo
The work of the design firm BorromeodeSilva has enhanced the appropriate balance between size and performance, taking inspiration from the sporty Diablo GTR. The bodywork of the donor car was completely revised with the exception of the windshield, which remains the same. All of the other parts — bumpers, hoods, flanks, and side skirts — have been replaced with new components, providing perfect integration and greater efficiency. Everything has been enhanced by a series of eye-catching details which will not go unnoticed to an expert eye or an Italian design lover.
The vehicle’s original proportions have been taken to the extreme to highlight its aggressive look and handling and stability, as demonstrated by the widened track both in the front and rear area. Length and height remain unchanged while the overhang is shorter. The overall volume of the front has been designed as a wedge which has been set in a trapezoidal shape. The entire front end has been streamlined and cleaned up. The large extractor was inspired by the Diablo GT while the wheelbase is more modern and integrated but preserves Gandini’s iconic arch structure. Even the side skirt has been redesigned with the inclusion of an aerodynamic fin. The window has been brought to the same level to better integrate the B pillar and create a unique form. Meanwhile, the famous scissor doors remain unchanged. Added to the front and rear on the flanks, there are new 19” alloy wheels whose design comes from the world of motorsport. The rear area’s horizontal design was taken from the original model and enhanced with new finely tuned details like slender carbon bumpers, two large air intakes where the main radiators can be found, and two iconic tail lights which have been reinterpreted based on the latest developments in the field of automobile lighting.
One of the most distinctive and eccentric features of the new hypercar are its “pop-down headlights”, which stand out for their retro-futuristic look and compliance with current standards. Special mention is also due for the various elements in titanium created with 3D printing technology, which ensure superior lightness, greater rigidity, and a more precise build. Another refined element of workmanship can be found in the vehicle’s grill which has a three-dimensional form and a new design in order to guarantee optimal air flow. Thus, that which was only decorative before has now become an integral part of the project, contributing at the same time to the functionality and aesthetics of the car. The 3D printing technology allows for the inclusion of elements in a more integrated way, as is demonstrated by the Eccentrica logo, which has been directly formed inside the grill, and the lights of the license plate, which emerge from the grill when inserted into the housing.
Meanwhile, the engine compartment is another spectacular element and perhaps the most aggressive and non-conventional piece of design from Eccentrica, which wants to make all of the V12’s incredible engineering visible. Currently, while undergoing validation, the engine is covered by two carbon covers on which is written, a phrase which comes from the world of aviation. Once the technical development of the car has been completed, the covers will be replaced by two mobile components. Inspired by the Diablo SV, the air scoops which emerge from the roof are a vibrant and functional detail. From behind one can appreciate their sculpture form, while from the sides they almost disappear within the body of the car. On the front there are also two elements which help convey the air. Last but not least, the exterior design of the vehicle has a number of Easter Eggs which enhance the project and highlight the conceptual and productive capacity of the Eccentrica team. These include the tow hook, which is located in the front bumper and has a contrasting color and different finish, and the NACA air intakes located above the wheelbase, which recall bullhorns, in a clear homage to the Diablo name.
The interiors of the Eccentrica have been created to be a meeting point between the minimalism of the early 1990s and the state-of-art mechanics typical of luxury watchmaking. This creates an elegantly sporty atmosphere which is capable of combining the charm of the past with modern functionality. The goal was twofold: substituting all of the plastic elements which were typical of the 1990s with more modern materials and completely overhauling the ergonomics and user experience. With its clean and simple design, the steering wheel reflects the car’s philosophy, which means preserving the essence of the Diablo by adding an extra touch of refinement. Rather than replace it with a modern version equipped with integrated commands, the team preferred to revisit the original steering wheel and make it more ergonomic and more up-to-date as a way of providing intuitive and safe driving on both the track and in daily road use. From a frontal view, there are two horn-shaped indicator lights which turn on when the car is started. Meanwhile, from behind, there are a series of exposed technical details which recall both the gears of a high-precision watch and the mechanical beauty of a race car. The steering column is made up of a carbon fiber shaft which pays homage to the Diablo GTR, while the new logo is placed off-center to both pay respect to the original brand and showcase the project’s trademark eccentricity. Even the gear shift, in the guise of a simple and clean form, conceals refined solid-milled workmanship which makes it a unique and precious object of design.
The excitement never ends on the Eccentrica prototype. Even the vehicle’s ignition provides a dynamic experience. Taking a page out of the motorsports and, especially, aviation playbook, the ignition procedure is a genuine ritual that needs to be fully experienced. The driver sits down, puts the key in, turns it, and then, by delicately pulling the levers in front of the gearshift, which are protected to avoid accidental shutdowns, turns on the fuel and injection pumps. Now it is possible to press the injection button and afterwards the ignition one. This sequence provides safety and precision to the entire ignition process, paying homage to video games of the era and cult films like “Top Gun”. Comfortable and enveloping, the Eccentrica seats have been redesigned to modernize both the aesthetics and ergonomics, while remaining faithful to the original ones. The upholstery is an intricate combination of fine materials like leather and Alcantara, the famous 100% Made-In-Italy material which is the product of a unique and proprietary technology. Chosen for its unmatched aesthetic, technical and sensorial qualities, Alcantara offers lightness, breathability, and grip — fundamental qualities for a hypercar— which, combined with its unmistakable soft touch and countless customization options, make this vehicle a masterpiece.
Specifically, the square design of the seats, divided into horizontal lines, stand out for the embossed logo with the two crossed “Cs” which have been repeated to form a decorative line. Even the side of the seat is made with Alcantara. This functional choice guarantees the driver hold in curves and breathability, while at the same time providing the seat with timeless refinement. Perfectly in tune with the vehicle’s sporty soul, the seats are equipped with high-quality seat belts which, by calling back to the Diablo’s style, buckle by pulling them from the center of the vehicle towards the lateral buckle. Behind the seats, there is a storage area — custom suitcases will be available on request — while, on both sides, there are small metal hooks to hang up jackets and bags. Finally, the central tunnel is upholstered in plain blue Alcantara, just like the interior upholstery of the doors. The dashboard has no seams and at first glance provides breadth and linearity, enhancing the elegant pairing of carbon fiber and Alcantara.
Once the technical development has been completed, Eccentrica will be a street-legal vehicle, but also fit for those who want to hit the track. In its first virtual simulations it performs like a real hypercar with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 335 km/h, and a lateral acceleration in curves of 1.2g. The original 5.7-liter V12 engine has been altered to provide technical improvements like new valves and camshafts, slightly increasing its maximum power — 550 HP at 7,000 rpm — and maximum torque — 600 Nm at 6,5000 rpm. This intervention, which is still in the validation phase, has been combined with a wide use of composite materials like titanium and carbon fiber to reduce the vehicle’s overall weight. The aim is to reach an excellent weight/power ratio — lower than 2.9 kg/HP. Moreover, the steel tubular chassis has been reinforced and hardened to provide greater vehicle stability and safety.
To better manage the impressive power discharged to the ground, there are large Pirelli Trofeo Race tires, semi-slick track tires fit for road use as well, which come from Pirelli’s experience in the best global motorsport competitions. Cutting-edge technologies are utilized in this tire, allowing for a better balance of the car’s performance on the road and the track. For example, the design of the tread has been made to favor stability in a straight line, guaranteeing short braking distance and increasing the lateral grip in curves.
Another new feature which has been introduced on the Eccentrica is the braking system specifically designed by Brembo — another global leader in the world of cars and motorsport. It is a new and exclusive system made up of a sculptural 6-piston monoblock and slotted discs which recall the geometric lines of the Diablo. Thanks to an innovative fusion process with 4D technology, the Brembo brake calipers will allow the finished vehicle to brake from 100 Km/h to 0 in just 34 meters, i.e., 7 meters less compared to the original model and more than a 20% reduction in braking distance. The choice of color for the calipers is a visual callback to the racing systems used at the end of the 1990s, with a color calling back to the oxidized racing calipers with the red logo used in that period in competitions. The same color later also gets used in other details on the prototype. Finally, the Eccentrica prototype is equipped with a sophisticated exhaust system with aluminum alloy tailpipes from Capristo, which enhances the unmistakable sound of the V12 and improves its performance.
The Eccentrica prototype will make its debut and star at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 13 to 16: fans will be able to admire it at stand no.9 in one of the most prestigious areas of the British event. A tour will soon follow in the United States with stops planned at Monterey Car Week in August, New York in September and Miami in October.
