Cizeta (Italy, United States) - AllCarIndex

Cizeta was an Italian automotive manufacturer that operated from 1988 to 1995, primarily known for its production of high-performance supercars. The company was founded by Claudio Zampolli, a former Lamborghini engineer, and initially operated under the name Cizeta-Moroder Motors srl, in collaboration with music producer Giorgio Moroder, who provided initial financing. In 1991, the company rebranded as CizetaAutomobili SpA, continuing its operations in Modena, Italy.

The Cizeta supercar was conceived during a period of increasing interest in high-performance vehicles. Its design was heavily influenced by the Lamborghini Diablo, as both cars were styled by Marcello Gandini. The Cizeta featured a distinctive mid-mounted engine configuration, housing a 6.0-liter V16 engine that produced 519 horsepower. This engine was paired with a 5-speed transaxle, which was mounted at a right angle to the engine, contributing to the car's unique engineering layout.

The Cizeta was characterized by its wide two-seater coupe body, constructed from aluminum and reinforced with steel and carbon fiber. Despite its innovative design and engineering, the car was never subjected to wind tunnel testing, which raised concerns about its aerodynamic performance. A minor redesign occurred in 1992, but the vehicle's extremely high price and limited production—estimated at no more than 12 units—ultimately led to the company's decline. Cizeta ceased operations in 1995, leaving behind a legacy of ambition in the supercar market.