The V16T's name was based on the engine it was equipped with, a 16-cylinder V-arrangement engine, with a displacement of 6.0 liters, producing around 560 HP. The original version was produced by Cizeta from 1991 to 1995, while others were produced by the American Cizeta company in later years. The body was designed by Marcello Gandini, who had previously designed the Lamborghini Countach, Lancia Stratos, and some of the more aerodynamic Maserati models.