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Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo sounds as ferocious as it looks

Wed, Feb 24 2016

The Vision Gran Turismo program lets auto designers go wild on special creations for the PlayStation game. Bugatti went a little further with its entry by unveiling the full-scale hypercar at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The company even put a ferocious sounding engine in it – as you can hear in his video. Even at very low revs, the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo is incredibly loud, and its quad pipes make a raw sound. The hypercar only idles around an exhibition center in this clip, but the concept still exudes an aggressive presence at such low speeds. We'd love to hear the Bugatti on the open road because the engine note probably improves as the speed climbs. The Vision Gran Turismo was a one-off, but the concept provided an early preview of the upcoming Chiron's styling. Based on spy shots, they share similar noses with narrow headlights. Both also put a visual emphasis on the oval that the A-pillar forms as it flows into the massive side intake. The Chiron cleans up the shape by removing most of the oversized ducts and spoilers, though. The brand's new hypercar finally debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Bugatti teases Chiron again, shows and tells us nothing

Fri, Jan 8 2016

The television spots Infiniti released in the eighties for the original Q45 still carry the torch for arcane teaser commercials, but Bugatti might try to steal some of that light this year. The Franco-German automaker released a 41-second teaser video for the Chiron with quick-cut shots of just about everything except the supercar. The fighter jet, the volcano, even the guy running on top of the sideways skyscraper we get, since the tagline is "Breaking new dimensions." But the elevator and the drummer? We already know the rumor that it's going to break the Veyron Super Sport's terminal velocity, hitting something above 290 miles per hour. Continuing the theme of tweaks that advance the entire package, it's been reported that an analog speedometer will keep track of that vitesse with hash marks running all the way to 500 kilometers per hour, taking the place of the centrally-placed tachometer. Cabin ergonomics should take a step up, while a larger windshield will improve visibility, and the seating position moves outward to become more conventional. Oh, and since the car is named after French auto racer Louis Chiron and not the mythological Greek centaur, it is pronounced Shir-on, not Kai-ron. You can check out the latest teaser in the video above - at 41 seconds, the spot is about a second less than the time it took the standard Veyron to hit its top speed. Related Video:

The Bugatti Chiron is reported to top 290 mph

Sat, Jan 2 2016

The Bugatti Chiron will have quite an act to follow, considering that the Veyron was one of the fastest automobiles ever made. We may have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show for its unveiling, but a magazine out of the Czech Republic claims to have some preliminary details, which it ran on Facebook with the holiday greetings the company distributed via email. It does not look like the Chiron will disappoint. Citing information it claims to have received from a customer presentation, ProDriver magazine reports that the Chiron will top out at 467 kilometers per hour – that's over 290 miles per hour, hitting 62 along the way in just 2.2 seconds. Its speedometer is said to run all the way up to 500 km/h (311 mph). Finding another 22 miles at those speeds is no mean feat. And to get there, the engineers in Molsheim are tipped to have squeezed 1,500 horsepower and an equal number of newton-meters of torque (1,106 lb-ft by our standards) into the two-seat supercar. Those figures are expected to come in part thanks to a pair of electric turbochargers (and another couple of conventional ones) bolted to the 8.0-liter W16 engine. Of course none of that will come cheap, with a price tag said to start at a cool 2 million euros ($2.17m at current exchange rates). Bugatti is tipped to make only 100 examples every year for the next five. Of those, 130 units have reportedly already been spoken for, sight unseen. Related Video:

Bugatti sets sail with carbon-fiber yachts for the ultra-rich

Tue, Dec 8 2015

Pelican or no pelican, taking a Bugatti into water is usually a costly mistake – unless it's one of these new motor yachts licensed by the Alsatian automaker. Built by renowned American-Monegasque shipyard Palmer Johnson, the new Niniette range is built on a hull made of carbon fiber, tinted blue like so many special edition Bugattis and offset by titanium and wood trim. "Niniette" was the nickname of Ettore's daughter Lidia, which the founder also used on some of the racing boats he designed back in the 1930s. The vessels will be offered in three sizes, measuring 42, 63, and 88 feet, respectively, from bow to stern, with lines inspired by classic Bugattis like the Type 57 C Atalante and the Type 41 Royale. Though Palmer Johnson isn't saying what engines will go below deck, likely won't be Bugatti's 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine. We're sure that Bugatti's VW Group sister company Man SE will gladly fit it with a pair of large turbodiesels, though. Then again, a V12 from Motori Marini Lamborghini might be more suitable. Whatever the motivation, the shipyard – which normally builds much larger vessels – says the mid-range PJ63 should top out at 38 nautical miles per hour, which is equivalent to over 43 mph. This being a Bugatti, it won't come cheap. Prices start at ˆ2 million ($2.2m), and the PJ63 Niniette pictured here is quoted at ˆ3.5 million ($3.8m). Each one will be made to order according to the buyer's specifications, and ought to keep the EB marque's ultra-wealthy clientele satisfied while they await the arrival of the forthcoming new Chiron supercar. This isn't the first time we're seeing a high-end European automaker dip its toes in the water with its own motorboat design. Jaguar designed its own speedboat concept to accompany the XF Sportbrake, Mercedes-AMG has partnered with Cigarette racing boats, Porsche Design has dabbled in boat design, and Audi designed a hybrid trimaran a few years back. Ben Walsh penned a speedboat inspired by the Veyron Sang Bleu, but that one wasn't officially sanctioned by the factory.

This is our best look yet at the 1,500 hp Bugatti Chiron

Mon, Nov 30 2015

Bugatti just teased the Chiron's premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March, but this new spy shot offers a fantastic look at the upcoming hypercar months before the debut. The company promises the upcoming model to be the "most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car." The Chiron's design adds a few aesthetic sprinkles from the Vision Gran Turismo concept onto an evolved version of the Veyron's shape. The grille remains the brand's venerable horseshoe, but the narrow headlights squint to create an aggressive face. The hood now comes to a point at the front that sharpens the previous model's very smooth appearance. This photo also highlights the massive C-shaped intake along the side that allows the updated powertrain to gulp down cool air. While not visible here, a spy video showed a huge wing and diffuser at the rear. The Chiron appears to be a definite design improvement over the Veyron to our eyes. Bugatti's latest work will reportedly pack 1,500 horsepower from an updated version of the Veyron's 8.0-liter W16 with electric turbochargers. Additional carbon fiber will also likely lower the weight compared to its predecessor. Fewer pounds and more power will allow a bolt to 60 miles per hour in as little as 2.5 seconds and a top speed of around 288 mph. Related Video:

Bugatti confirms new Chiron to debut in Geneva

Mon, Nov 30 2015

Few followup acts have ever been as highly anticipated as the successor to the Bugatti Veyron, but the wait will be over in a few months. Bugatti confirmed Monday that the new supercar will be called the Chiron, and it will debut next year at the Geneva Motor Show. Bugatti did not announce specifications, though the Chiron is sure to be a technical tour-de-force and a world-beating supercar. It is widely expected to further evolve the package developed for the Veyron. That will center around the 8.0-liter W16 engine, this time expected to use electric turbochargers for a mild hybrid setup, little to no turbo lag, and an output anticipated to approach 1,500 horsepower. Combined with lower weight (thanks in part to the more widespread use of carbon fiber), all that muscle is tipped to rocket the Chiron to 62 in less than 2.5 seconds and on to a top speed of around 288 miles per hour. All the automaker will confirm at the moment, however, is that the "Bugatti Chiron will be the world's most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car." Expect the design to closely mirror that of the company's Vision Gran Turismo concept, albeit in a more elegant and less racy form. The lines are anticipated to be dominated by the semi-circular curve encompassing the main rear vent and the trailing edge of the greenhouse. The front end will be more angular with sharper headlights, but still dominated by the signature horseshoe-shaped front grille. As for the name, Bugatti has – as expected – drawn once again from its illustrious pre-war racing history to name the supercar after one of its most legendary gentleman drivers. Louis Chiron remains the only Monegasque driver ever to win the Monaco Grand Prix, counting it among his numerous career victories. Those included more grands prix before and after World War II, as well as the Spa 24 Hours and the Monte Carlo Rally. Bugatti previously applied his name to the 18/3 Chiron concept that previewed the Veyron with an even larger 18-cylinder engine at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1999. It only strikes us as fitting, then, that the name now be resurrected for the Veyron's successor. Read more about Louis Chiron's life and career – including an interview with his descendant and biographer Lydie Barre-Chiron – in the press release below, accompanied by the images in the gallery above.

Bugatti opens two new US showrooms with no new cars to sell

Tue, Nov 10 2015

Bugatti has opened two new dealerships in the United States. With dealers opening and closing all over the States each and every day, what makes these interesting? Well, the marque sold the last of its Veyron models and has yet to introduce the new Chiron that's expected to replace it. What that means, in short, is that Bugatti and these dealerships are in a holding pattern. But what a glamorous holding pattern it is. The dealerships in question are Bugatti Manhattan and Bugatti Miami. They both form part of larger multi-brand dealerships: Manhattan Motorcars and Braman Motors, respectively. And they are the first to feature the new showroom design penned in Molsheim for Bugatti dealers around the world. The dedicated showrooms promise to offer customers the chance to see a car up close, steep themselves in the lore and history of the brand, and customize their own like they would at the factory in Alsace. Following the New York and Florida dealers, the design is already set to proliferate to new showrooms in Munich, Monaco, and Tokyo in the coming months. The marque currently has 27 dealers in 13 countries around the world. In the case of Manhattan Motorcars, the Bugatti showroom forms just one part of its new location at the corner of 51st Street and 11th Avenue in the neighborhood known as Hell's Kitchen. The area also features dedicated showrooms for Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche – other high-end auto brands which, like Bugatti, fall under the Volkswagen Group umbrella. The dealer, which is now celebrating its 20th anniversary, also handles Rolls-Royce, Koenigsegg, and Lotus. The new five-story complex offers 150,000 square feet of showroom space, of which the Bugatti section takes up less than 1,000. Little wonder, since it has at most one model to display – and currently has none. Related Video: BUGATTI OPENS SHOWROOMS IN MANHATTAN AND MIAMI WITH NEW BRAND DESIGN - The two US dealers are the first in the world to have French super sports car manufacturer's new showroom design - New York dealer also moves to new address in Manhattan - Other global showroom locations with the new brand design are to follow - Bugatti Board of Management Member Stefan Brungs: "The new showroom concept is a fundamental investment in the future of our brand." Molsheim/New York City/Miami, November 6, 2015.

Bugatti Chiron spied on video in tight spot

Thu, Nov 5 2015

Pictures are good. Video is better. That's especially true when we're talking about something like the successor to the Bugatti Veyron. Rumored to be called the Chiron, the new vehicle looks to share a lot of its styling with the French company's Vision Gran Turismo car. In this video, captured by our friends at Germany's Auto Bild, you can see a pair of Chiron prototypes. The first gives us a good look at the ultra-hypercar's tail, which doesn't even try to hide its aerodynamic aids, unlike the far cleaner lines of the Veyron. There's a huge diffuser and a prominent rear wing, although neither item is as extreme as the Vision GT car. The taillights also look to be far more conventional, unlike the thin, vehicle-spanning strip shown on the concept. After this quick peek at the rear of the new Bug, the camera pans over to a second prototype exiting an extremely tight situation, as it sneaks between a stone wall and a lumber hauler. It's a small enough gap that the Chiron requires a spotter to get through unscathed, and the slow speed required to safely get through gives us an extra-long look at the new coupe. We can also clearly see the horseshoe-shaped traditional Bugatti grille and slim, menacing headlights with LED running lights. You can also see elements of the Vision Gran Turismo's hood, which still comes to a point around the grille. It's less aggressive – no shock there – but it still gives a purposeful look to the front fascia. Unfortunately, the video ends before we can get a look at the sides of the new Bugatti. Check out the short, 13-second video at the top of the page. News Source: Auto Bild TV via YouTube Spy Photos Bugatti Coupe Racing Vehicles Performance Videos Bugatti Chiron bugatti veyron successor

Bugatti shows how its Vision Gran Turismo became reality

Wed, Oct 7 2015

Plenty of automakers have taken part in the Vision Gran Turismo program. But few have foretold the future quite as clearly or as enticingly as Bugatti's. And now it's showing us what went into the process of creating the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo. Unveiled last month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Molsheim's creation isn't just a stand-alone design that exists only in cyber-space. Even if it isn't actually drivable, the Alsatian automaker is one of just a handful of participating automakers that actually built its design into a full-scale mockup, all curves, sinew, aggressive aero, and purposeful intent done up in French Racing Blue. The concept shows us what the successor to the legendary Veyron could look like. Picture it without all the racetrack-specific appendages - from the proliferate winglets to the various decals - and this could be what the hypercar tipped to be called Chiron will look like. And it looks a lot meaner than the rounded-off Veyron ever did. Related Video:

Matthias Muller officially named VW Group CEO

Fri, Sep 25 2015

While the vast number of rumors made it seem like a foregone conclusion, Porsche boss Matthias Muller has officially been named Volkswagen Group CEO to replace the recently resigned Martin Winterkorn. His contract runs through the end of February 2020, and until a replacement is found, Muller also gets to hang onto his old job as chairman of Porsche. At the same time, the VW Group Supervisory Board is announcing a massive structural reorganization across the entire company, with the new management model in place by the beginning of 2016. Contrary to previous rumors, Michael Horn remains as President and CEO of VW Group of America. The board wants a greater emphasis on brands and regions going forward, and the scale of this shift can be seen in the US. On November 1, VW Group business in the US, Mexico, and Canada is being combined under the leadership of current Skoda chairman Winfried Vahland. However contrary to previous rumors, Michael Horn remains as President and CEO of VW Group of America. Other brands are also seeing some significant changes mechanically. Porsche, Bentley, and Bugatti now fall under the Group's "sportscar and mid-engine toolkit." This means that the brands will start sharing standardized technical parts. A Chief Technical Officer across all of the company's brands will also start working toward future innovations. The new brand-centric view means the end of a group-wide production department. "Going forward, the brands and regions will also have greater independence with regard to production. So it follows that they should also hold the responsibility for these activities," Berthold Huber, interim Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said in the announcement. In a statement with the press release about his promotion, Muller promised to turn the company around after such an international crisis. He said: "My most urgent task is to win back trust for the Volkswagen Group – by leaving no stone unturned and with maximum transparency, as well as drawing the right conclusions from the current situation. Under my leadership, Volkswagen will do everything it can to develop and implement the most stringent compliance and governance standards in our industry." Matthias Muller appointed CEO of the Volkswagen Group Muller remains Chairman of Porsche AG until a successor has been found Matthias Muller (62) has been appointed CEO of Volkswagen AG with immediate effect.