Latest news with #FerdinandPiëch
Top Gear
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Think you know your Bugattis? Here's every speed-obsessed model that matters
Advertisement The touchstone for all modern Bugattis, the Type 35 of the 1920s won over 1,000 races in its competitive life. Not bad for a car with (at its most powerful) 138 horsepower. Advertisement - Page continues below Over six metres long, three tonnes in weight and powered by a 12.7-litre inline eight that Bugatti put in a high speed train. Possibly the ultimate luxury statement. And a complete commercial flop. You might like Could this be the prettiest aircraft of all time? Designed to win speed trials in the late 1930s, the contra-rotating props lightweight never flew in period because of World War Two. Advertisement - Page continues below The only product of Bugatti's mid-1990s revival celebrated the 110th anniversary of Ettore Bugatti's birth with a quad turbo AWD V12 supercar... just in time for a global recession. Before the Veyron came the... huh? Yep, this 1999 concept car previewed Volkswagen-led Bugatti's future with a 6.3-litre W18 engine good for a mere 555bhp. Took six years to evolve into the Veyron. VW boss Ferdinand Piëch's dream of a 400kph, 1,000 horsepower car was finally realised. And the company only had to make a loss in the region of €4m on every one sold to achieve it. You didn't expect Volkswagen to stop at a mere 1,000PS (986bhp), did you? New turbos, suspension, aero and tyres later, the SS managed a record breaking 268mph vmax on the VW test track. Advertisement - Page continues below Veyron successor continued the quad turbo W16 recipe, now up to 1,479bhp with Le Mans racer levels of chassis stiffness, a limited top speed of 261mph and a £1.8m price. Can a two tonne Fabergé egg moon rocket be a hardcore track special? With Bugatti now under the stewardship of spinoff specialist Stephan Winkelmann, oui , for sure. Advertisement - Page continues below Longtail Chiron packing a beastly 1,578bhp engine tune was the first factory road car to breach the 300mph barrier in history. And it was still accelerating. One more trophy for the quad turbo W16 engine. The roofless Mistral (named after southerly French breeze) took the cabriolet speed record with a 282mph run in late 2024. Roll on the Tourbillon. The first Rimac tech-infused Bugatti teams a tilted Cosworth V16 with three e-motors for 1,775bhp. Intricate aero and horology-tastic cabin seal the deal, this is the next all time great hypercar in waiting. See more on Supercars
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The long and difficult gestation of the Bugatti Veyron
Anti-clockwise from top right: the EB118, EB218, 18/3 Chiron and 18/4 Veyron concepts In 1998, Volkswagen bought the rights to the Bugatti brand from the bankrupted Italian firm that had given us the V12-engined EB110 supercar. Seven years and more than €1 billion later, we drove a Veyron for the first time. It was the fastest and most powerful production car the world had ever seen, by quite some margin, and it hit, if not exceeded, all of the targets that had been set – except for cost, because there was no constraint on that, and, despite it retailing for €1 million, Volkswagen allegedly lost €5m on each one. Or rather company supremo Ferdinand Piëch lost it, because the Veyron was his car through and through. The idea only came to fruition because his attitude was: 'You will get it done, and if you can't, you will be replaced by someone who can,' according to Chrysler chief Bob Lutz. But then the Veyron was never meant to be a money-making exercise. In our final issue of 1998, Peter Robinson commented: 'Without Piëch's astonishing assault into car territories once beyond the wildest fantasy of staid old VW, the task of writing Autocar's weekly Grapevine column in 1998 would have been much harder.' Indeed, Piëch had tried to buy Rolls-Royce, Volvo Trucks, BMW, Cosworth, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti all in that year, succeeding with the last four and setting about planning a sprawling new model range using monstrous engines. The world had its first glimpse of Veyron madness at the 1998 Paris motor show: the EB118, an ostentatious coupé concept with a 555bhp 6.3-litre W18 engine that 'arose from a simple sketch [Piëch had] made on a serviette during a dinner'.At the 1999 Geneva motor show, even while Volkswagen's W12-engined Syncro supercar was still on the cards, Bentley revealed an 8.0-litre W18 supercar of its own and Bugatti the EB218 concept, a saloon version of the EB118. The intention was for the brand to return to the market position it had enjoyed in its original pre-war form, so 'Volkswagen insiders were buoyed that the Mercedes team developing their own limousine, the Maybach, awarded the EB218 'benchmark' status after visiting Bugatti's stand', we reported. This was shortly followed by the 18/3 Chiron and 18/4 Veyron supercar concepts, which were much closer in style to what we know today. In 2000, though, it emerged that development of the W18 had slowed. 'It seems the cost of having both 16- and 18-cylinder engines frightens even Piëch,' we suggested. Soon after we sampled the 18/4 Veyron on condition of silence, and the big boss told us: 'We have the technology under control.' Clearly they didn't, though, because only a few months later, the supercar evolved into the 16/4 Veyron. Instead of three banks of two three-cylinder engines in line, it had VR8s grafted together into a W16 – much simpler. Nevertheless, there were fears that the Veyron project had become too expensive, even for Piëch and even after all the other planned Bugatti models had been canned. Brand president Karl-Heinz Neumann, who was also in charge of the entire group's powertrains, reassured us: 'Volkswagen has the money. From the end of 2003 or the beginning of 2004, we plan to build 50 Veyrons a year – a total of 200.' But by August 2003, Neumann had been 'given his marching orders'. 'Despite the upheaval,' we said, 'Bugatti officials deny the supercar's performance claims will be scaled back. They say the four-wheel-drive Veyron will hit 60mph in just 2.9sec and top 252mph.' And upon launch in September 2005, the Veyron did so. In fact, it was even quicker, hitting 60mph in 2.5sec. We were delighted and quite relieved to be able to at long last experience 'a peculiar cacophony that sounds a bit like two TVRs on full reheat plus an industrial-strength air hose' being 'accompanied by mind-bending, heart-stopping acceleration, the like of which has never been felt before in a road car'. ]]>
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Top three most expensive cars in the world
When it comes to cars, some are built for speed, some for luxury, and then some exist purely as rolling masterpieces. These ultra-rare machines aren't just about getting from point A to point B—they're about prestige, cutting-edge engineering, and eye-watering price tags. Only a select few can afford them, and even fewer get the chance to own one. If you've ever wondered what the most expensive cars in the world are, here's a look at the top three currently redefining automotive $18.7 million (est) Unveiled in 2019, the Bugatti La Voiture Noire is a truly one-of-a-kind bespoke commission. It was designed in tribute to the missing fourth Type 57 SC Atlantic for Bugatti's 110th anniversary and is one of the rarest and most expensive cars ever built. Its name translates to "the Black Car," which reflects its deep black carbon fiber body, seamlessly sculpted to create a flowing, aerodynamic design. Every aspect of the car is handcrafted, with a monocoque chassis made from high-grade carbon fiber and a deep gloss black finish highlighting its sculpted exterior. The La Voiture Noire features an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine that generates a whopping 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque, which enables the car to deliver breathtaking acceleration and top-tier performance. It has an estimated top speed of 260+ mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.4 seconds. View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article While mechanically similar to the Chiron, the La Voiture Noire prioritizes grand touring comfort over outright speed records. Its six exhaust tips, centrally mounted in homage to the legendary Type 57, further enhance its aggressive aesthetic. The extended wheelbase and handcrafted details reinforce its luxury status. The front features Bugatti's signature horseshoe grille integrated seamlessly into the La Voiture Noire's elongated nose, while the headlights stretch along the fenders, adding to its futuristic appeal. The rear is dominated by a full-length LED taillight strip and the aforementioned six-exhaust-pipe layout. We don't know much about the interior, but given Bugatti's standards, it likely features the highest levels of craftsmanship. The identity of the owner remains unknown, though speculation suggests it belongs to Ferdinand Piëch, the former chairman of Volkswagen Group.2. Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Price: $28 million The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail takes its inspiration from the legendary 1932 model, which was designed with the luxury J-class yachts of the 1920s in mind. The current Boat Tail marked the automaker's return to coachbuilt customization in 2018, with three similar but not identical examples. The three share a chassis and 563 hp twin-turbo V12 engine with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. It has a top speed of about 155 mph and can reach zero to 60 mph in about 5 seconds. With over 1,800 bespoke parts, each example features a parasol that extends from the rear deck, cocktail tables with matching seats, a complete set of Christofle tableware, and two refrigerators. View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article All models appear to have been spoken for. The first Boat Tail to be released is said to belong to Jay-Z and Beyonce and while they haven't confirmed this, there are a few hints to suggest that's the case. The car is blue and features a matching pair of men's and women's luxury watches from Bovet Fleurier, as well as Armand de Brignac champagne in its fridge. Jay-Z had previously invested $600 million in the brand that he co-owns with LM. The second Boat Tail was commissioned by the son of an anonymous pearling magnate for his father. It features a pearlescent exterior and an accented mother-of-pearl interior. Like the blue Boat Tail, its trunk opens from centrally mounted hatches, revealing walnut trim and a picnic set complete with a parasol. An anonymous owner purchased the third Boat Tail, but details have yet to be $30 million (est.) The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is the most expensive new vehicle. Inspired by the Black Baccara rose, the design holds significance for the commissioning couple, who had a hand in its creation but remain anonymous. This coach-built masterpiece debuted in 2023 as the first of four commissioned Droptails. Its parquetry—a staple in many Rolls—Royce designs—is the most complex to date for the car company, with more than 1,600 hand-finished and hand-placed wood pieces assembled over two years. Made from steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, the Droptail is finished in a newly developed color, True Love red, with dark accents of the accompanying Mystery hue to capture the feel of the Baccara's rich, velvet-like petals. The paint process required over 150 iterations and was layered with a complex technique of transparent lacquers to create a pearlescent shimmer. The front grille, detailed with hand-painted accents, and stunning 22-inch alloy wheels accented in Mystery paint further emphasize the car's striking presence. The interior of the La Rose Noire Droptail features French-sourced Black Sycamore wood that forms an abstract design of falling rose petals. The interior also features a mix of the aforementioned colors in leather, adding a textured, pearlescent finish. According to the automaker, the craftsmanship is so intricate that the artisan responsible for its creation worked in silence for weeks at a Rose Noire Droptail also incorporates an exclusive, removable Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept timepiece, specially designed to match the car's color scheme. The owners also commissioned a bespoke champagne chest tailored to house their special edition Champagne de Lossy. It, too, has matching rose petal parquetry and features an integrated cooling system, hand-blown crystal glasses, and custom thermal champagne coolers. The Droptail is about 10 inches shorter than the Rolls Royce Ghost. Its extreme luxury doesn't detract from its considerable power, as its 6.7-liter V-12 engine cranks out 593 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque through either an 8-speed automatic or manual transmission. Rolls-Royce claims a top speed of 155 mph and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The La Rose Noire Droptail is the first of four unique commissions. The second, Amethyst, is designed with the birthstone of the owner's son in mind. The third, the Arcadia, is named after the pastoral paradise in Greek mythology. While Rolls-Royce isn't forthcoming about their prices, it's believed they are in the same range, if not more. View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article Whether they end up in private collections or occasionally hit the road, these three vehicles are rolling works of art pushing the boundaries of luxury and engineering. Most of us will never get behind the wheel of one, but it's fun to imagine what we would do if we owned one and what it would feel like to take one for a spin. Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
