BREAKING: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Unveiled

After all the spy shots and teasers, BMW has finally released the details of the new BMW Vision EfficientDynamics ahead of its scheduled debut; the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

BMW says that the high-performance concept study, with their ActiveHybrid technology, showcases “future demands in sustained mobility” and is “a symbol for the future of Sheer Driving Pleasure in harmony with trend-setting efficiency.” The automaker says that the aim of the Vision EfficientDynamics, is to realize “the performance of a BMW M Car and a highly emotional character combined with the fuel economy and emission management of a modern small car in the premium class.”

Power for the full-hybrid 2+2 seater BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, comes from a 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and two electric motors. The 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine features the latest generation of common-rail direct injection technology, producing a total of 163 horses with a peak torque of 214 lb-ft, and transferring power to wheels, via a double-clutch 6-speed transmission.

“Consistently applying the BMW ActiveHybrid strategy, BMW’s development engineers followed the principle of “Best of Hybrid”, choosing the optimum combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a full-hybrid system at the rear,” BMW said. In English that means that there is one-electric motor positioned between the combustion engine and the double-clutch gearbox. It produces 25 kW (33-hp) and is able to reach a peak of up to 38 kW (51-hp) with a maximum torque of 214 lb-ft. The second electric-motor, which powers the front axle, offers a continuous output of 60 kW (80-hp), and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 84 kW (112-hp) is available for a period of up to 30 seconds; the electric motor is even capable of delivering 104 kW (139-hp) for 10 seconds. All of this is transmitted through a two-stage, single-speed reduced-ratio gearbox.

With everything working in sync, the total system output comes in at 356-hp, with a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. But all that power is used only when you need it; when overtaking, for example. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph and fuel-economy is estimated at 63 mpg.

Overall, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics comes with a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells. When connected to a regular 220v outlet, the Vision EfficientDynamics requires 2 ½ hours to fully charge. A full-charge allows the car to cover a distance of approximately 31 miles when running on electric-mode alone.

So will we ever see a production model? Not for now. BMW says that the “Vision EfficientDynamics offers a realistic impression of the unique potential of BMW’s ActiveHybrid technology and the great innovative thrust of BMW EfficientDynamics.”

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept:

Press Release:

THE BMW VISION EFFICIENTDYNAMICS CONCEPT

The latest BMW Concept Car for the EfficientDynamics philosophy.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, 29 August 2009, 6pm Eastern… For decades, BMW has made the reduction of emissions and fuel consumption a key part of its product development strategy, just as enhancements to the dynamic ability of each BMW have been a lasting, sustained brand value. BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy - the pursuit of an enhanced, athletic driving experience while simultaneously lowering the consumption and emissions of each vehicle - resulted in the most dramatic drop in fleet consumption of any automaker from 1990 through 2005, according to an Environmental Defense study.

Now, the BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the result of a “clean-sheet” development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the most comprehensive implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car’s emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer.

Through this unique balance of driving pleasure and fuel efficiency, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car clearly demonstrates the potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, which makes its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and BMW ActiveHybrid 7 production models.

The power and performance are made possible by combining a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder turbodiesel with one electric motor on each axle. The intelligent combination of these units, together with precisely controlled energy management, simultaneously enhances the dynamic performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system output is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is 590 lb-ft. The special arrangement of the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive when driving in all-electric mode. The result is minimum power loss and a harmonious transmission of the power available under all conditions.

In its design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics for the first time conveys the dynamic look of a BMW sports car to a hybrid vehicle. Developed with decades of experience in Motorsport, the body of this unique sports car is a result of intelligent lightweight technology and aerodynamic efficiency. In the design of the interior, the focus was likewise on both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight.

Turbodiesel engine with unprecedented specific output.

Two electric motors for full-hybrid drive.

Lithium-polymer battery for electrical energy.

Plug-in solution: convenient charging of the electric power system from a conventional power socket.

Performance, fuel efficiency and emission management opening new dimensions in hybrid technology.

Aerodynamic qualities reflecting BMW’s Motorsport experience.

Overall vehicle concept for a drag coefficient of just 0.22.

Technological look as a strong impression of intelligent lightweight construction.

Emotional design through sculptural shapes and layering technology.

Interior: innovative lightweight construction and unprecedented orientation to the driver.

Innovative light technology: providing clear signals to the outside and offering soothing ambient illumination inside in a unique symbiosis.

Overhead doors for convenient access to all seats.

Clear focus on the essential: 3-dimensional Head-Up Display.

Forward-looking energy management adjusting to individual requirements.

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British Steam Car "Inspiration" breakes World's Oldest Land Speed Record

British Steam Car has smashed another land speed record. The British steam Car " Inspiration" took 10 years to develop and break the record set up almost 100 years ago.

The previous record set up by American Fred Marriott in a Stanley Steam car at the Daytone Beach Road Course in 1906 was 127mph.

It reached a peak speed of 136.103mph(219.04Km/h) on the 1st run and 151.085mph (243Km/h) on the 2nd run.

The 25 foot long, 3 tonne " kettle" was driven by Charles Burnett III.

He said: "What a great feeling, the car felt better than ever today. We peaked over 150mph and the car was handling beautifully. The team has worked so hard over the last 10 years, especially over the last few weeks. Having set two FIA world records is an amazing achievement and no-more than the team deserve after their perseverance."

This british Steam car will be brought back to England and will end up at National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire.

The British Steam car driving on dry salt lakes at Edwards Air base in Califonia, broke the kilometer record at 8.22am local time on Wednesday.

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Most Expensive SuperCars In World

#	Price$	Year	Maker/Model	Picture/Details
1	<2mil.	2006	Ferrari Pininfarina P4/5
2	1.81mil.	2006	Ferrari FXX
3	1.5mil.	2002	Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster
4	1.5mil.	1994	Schuppan 962CR
5	1.4mil.	2006	Bugatti 16/4 Veyron
6	1.25mil.	2002	Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
7	1.25mil.	1995	McLaren F1 LM
8	1.2mil.	1994	Dauer 962 Le Mans
9	1.02mil.	1991	Koenig C62
10	1mil.	2006	Gemballa Mirage Evolution

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Gemballa Mirage Evolution

With the GEMBALLA BODY-CONCEPT, the Mirage GT looks like it is planning to enter the Le Mans 24-hour race. The most conspicuous change to the front are the additional air intakes on the new front spoiler. In addition, GEMBALLA embellished the component with a spoiler lip. The bonnet has also been replaced. In the area between the wheel housing and door GEMBALLA has replaced the standard side panels with its own mudguards, with reshaped openings which blend harmoniously with the original design. Down below, new side skirts lend the vehicle a muscular line. They also come with a cooling vent for the breaks at the rear. One thing is certain! The racing look is enhanced by the new rear skirt, with its aerodynamically optimised mid section for more downforce on the rear axle.

The lion's share of the extra downforce over the production-line vehicle is due to the mighty GEMBALLA rear wing that adorns the rear of the car. For better slowing, it comes with an brake-flap in the middle - like the kind seen on the Bugati Veyron - which snaps up when the brakes are applied. The roof line of the GEMBALLA Mirage GT also starkly differs from the standard Carrera GT. The front section of an airbox has been integrated into the new GEMBALLA hardtop. This ends in an air duct that runs along the back of the tailgate installed by GEMBALLA and supplies the power-enhanced V10-engine with more air to breathe.

With the GEMBALLA body kit, the Mirage GT fits perfectly into the starting line-up of any FIA-GT race. Not least also because of the materials used by GEMBALLA - all parts of the body of the Mirage GT are made of carbon fibre; a material common in the world of racing.

The GEMBALLA Mirage GT also sports a high-tech pair of "shoes". GEMBALLA fits the three-part rims, with their fully-milled spoke wheel centre front (9.5 x 19�) and back (12.5 x 20"). Excellent road holding is guaranteed on the front axle by 265-35 R 19 tyres and on the rear axle by 335-30 R 20 tyres.

The motor sports look created on the outside thanks to the carbon components is resumed in the interior. GEMBALLA has restyled the central console, which likewise consists of this high-grade material. This is joined by countless other carbon components, such as, for example, the door cladding. GEMBALLA has also integrated a multimedia touch-screen information system into the central console. In addition, the passengers' senses of sight, smell and touch are also spoilt by the finest leather and luxury carpets. The modified steering wheel allows the driver to keep a strong grip on the reins of the GEMBALLA Mirage GT.

The Mirage GT is an impressive example of GEMBALLA's capability, and represents high-end tuning at its best. The cost of the comprehensive conversion, which can only be carried out by GEMBALLA, starts from EUR 229,800.

engine	Modified V10 w/Low Compression Pistons
position	Mid Longitudinal
aspiration	Twin Turbochargers
valvetrain	DOHC 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection
displacement	5733 cc / 349.8 cu in
bore	98 mm / 3.86 in
stroke	76 mm / 2.99 in
power	484.7 kw / 650 bhp @ 8000 rpm
hp per litre	113.38 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	471.01 bhp per tonne
drive wheels	RWD w/ASR 5.7, LSD
body / frame	Carbon Fibre Body over Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plasitc Frame
front brakes	Internally Vented & Cross Drilled Ceramic Composite Discs w/6-Piston Calipers, ABS
f brake size	400 mm / 15.7 in
rear brakes	Internally Vented & Cross Drilled Ceramic Composite Discs w/6-Piston Calipers, ABS
r brake size	400 mm / 15.7 in
front wheels	F 48.3 x 24.1 cm / 19 x 9.5 in
rear wheels	R 48.3 x 31.8 cm / 19 x 12.5 in
front tire size	265/35ZR19
rear tire size	335/30ZR20
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Power Steering
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Inboard Springs & Dampers
r suspension	Double Wishbones w/Inboard Springs & Dampers
weight	1380 kg / 3042 lbs
front track	1612 mm / 63.5 in
rear track	1587 mm / 62.5 in
length	4613 mm / 181.6 in
width	1921 mm / 75.6 in
height	1166 mm / 45.9 in
transmission	6-Speed Race-Sourced Transaxle
gear ratios	Not Available36:1
top speed	330 kph / 205.1 mph
0 - 60 mph	3.8 seconds
0 - 1/4 mile	11.4 seconds

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Koenig C62

One of the more notorious tuners is Koenig Specials. As the focus of the company has been to offer body parts, and conversion-kits, Koenig has made some truly outrageous show cars. It is hard to decide which is their most radical, because among the top cars is a Twin Turbo Ferrari F50, a 1000 horsepower Ferrari Testarossa or and a road going version of Porsche's 962 prototype racecar. In any case, these products aren't for the faint, nor people interested in originality, instead race-bred performance.

Koenig's C62 is a conversion based on original Porsche 962 chassis. To attain the necessary ground clearance and headlight position, and entirely new carbon fibre body was constructed. Koenig punched out the three liter version of the boxer engine to produce more low end toque. Other engine modifications included softer cams and a Bosch Mototronic system.

engine	Flat-6
position	Mid Longitudinal
aspiration	Twin Turbocharged
valvetrain	DOHC
displacement	3368 cc / 205.5 cu in
power	596.6 kw / 800 bhp @ 6300 rpm
hp per litre	237.53 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	727.27 bhp per weight
torque	722.7 nm / 533 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
drive wheels	RWD
body / frame	Carbon Fibre Body over Sheet Aluminum Chassis
front brakes	Vented Discs
rear brakes	Vented Discs
front wheels	F 43.2 x 22.9 cm / 17.0 x 9 in
rear wheels	R 43.2 x 33.0 cm / 17 x 13 in
front tire size	255/40ZR-17
rear tire size	335/35ZR-17
steering	Rack & Pinion
f suspension	Unequal A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Tube Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Twin Upper Links w/Lower A-Arms, Coil Springs, Tube Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar
weight	1100 kg / 2425 lbs
length	4958 mm / 195.2 in
width	2052 mm / 80.8 in
height	1118 mm / 44.0 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
top speed	378.2 kph / 235.0 mph
0 - 60 mph	3.3 seconds

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Dauer 962 Le Mans

June 1994, and the yellow Dauer Racing 962LM road car prototype caused a stir as it cruised around the Sarthe to the delight of car enthusiasts from all over the world. The very next day, the race version of this car won the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans for Porsche. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that first car was built, and the definitive version of this earth-bound guided missile is different and better in many ways. Attention to detail has turned it from a street-legal racer into a thoroughly developed and civilized road going super car. A plethora of electro-hydraulic systems have been built into the car, so now pneumatic struts hold the doors open and opening and closing the huge engine compartment cover is now power-assisted and at the touch of a button. If you have a ramp on your driveway or need to negotiate a speed bump, pressing another button raises the suspension a couple of inches. The computer that looks after the hydraulic element of the suspension also automatically lowers the car from its raised height if you exceed 50mph (80km/h). It is also not much fun to have to change gears on a car like this in traffic. Dauer considered many options and in the end came up with a unique transmission that uses the normal 962 manual box and clutch. But instead of using a gear lever, you select ratios via the Tiptronic S style knobs on the steering wheel. More efficient air-cooling, full-leather trim, a detachable steering wheel for easy access and properly detailed luggage compartments in the sills. All these refinements plus better, more comfortable seats have transformed the latest model.

Climbing in means stepping on a seat because you don't want to damage the kevlar tops of the luggage bins in the deep sills. Once in, you sit snug and secure in the cockpit of the world's fastest road car. Press the starter and 730 race bred horses roar into life. The engine in the car is the famous 2994cc water-cooled, twin-cam-per-bank, four-valves-per-cylinder Porsche flat-six. A pair of intercooled KKK turbochargers are employed and the Le Mans spec engine has 'softer' cams and therefore more tractable driving characteristics.

This engine is fully European emissions legal thanks to racing catalytic converters and Bosch Motronic 1.7 engine management. The latter allows a relatively high 9.0:1 compression ratio to be run without any problems. The 730bhp is delivered at 7,400rpm, you get a red warning light at 7,300rpm, the soft-cut rev limiter goes into action at 7,400rpm and there is a hard cut-out at 7,800rpm. At 1080kg, the 962LM may weigh around 180kg more than its competition brother, but its power-to weight ratio is still better than a McLaren F1s. In a drag start, 0-60mph takes just 2.6 sec in first gear! Five seconds later you have doubled your speed again. Ultimately a shade over 250mph is possible, about twice the take-off speed of a jumbo jet! Some speed engineering going on here.

On a dry racetrack, even the 517 lb ft of torque that arrives at 5,000 rpm cannot break the grip of the 265/35ZR 18 rear tires on their 11J x 18-inch wheels, and the acceleration on full boost is really mind-blowing. Whooooa! The engine's scream builds to a crescendo. It is a symphony for cams and induction. Second gear, 7,400rpm. Flick the gear selector to third and depress the clutch. The next ratio drops in smoothly and as you come back hand on the throttle in third, the engine noise builds up very quickly again. Only 1,200rpm between gears. Whooooa! Select fourth with the button. 7,400rpm. Dip the clutch. Fourth gear. 160mph. Running out of straight now. Hit the gear selector button to go down two ratios and make full use of the fabulous anchors. The car shrugs off 100mph in scant seconds and you feel the g-force of retardation and the harnesses biting into your shoulders as you dip the clutch to find second gear. The engine note rises, greeting the gear that will rocket you through the right hand bend as you come back on the throttle to balance the car into the turn that leads back to the pit lane..

engine	Porsche Watercooled Flat-6
position	Mid Longitudinal
aspiration	Twin KKK turbochargers
valvetrain	Quad Cam, 4 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed	TAG Mototronic Fuel Injection
displacement	2994 cc / 182.7 cu in
bore	95.0 mm / 3.74 in
stroke	70.4 mm / 2.77 in
compression	9.0:1
power	544.4 kw / 730.0 bhp @ 7400 rpm
hp per litre	243.82 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	708.74 bhp per weight
torque	700.9 nm / 517.0 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm
redline	7800
drive wheels	RWD w/Limited Slip Differential
body / frame	Carbon Fibre / Kevlar
front brakes	Brembro Ventilated Discs w/4-Piston Calipers
f brake size	330 mm / 13.0 in
rear brakes	Brembro Ventilated Discs w/4-Piston Calipers
r brake size	330 mm / 13.0 in
front wheels	F 45.7 x 26.7 cm / 18 x 10.5 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 33.0 cm / 18.0 x 13 in
front tire size	285/30ZR-18
rear tire size	345/35ZR-18
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Adj Anti-Roll Bars, Spring/Damper Units
r suspension	Double Inverted Wishbones w/Radius Rods, Adj Anti-Roll Bars, Spring/Damper Units
weight	1030 kg / 2271 lbs
length	4650 mm / 183.1 in
width	1985 mm / 78.1 in
height	1050 mm / 41.3 in
transmission	Porsche 5-Speed Manual w/Tiptronic Control, Hydraulic Sinter Clutch
top speed	404.6 kph / 251.4 mph
0 - 60 mph	2.6 seconds

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McLaren F1 LM

In 1995, the McLaren F1 cemented its place in history by winning the Le Mans endurance race at the first attempt. Not only did the F1 GTR finish first, it also occupied 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th places when the flag came down after 24 gruelling hours.

To celebrate this extraordinary feat, McLaren created a limited edition of just five McLaren F1s -- one for every F1 GTR which finished the race. Known as the LM (for Le Mans) the concept was to transform the GTR into a road-legal car with the minimum of modifications.

The list of changes to the standard car was significant and included engine, aero, set-up and weight reduction of 60 kg. As a result the LM runs the most powerful engine of any F1 using a 1995 GTR engine without air restrictors to produce 80 horsepower more than the racecar. The LM also features the GTR aerodynamic set-up which consists of a carbon fibre splitter, wheel arch extensions, side skirts and a high downforce rear wing to further enhance the performance and grip of the standard F1.

As a tribute to the memory of Bruce McLaren, all the F1 LMs were painted in the same Papaya Orange that was used on Formula One and Can Am cars in the 60s and 70s.

As a result the F1 LM not only became the fastest accelerating F1 of all, but also the most coveted as the ultimate translation of the ultimate supercar.

engine	BMW 70/2 60 Degree V12
position	Mid Longitudinal
valvetrain	Chain Driven DOHC w/Continuously Variable Inlet Valve Timing & 4
displacement	6064 cc / 370.0 cu in
bore	86.0 mm / 3.39 in
stroke	87.0 mm / 3.43 in
compression	10.5:1
power	498.1 kw / 668.0 bhp @ 7800 rpm
hp per litre	110.16 bhp per litre
bhp/weight
torque	705.0 nm / 520.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
redline	8500 rpm
drive wheels	RWD w/Torsen Differential
body / frame	Caron Fibre
front brakes	Unassisted Vented Discs
f brake size	332 mm / 13.1 in
rear brakes	Unassisted Vented Discs
r brake size	305 mm / 12.0 in
front wheels	F 45.7 x 27.6 cm / 18.0 x 10.85 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 33.0 cm / 18.0 x 13.0 in
front tire size	F MXX3 275/35ZR18
rear tire size	R MXX3 345/35ZR18
steering	Unassisted Rack & Pinion
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Light Alloy Dampers, Co-Axial Coil Springs, A
r suspension	Double Wishbones w/Light Alloy Dampers, Co-Axial Coil Springs
weight	1062 kg / 2341 lbs
wheelbase	2718 mm / 107.0 in
front track	1570 mm / 61.8 in
rear track	1464 mm / 57.6 in
length	4365 mm / 171.9 in
width	1820 mm / 71.7 in
height	1120 mm / 44.1 in
transmission	Transverse 6-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.23:1, 2.19:1, 1.71:1, 1.39:1, 1.16:1, 0.93:1
final drive	2.37:1
top speed	362.1 kph / 225.0 mph
0 - 60 mph	2.9 seconds
0 - 100 mph	6.7 seconds

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Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

The production of Mercedes Benz CLK CTR started in 1997,25 cars were built for Gt1. The 6 L(6800) V12 engine engages 612 horsepower at 6500 rpm, and the top speed is 200 mph, (340 km/h).
The super car uses a six speed manual transmission and it can reach a speed of 60 mph in 3,8 seconds. Another variant of Mercedes Benz Clk Gtr was a 7,3 V12 similar with other super cars like Zonda or Ferrari.

engine	60 Degree V12
position	Mid Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
displacement	7291 cc / 444.9 cu in
bore	91.5 mm / 3.6 in
stroke	92.4 mm / 3.64 in
power	536.9 kw / 720 bhp @ 6700 rpm
hp per litre	98.75 bhp per litre
drive wheels	Mid Engine / RWD
front brakes	Vented Carbon Fibre Discs w/6-Pot Calipers, Hydrualic Assist, ABS
f brake size	381 mm / 15.0 in
rear brakes	Vented Carbon Fibre Discs w/4-Pot Calipers, Hydraulic Assist, ABS
r brake size	356 mm / 14.0 in
front wheels	F 45.7 x 26.7 cm / 18 x 10.5 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 31.8 cm / 18 x 12.5 in
front tire size	295/35 ZR18
rear tire size	345/35 ZR 18
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Push-Rod Acuated Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Double Wishbones w/Push-Rod Acuated Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar
wheelbase	2670 mm / 105.1 in
front track	1665 mm / 65.6 in
rear track	1594 mm / 62.8 in
length	1855 mm / 73.0 in
width	1950 mm / 76.8 in
height	1100 mm / 43.3 in
transmission	6-Speed Sequential w/Paddle-Shift Operation
gear ratios	3.235:1, 2.097:1, 1.560:1, 1.231:1
0 - 60 mph	3.6 seconds

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Bugatti 16/4 Veyron

September 3rd 2005, Monterey, California - After years of applause, celebration, doubt, then ridicule, the first production Bugatti Veyron has hit the road as the fastest available supercar. Bugatti has little to be embarrassed about since the 16/4 is very similar to the extreme proposals made in 1999.

The whole Veyron project was first launched in 1999 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Bugatti displayed a concept car called theEB 18/4 Veyron which outlined the basic shape for future versions. Unlike the production version, this featured a more radical W18 engine with three banks of six cylinders. In 2000, Ferdinand Piëch announced the Veyron would go into production at the 2000 Geneva Motor Show. At that show the Veyron had a W16 engine borrowed from the 1999 Bentley Hunaudieres. It was also described as the most expensive, most powerful and fastest production supercar.

These claims instantly set-up alarm bells, and much of press hastily criticized the project. Even before reaching production, Gordon Murray and Jeremy Clarkson unfairly criticized the design and both later retracted their comments in writing after actually driving the car.

Long Road to Production.

The first pre-production prototypes were launched at a great show called tArt de Bugatti in 2003 at Monaco. There, Bugatti assembled an impressive display of classic models to celebrate the new Veyron. Unknown to the media and prospective buyers, trouble with cooling and tires delayed the car much beyond Bugatti's initial deadlines. It would take over two more years before a definitive specification would be reached.

When Bernd Pischetsrieder became the chairman of VW, he was obviously unhappy with the progress at Bugatti. Being an engineer himself, Bernd wanted major revisions with the program before the car would go on sale. He placed Thomas Bscher as Bugatti's president in December 2003 and had chief engineer Wolfgang Schreiber alter development of the program. For the next two years, Schreiber worked on issues of cooling, aerodynamics and tires.

By 2005, several of the pre-production prototypes were regularly spotted around Molshiem. In May of that year, the factory's claim of 250 mph turned from an enthusiastic vision into reality. A pre-production car achieved a two-way average speed of 252.95mph at parent company Volkswagen's Ehra Lessien test track in Germany. Thus the Veyron prevailed over the Koenigsegg CCR's record of 240.8 mph set earlier in the year.

This exceptional speed was possible due to the car's adjustable spoiler, diffuser, and regulated ground clearance. In high-speed mode, the dampers can lower the car from 125mm to 65mm of ground clearance. This allows it to safely reach a speed of 250 mph. The feat has been repeated twice by both Car and Driver and Top Gear.

The production Veyron was first publicly displayed at the respectable 2006 Pebble Beach Concours on August 21st. After appearing at select private events, the first two production Veyrons preeminently adorned Pebble's concept car display in front of the Lodge. Earlier in the week, the first grey and blue Veyron - driven by Bugatti head Thomas Bscher - arrived late at the Monterey Jet Center Party and the Quail Motorsports Gathering. Wherever the Veyron was seen, crowd and media response was enthusiastic, allowing the car to steal the spotlight from the exclusive, no-cameras-allowed Ferrari FXX debut. This was followed up by an official European launch on September 3 at the Molsheim factory.

Bugatti officially opened what it called Atelier on September 3rd 2005. This is now the new plant dedicated to production of the Veyron in Molshiem, France. In 1910, Ettore Bugatti also produced his first car and later built some of the most successful race cars in the country at this location.

Engineering

Within the Veyron, several propulsion systems synchronize in a tight space. Under the skin, a quad-turbo, sixteen cylinder engine delivers power to all four wheels through a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox. The most challenging aspect is to ensure proper aerodynamics and cooling of these systems. These two obstacles that have delayed production for nearly three years.

The engine has four banks of four cylinders, but is more similar to two narrow-angle V8 engines that share a common crank. To produce upwards up 1000 bhp, four small turbochargers are fitted. To cool this entire unit ten radiators are used are used in car-three for the engine coolant, two for the interior air conditioning and one each for the engine oil, transmission oil, differential oil, hydraulic oil and the air-to-liquid intercooler.

Power is sent from the engine to a central direct-shift transmission. This uses a dual-clutch system to change gears electronically in 150 ms. This seven speed gearbox is produced by Ricardo. It can be driven in fully automatic mode and is attached to Haldex Traction, electro-hydraulic, limited-slip clutch that can engage and disengage the front wheels.

When driven above 137 mph (220 kph), hydraulics lower the car and deploy a large rear wing. This mode is called handling mode and increases downforce to 770 pounds (3425 newtons). Using a Top Speed Key, the driver can configure the car to High Speed Mode. In this mode the car drops from 4.9 inches of ground clearance to just 2.6. The spoiler also retracts and the air diffusers close.

Braking is provided by carbon rotors with titanium calipers. During extreme deceleration the rear wing positions to 55-degrees and acts as an air brake.

Summary.

After 47 years of production, a 50 year break and a revival from Volkswagen, Bugatti is back. The Veyron is the fastest accelerating (0-60 in 2.46 seconds), most consuming (5.82 mpg), most expensive (1,440,800 USD) and quickest (253 mph) production car available. These figures help it live up a rich tradition of superlative designs that include the Type 35 and Type 41 Royale.

engine	Aluminum, Narrow Angle W16
position	Mid Longitudinal
aspiration	Quad Turbocharged
valvetrain	DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl w/VVT
displacement	7993 cc / 487.8 cu in
bore	86 mm / 3.39 in
stroke	86 mm / 3.39 in
compression	9.0:1
power	746.5 kw / 1001 bhp @ 6000 rpm
hp per litre	125.23 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	490.45 bhp per weight
torque	1250 nm / 922.0 ft lbs @ 2200-5500 rpm
redline	6500
drive wheels	4WD
body / frame	Aluminum Panels over Carbon Fibre Monocoque w/Aluminum Front Subframe, Hybrid VCarbon/Stainless Steel Rear Subframe
front brakes	Ventilated & Drilled Discs w/ABS
f brake size	401 mm / 15.8 in
rear brakes	Ventilated & Drilled Discs w/ABS
r brake size	381 mm / 15.0 in
front wheels	F 50.8 x 28.4 cm / 20 x 11.2 in
rear wheels	R 53.3 x 36.6 cm / 21 x 14.4 in
front tire size	265/680ZR500A 99Y Michelin Pilot Sport
rear tire size	365/710ZR540A 108Y Michelin Pilot Sport
f suspension	Control Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Control Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
weight	2041 kg / 4500 lbs
wheelbase	2710 mm / 106.7 in
front track	1715 mm / 67.5 in
rear track	1618 mm / 63.7 in
length	4463 mm / 175.7 in
width	1999 mm / 78.7 in
height	1212 mm / 47.7 in
transmission	7-Speed DSG w/Haldex Clutch
top speed	407.2 kph / 253 mph
0 - 60 mph	2.6 seconds
0 - 100 mph	5.7 seconds
0 - 1/4 mile	10.3 seconds

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