0 Mercedes will bolster Smart's marketing

STUTTGART, Germany--Now that Mercedes-Benz controls Smart in the United States, the strategy for the microcar brand hinges on aggressive marketing, more special-edition vehicles, and greater opportunity for buyers to customize their cars.

"Our goal is to at least increase our sales slightly in the U.S. compared to last year," Smart Vice President Annette Winkler said.

"Slightly" won't mean very much.

Last week Mercedes-Benz agreed to take over U.S. Smart car distribution from Penske Automotive Group, ending a three-year relationship with Daimler, parent of both Smart and Mercedes.

Penske launched the European microcar brand as an independent distributor in 2008. But after a fast start, U.S. sales of the Fortwo, which is built in France, have plummeted.

Penske sold 24,622 cars in 2008, as gasoline prices reached record highs. But sales have tumbled, falling to just 5,927 in 2010.

In the end, the parties realized Mercedes could provide more marketing opportunities for Smart. And strengthening the Mercedes link will help dealers cope with the fact that Smart offers just one product.

Because the brand wasn't scheduled to receive a new vehicle for two or three years, the Penske organization had initiated development of a Nissan-based four-door car, dubbed Project Quattro, that was to be built in Mexico. That project has been canceled.

"If Smart continued as a free-standing network, they would need a second model to make it viable," Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said in a statement. "By integrating it into Mercedes-Benz, there is no need."

The 21 Smart dealerships that do not also have Mercedes products will lose the franchise, leaving Smart with 58 U.S. dealers. Four of the 21 dealerships that will lose the Smart franchise belong to the publicly traded Penske Automotive.

To increase sales, Winkler said, Daimler will add special-edition models, offering "almost unlimited" exterior and interior configurations on future models.

Smart will spend more on dealer training and expand its marketing to position the brand as an environmental alternative. "We will continue establishing Smart as a green, premium lifestyle brand," Winkler said.

Mercedes also will expand its Car2go car-sharing program to more North American cities. Currently, the Smart car-sharing program operates 200 cars in Austin, Texas. That number will increase to 300 cars this year.

Penske will handle termination of the 17 non-Mercedes-Benz dealers. Penske said the closings will include the buyback of signs, equipment, and cars, in accordance with the franchise agreement.

Read more

0 Mercedes will bolster Smart's marketing

STUTTGART, Germany--Now that Mercedes-Benz controls Smart in the United States, the strategy for the microcar brand hinges on aggressive marketing, more special-edition vehicles, and greater opportunity for buyers to customize their cars.

"Our goal is to at least increase our sales slightly in the U.S. compared to last year," Smart Vice President Annette Winkler said.

"Slightly" won't mean very much.

Last week Mercedes-Benz agreed to take over U.S. Smart car distribution from Penske Automotive Group, ending a three-year relationship with Daimler, parent of both Smart and Mercedes.

Penske launched the European microcar brand as an independent distributor in 2008. But after a fast start, U.S. sales of the Fortwo, which is built in France, have plummeted.

Penske sold 24,622 cars in 2008, as gasoline prices reached record highs. But sales have tumbled, falling to just 5,927 in 2010.

In the end, the parties realized Mercedes could provide more marketing opportunities for Smart. And strengthening the Mercedes link will help dealers cope with the fact that Smart offers just one product.

Because the brand wasn't scheduled to receive a new vehicle for two or three years, the Penske organization had initiated development of a Nissan-based four-door car, dubbed Project Quattro, that was to be built in Mexico. That project has been canceled.

"If Smart continued as a free-standing network, they would need a second model to make it viable," Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said in a statement. "By integrating it into Mercedes-Benz, there is no need."

The 21 Smart dealerships that do not also have Mercedes products will lose the franchise, leaving Smart with 58 U.S. dealers. Four of the 21 dealerships that will lose the Smart franchise belong to the publicly traded Penske Automotive.

To increase sales, Winkler said, Daimler will add special-edition models, offering "almost unlimited" exterior and interior configurations on future models.

Smart will spend more on dealer training and expand its marketing to position the brand as an environmental alternative. "We will continue establishing Smart as a green, premium lifestyle brand," Winkler said.

Mercedes also will expand its Car2go car-sharing program to more North American cities. Currently, the Smart car-sharing program operates 200 cars in Austin, Texas. That number will increase to 300 cars this year.

Penske will handle termination of the 17 non-Mercedes-Benz dealers. Penske said the closings will include the buyback of signs, equipment, and cars, in accordance with the franchise agreement.

Read more

0 Another coupe for Aston Martin

With its DB9, DBS, and Vantage, you would think Aston Martin had its GT lineup well covered. But the company, obviously feeling there was room to squeeze in another car, announced the all-new Virage, to be unveiled at the 2011 International Motor Show in Geneva.

The Virage is another sport touring coupe, and Aston Martin says it fits between the DB9 and DBS. The car is powered by a 6-liter V-12, similar to that used in the DBS, but is supposed to offer more of the comfort and style of the DB9.

Unlike its sibling GT cars, the Virage gets an active suspension, relatively new technology for Aston Martin. It also comes standard with ceramic brakes.

Aston Martin says the Virage will come with a new navigation system and a 700-watt audio system. But photos of the car show a Bang & Olufsen audio system, which should be a premium option. If the audio system is anything like those found in the DB9 and DBS, then it will have 13 speakers and 1,000 watts of amplification.

Aston Martin will announce pricing at the Geneva auto show, and offer the car for sale soon after. It will be available in hard-top and convertible forms

Read more

0 Another coupe for Aston Martin

With its DB9, DBS, and Vantage, you would think Aston Martin had its GT lineup well covered. But the company, obviously feeling there was room to squeeze in another car, announced the all-new Virage, to be unveiled at the 2011 International Motor Show in Geneva.

The Virage is another sport touring coupe, and Aston Martin says it fits between the DB9 and DBS. The car is powered by a 6-liter V-12, similar to that used in the DBS, but is supposed to offer more of the comfort and style of the DB9.

Unlike its sibling GT cars, the Virage gets an active suspension, relatively new technology for Aston Martin. It also comes standard with ceramic brakes.

Aston Martin says the Virage will come with a new navigation system and a 700-watt audio system. But photos of the car show a Bang & Olufsen audio system, which should be a premium option. If the audio system is anything like those found in the DB9 and DBS, then it will have 13 speakers and 1,000 watts of amplification.

Aston Martin will announce pricing at the Geneva auto show, and offer the car for sale soon after. It will be available in hard-top and convertible forms

Read more

0 Lamborghini Countach Anniversario (1988-1990)

Lamborghini Countach Anniversario (1988-1990)

Engine: 12 cylinders 60º V

Displacement: 5167 ccm

Horsepower: 455 @ 7000 rpm

Maximum speed: 295 km/h

Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5,0 s

Weight: 1490 kg

LxWxH (cm): 414 x 200 x 107

Design: Bertone (Marcello Gandini) and Horacio Pagani

Read more

0 Lamborghini Countach Anniversario (1988-1990)

Lamborghini Countach Anniversario (1988-1990)

Engine: 12 cylinders 60º V

Displacement: 5167 ccm

Horsepower: 455 @ 7000 rpm

Maximum speed: 295 km/h

Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5,0 s

Weight: 1490 kg

LxWxH (cm): 414 x 200 x 107

Design: Bertone (Marcello Gandini) and Horacio Pagani

Read more

0 The New 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The 6.5 litre twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 205 mph. The open-top Lamborghini Reventon is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has limited the series.

The powerful arrowhead form at the front, the mighty air intakes pulled way forward, the broad side skirts, the upwards opening scissor doors and the rear end with its menacing edges – the Roadster is clad in a design of maximum functionality and spectacular clarity. Details set stylish accents, such as headlamps featuring bi-xenon units with LEDs forming the daytime running lights and indicators. The rear lamps are also equipped with LEDs.

Behind the two seats are two hidden pop-up bars that deploy upwards in just a few hundredths of a second in the event of an imminent rollover. A fixed, horizontal wing-shaped member behind the seats bears the third brake light.

The driver can switch between two modes at the touch of a button – one digital view with illuminated bars and one level with classic round dials, albeit with changing colour graphics. Centrally located at the top of the display is the G-force meter. It represents the intensity of the forces acting on the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster under acceleration, braking and heavy cornering; the same format used in Formula 1.

The instruments are mounted in a casing machined from solid aluminium which is housed in a carbon fibre dashboard. The interior displays uncompromisingly clean craftsmanship and features a host of carbon fibre applications – e.g. on the centre tunnel – aluminium, Alcantara and leather. The central panels and the seat cushions are perforated, with precision stitching gracing their outer edges.

The V12 engine catapults the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). It reacts with the eagerness of a racing engine to input from the right foot, revving to 8,000 rpm and beyond, and performing a symphony that sends shudders along the spine. The deep booming bass, the powerful mid-range and the exultant horn section play music that, once heard, can never be forgotten.

In classic Lamborghini style, the aluminium engine is mounted longitudinally in front of the rear axle, with the transmission ahead of it beneath the centre tunnel. This layout results in 58 percent of the overall weight being borne by the rear wheels – ideal for a powerful sports car.

Also standard on the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster is the e.gear automated six-speed sequential manual transmission. The driver controls the gear shift, which is activated hydraulically via two steering wheel paddles. In addition to the ‘Normal’ mode, the system offers a ‘Corsa’ and a ‘low adherence’ mode. The driver just has to keep his foot to the floor – the rest is handled by e.gear.

Read more

0 The New 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The 6.5 litre twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 205 mph. The open-top Lamborghini Reventon is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has limited the series.

The powerful arrowhead form at the front, the mighty air intakes pulled way forward, the broad side skirts, the upwards opening scissor doors and the rear end with its menacing edges – the Roadster is clad in a design of maximum functionality and spectacular clarity. Details set stylish accents, such as headlamps featuring bi-xenon units with LEDs forming the daytime running lights and indicators. The rear lamps are also equipped with LEDs.

Behind the two seats are two hidden pop-up bars that deploy upwards in just a few hundredths of a second in the event of an imminent rollover. A fixed, horizontal wing-shaped member behind the seats bears the third brake light.

The driver can switch between two modes at the touch of a button – one digital view with illuminated bars and one level with classic round dials, albeit with changing colour graphics. Centrally located at the top of the display is the G-force meter. It represents the intensity of the forces acting on the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster under acceleration, braking and heavy cornering; the same format used in Formula 1.

The instruments are mounted in a casing machined from solid aluminium which is housed in a carbon fibre dashboard. The interior displays uncompromisingly clean craftsmanship and features a host of carbon fibre applications – e.g. on the centre tunnel – aluminium, Alcantara and leather. The central panels and the seat cushions are perforated, with precision stitching gracing their outer edges.

The V12 engine catapults the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). It reacts with the eagerness of a racing engine to input from the right foot, revving to 8,000 rpm and beyond, and performing a symphony that sends shudders along the spine. The deep booming bass, the powerful mid-range and the exultant horn section play music that, once heard, can never be forgotten.

In classic Lamborghini style, the aluminium engine is mounted longitudinally in front of the rear axle, with the transmission ahead of it beneath the centre tunnel. This layout results in 58 percent of the overall weight being borne by the rear wheels – ideal for a powerful sports car.

Also standard on the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster is the e.gear automated six-speed sequential manual transmission. The driver controls the gear shift, which is activated hydraulically via two steering wheel paddles. In addition to the ‘Normal’ mode, the system offers a ‘Corsa’ and a ‘low adherence’ mode. The driver just has to keep his foot to the floor – the rest is handled by e.gear.

Read more

0 Yamaha SZ-R Price

Yamaha SZ-R 153cc Bike is now available in India and offers stylish & Sporty look, high-performance (153cc) engine, better mileage @ attractive price.

Yamaha SZ-R Bike Features:

• Designed for Daily Commuters
• Clear lens flasher, colored handle grip end bar
• Available in 3 colors – Black, Red and Blue.
• Aerodynamic Spoiler
• Special Graphics with painted muffler end caps

Yamaha SZ-R Mileage: Approx 50KMPL

Yamaha SZ-R Price in India: Rs. 55,000/- Ex-Showroom Delhi Price

Yamaha SZ-R Bike Technical Specifications:

• 153cc Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC Engine
• Bore & Stroke: 58.0 × 57.9 mm
• Compression ratio 9.5:1
• Maximum power: 12.1PS / 7,500 rpm
• Maximum torque: 12.8N.m / 4500 rpm
• Electric Start
• Clutch type: wet, multiple disc
• Battery: 12 V, 5 AH (10 AH)
• Headlight: Halogen bulb (12 V, 35/35 W)
• Tranmission type: 5 gear constant mesh
• Frame type: Diamond
• Front suspension: Telescopic
• Rear suspension: Swingarm
• Front brake: Drum(150 mm)
• Rear brake: Drum (130 mm)
• Front tyre: 2.75-17 41P
• Rear tyre : 100/90-17 55P
• Overall length x width x height: 2,050mm x 730mm × 1,100mm
• Kerb Weight: 132 kg
• Wheelbase: 1,320mm
• Minimum ground clearance: 165mm
• Fuel tank capacity: 14 liters
• Seat Height: 802 mm

Read more

0 Yamaha SZ-R Price

Yamaha SZ-R 153cc Bike is now available in India and offers stylish & Sporty look, high-performance (153cc) engine, better mileage @ attractive price.

Yamaha SZ-R Bike Features:

• Designed for Daily Commuters
• Clear lens flasher, colored handle grip end bar
• Available in 3 colors – Black, Red and Blue.
• Aerodynamic Spoiler
• Special Graphics with painted muffler end caps

Yamaha SZ-R Mileage: Approx 50KMPL

Yamaha SZ-R Price in India: Rs. 55,000/- Ex-Showroom Delhi Price

Yamaha SZ-R Bike Technical Specifications:

• 153cc Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC Engine
• Bore & Stroke: 58.0 × 57.9 mm
• Compression ratio 9.5:1
• Maximum power: 12.1PS / 7,500 rpm
• Maximum torque: 12.8N.m / 4500 rpm
• Electric Start
• Clutch type: wet, multiple disc
• Battery: 12 V, 5 AH (10 AH)
• Headlight: Halogen bulb (12 V, 35/35 W)
• Tranmission type: 5 gear constant mesh
• Frame type: Diamond
• Front suspension: Telescopic
• Rear suspension: Swingarm
• Front brake: Drum(150 mm)
• Rear brake: Drum (130 mm)
• Front tyre: 2.75-17 41P
• Rear tyre : 100/90-17 55P
• Overall length x width x height: 2,050mm x 730mm × 1,100mm
• Kerb Weight: 132 kg
• Wheelbase: 1,320mm
• Minimum ground clearance: 165mm
• Fuel tank capacity: 14 liters
• Seat Height: 802 mm

Read more

0 Bajaj Pulsar Bike Price @ 23 Feb 2010

Bajaj Pulsar 150 CC Price

• Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc Price in Delhi: 60,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc Price in Mumbai: 68,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc Price in Chennai: 64,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150cc Price in Bangalore: 65,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150cc Price in Hyderabad: 64,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150cc Price in Kolkata: 65,500/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc Price in Pune: 62,000/- Indian Rupee

Bajaj Pulsar 180 CC Price

• Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc Price in Delhi: 62,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc Price in Mumbai: 70,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc Price in Chennai: 66,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180cc Price in Bangalore: 67,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180cc Price in Hyderabad: 66,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180cc Price in Kolkata: 68,500/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc Price in Pune: 64,000/- Indian Rupee

Bajaj Pulsar 200 CC Price

Bajaj Pulsar 200 CC

• Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc Price in Delhi: 72,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc Price in Mumbai: 80,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc Price in Chennai: 75,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200cc Price in Bangalore: 77,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200cc Price in Hyderabad: 76,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200cc Price in Kolkata: 77,500/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc Price in Pune: 72,000/- Indian Rupee

New Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi (2009 Edition) Price – 70,000/- Ex-Showroom Delhi Price

Bajaj Pulsar 220 CC DTS Fi Price

Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc

• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Delhi: 87,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Mumbai: 97,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Chennai: 91,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Bangalore: 93,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Hyderabad: 92,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220cc Price in Kolkata: 92,500/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Pune: 88,000/- Indian Rupee

Read more

0 Bajaj Pulsar Bike Price @ 23 Feb 2010

Bajaj Pulsar 150 CC Price

• Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc Price in Delhi: 60,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc Price in Mumbai: 68,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc Price in Chennai: 64,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150cc Price in Bangalore: 65,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150cc Price in Hyderabad: 64,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150cc Price in Kolkata: 65,500/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc Price in Pune: 62,000/- Indian Rupee

Bajaj Pulsar 180 CC Price

• Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc Price in Delhi: 62,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc Price in Mumbai: 70,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc Price in Chennai: 66,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180cc Price in Bangalore: 67,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180cc Price in Hyderabad: 66,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180cc Price in Kolkata: 68,500/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc Price in Pune: 64,000/- Indian Rupee

Bajaj Pulsar 200 CC Price

Bajaj Pulsar 200 CC

• Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc Price in Delhi: 72,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc Price in Mumbai: 80,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc Price in Chennai: 75,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200cc Price in Bangalore: 77,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200cc Price in Hyderabad: 76,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200cc Price in Kolkata: 77,500/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc Price in Pune: 72,000/- Indian Rupee

New Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi (2009 Edition) Price – 70,000/- Ex-Showroom Delhi Price

Bajaj Pulsar 220 CC DTS Fi Price

Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc

• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Delhi: 87,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Mumbai: 97,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Chennai: 91,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Bangalore: 93,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Hyderabad: 92,000/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220cc Price in Kolkata: 92,500/- Indian Rupee
• Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc Price in Pune: 88,000/- Indian Rupee

Read more

0 Stop motion Suzuki builds itself

Suzuki Swift GTi starts as a shell before auto-assembling.

Building a car is no easy feat. Creating a time lapse video of the building of a car adds an element of complexity. However, creating a cohesive stop motion video documenting the in-garage assembly of a rallying Suzuki Swift GTi over the course of many months, while cool, is downright insane.

Read more

0 Stop motion Suzuki builds itself

Suzuki Swift GTi starts as a shell before auto-assembling.

Building a car is no easy feat. Creating a time lapse video of the building of a car adds an element of complexity. However, creating a cohesive stop motion video documenting the in-garage assembly of a rallying Suzuki Swift GTi over the course of many months, while cool, is downright insane.

Read more

0 Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000

After four years of development, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, as it will now be called, is ready for series production. The most exclusive sports car of all time is following in the footsteps of the legendary Bugatti, those universally-coveted limousines and unbeatable racing cars of the 1920s and 1930s which today are among the most sought-after creations from the early days of automobile construction. This brings to an end the era of design models and concept cars which since the late 1990s have signposted possible paths to the Bugattis of the future. Design and technological concept have finally become reality in the Veyron model's final form and will be available from the beginning of 2004 as a strictly limited edition of just 300 cars. Technologically futuristic and packed with creative engineering, the first Bugatti of the 21st century has arrived. Merging the Past and the Future The Bugatti Veyron 16.4's home is in Molsheim-Dorlisheim, the French town where, almost 100 years ago, Ettore Bugatti began to realize his lifelong dream of being a car manufacturer. The new workshop is not just where the engine and vehicle are assembled and tested, it is also the place where customers collect their Bugattis and drive them out onto the streets for the first time. The aim is to turn Molsheim into an all-round Bugatti center once again. While up to 70 new vehicles a year are built by hand in the new facility, neighboring specially-equipped workshops are the scene of expert restoration work on historic Bugatti vehicles. Both past and future have found a new home here. High Performance The car's safety systems have been designed to cope with its extraordinary performance, acceleration and speed. The single-piece carbon-fiber monocoque alone scores maximum points in crash tests, while airbags give the driver and passenger additional protection. The high-speed tires designed specially for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (for vmax. > 350 km/h), sizes 265-680 ZR500A (front) and 365-710 R540A (rear), incorporate a further innovative safety feature in the form of the PAX System fitted to the wheels and tires, ensuring safe handling even after sudden pressure loss. Another Bugatti Veyron 16.4 component with a safety element is the rear spoiler. As well as providing the necessary downforce during high-speed travel, it acts as a kind of 'parachute brake' during emergency braking. Once precisely-defined deceleration forces are registered the spoiler tilts and the additional air resistance this generates reduces the braking distance to that of a lorry. The Art of the Machine The W16 alloy engine developed by Bugatti for the Veyron 16.4 will have a special and absolutely unique place in the history of sports car construction. Its design employs the space-saving VR principle with two particularly slender eight-cylinder blocks arranged at a 90° angle to each other. 1001 horsepower equip the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with a level of acceleration unheard of in the sports car segment, propelling it from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and past the 200 mph mark in a mere 24 seconds. Thanks to its 923 lb-ft, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4's enormous propulsive power is not exhausted until it reaches 252.3 mph (406 km/h): the maximum speed for which chassis and drive train have been designed. Any further performance escalation is limited by current design and construction. Also unique is the power transmission via an innovative directshift gearbox. Without any interruption in the power flow, the sequential seven-speed gearbox transmits the engine's power to the wheels via permanent four-wheel drive. Put simply, this means uninterrupted acceleration from a standing start to maximum speed: a feeling previously known only to jet pilots. Exclusive, Classical, Functional Both exclusive and highly functional, the interior of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 will transport you to a world of your own. Superb leather, also two-tone if desired, quality metallic trim and beautifully designed and ergonomically laid-out controls characterize the Veyron cockpit. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 instruments, with a large central rev counter surrounded by four smaller additional instruments also conjures up memories of the marque's legendary motor sport past. The deliberate avoidance of superfluous instruments and modern extras are an unmistakable statement of the car's uncompromising sportiness. Unchanged on the series version of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the classical two-tone paintwork. The designers have selected five separate color combinations for the car: Each of the combinations features the bonnet, roof and rear in the darker of the two colors, with the sides and front wheel arches in the lighter color

Read more

0 Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000

After four years of development, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, as it will now be called, is ready for series production. The most exclusive sports car of all time is following in the footsteps of the legendary Bugatti, those universally-coveted limousines and unbeatable racing cars of the 1920s and 1930s which today are among the most sought-after creations from the early days of automobile construction. This brings to an end the era of design models and concept cars which since the late 1990s have signposted possible paths to the Bugattis of the future. Design and technological concept have finally become reality in the Veyron model's final form and will be available from the beginning of 2004 as a strictly limited edition of just 300 cars. Technologically futuristic and packed with creative engineering, the first Bugatti of the 21st century has arrived. Merging the Past and the Future The Bugatti Veyron 16.4's home is in Molsheim-Dorlisheim, the French town where, almost 100 years ago, Ettore Bugatti began to realize his lifelong dream of being a car manufacturer. The new workshop is not just where the engine and vehicle are assembled and tested, it is also the place where customers collect their Bugattis and drive them out onto the streets for the first time. The aim is to turn Molsheim into an all-round Bugatti center once again. While up to 70 new vehicles a year are built by hand in the new facility, neighboring specially-equipped workshops are the scene of expert restoration work on historic Bugatti vehicles. Both past and future have found a new home here. High Performance The car's safety systems have been designed to cope with its extraordinary performance, acceleration and speed. The single-piece carbon-fiber monocoque alone scores maximum points in crash tests, while airbags give the driver and passenger additional protection. The high-speed tires designed specially for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (for vmax. > 350 km/h), sizes 265-680 ZR500A (front) and 365-710 R540A (rear), incorporate a further innovative safety feature in the form of the PAX System fitted to the wheels and tires, ensuring safe handling even after sudden pressure loss. Another Bugatti Veyron 16.4 component with a safety element is the rear spoiler. As well as providing the necessary downforce during high-speed travel, it acts as a kind of 'parachute brake' during emergency braking. Once precisely-defined deceleration forces are registered the spoiler tilts and the additional air resistance this generates reduces the braking distance to that of a lorry. The Art of the Machine The W16 alloy engine developed by Bugatti for the Veyron 16.4 will have a special and absolutely unique place in the history of sports car construction. Its design employs the space-saving VR principle with two particularly slender eight-cylinder blocks arranged at a 90° angle to each other. 1001 horsepower equip the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with a level of acceleration unheard of in the sports car segment, propelling it from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and past the 200 mph mark in a mere 24 seconds. Thanks to its 923 lb-ft, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4's enormous propulsive power is not exhausted until it reaches 252.3 mph (406 km/h): the maximum speed for which chassis and drive train have been designed. Any further performance escalation is limited by current design and construction. Also unique is the power transmission via an innovative directshift gearbox. Without any interruption in the power flow, the sequential seven-speed gearbox transmits the engine's power to the wheels via permanent four-wheel drive. Put simply, this means uninterrupted acceleration from a standing start to maximum speed: a feeling previously known only to jet pilots. Exclusive, Classical, Functional Both exclusive and highly functional, the interior of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 will transport you to a world of your own. Superb leather, also two-tone if desired, quality metallic trim and beautifully designed and ergonomically laid-out controls characterize the Veyron cockpit. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 instruments, with a large central rev counter surrounded by four smaller additional instruments also conjures up memories of the marque's legendary motor sport past. The deliberate avoidance of superfluous instruments and modern extras are an unmistakable statement of the car's uncompromising sportiness. Unchanged on the series version of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the classical two-tone paintwork. The designers have selected five separate color combinations for the car: Each of the combinations features the bonnet, roof and rear in the darker of the two colors, with the sides and front wheel arches in the lighter color

Read more