Category: Bugatti (Page 1 of 4)

PAPENBURG, Germany (November 15, 2024) – In a growing legend punctuated by iconic moments, Bugatti has engraved its name into the annals of automotive history. In its pursuit for innovation and top performance, three icons of the Bugatti legend have broken world top-speed records: the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition; Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition; and Chiron Super Sport 300+. Now, another incomparable feat of engineering and driving skill has been accomplished – with the W16 Mistral World Record Car setting a new top-speed world record for an open-top car, at 453.91 km/h.

Realized at the world-class track facilities of ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH, Germany, this record-breaking occasion followed in the footsteps of world-record runs that have been immortalized in automotive legend. In a story that began more than 14 years ago, in June 2010 with a Veyron 16.4 Super Sport reaching a record of 431.07 km/h, Bugatti has charted a historic course in the pursuit of unparalleled speed.

With the closed-cockpit world record broken once more in 2019 with the mesmerizing Chiron Super Sport 300+ achieving 490.48 km/h, in search of ever-more challenging innovation Bugatti’s masterful, history-making engineering also extended to open-top vehicles. Three years after the momentous achievement of the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, this chapter in the automotive history books was opened with the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, reaching 408.84 km/h with the roof down, open to the elemental force of air.

As the pages of Bugatti’s legend turned to the present-day, so the storied marque sought to exceed that endeavor once more with an open-top vehicle. Building on the foundations of the incredible accomplishments already immortalized, the pursuit of another landmark moment in Bugatti’s rich history reached its crescendo in the wake of months of intricate preparation, and meticulously planned testing to explore the car’s immense capabilities.

And so that journey led to the project-zenith in Papenburg, on November 9^th. From the esteemed guests in attendance, to CEO of Bugatti Rimac, Mate Rimac, the senior management team, the project crew and the intensely focused vehicle technicians – all immersed in overwhelming emotion as the run-briefing concluded, and the historic moment arrived.

Andy Wallace – Bugatti Pilote Officiel and winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours – assumed the controls of the one-off W16 Mistral World Record Car, warming up the vehicle’s bespoke high-performance tires on a first anticipatory lap. Ascending to a specified speed of 200 km/h into the banking of the track, Andy increased the speed before unleashing the full power of the vehicle as the straight opened up coming off the banking, taking it to new heights of record-speed. Under the meticulous control of SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH, the achievement of a new world top-speed record for an open-top car was officially confirmed at the end of the run, with Andy reaching an incredible 453.91 km/h.

“Throughout the testing program leading up to this moment, it was incredible to feel how stable the car felt – I got the sense that it wanted to go faster,” explained Andy Wallace. “And when it came to the moment itself, the experience was overwhelmingly thrilling; feeling the elemental forces from the open-top cockpit, the sound of the immense W16 engine emanating from the air scoops next to my ear – it made the achievement incredibly emotional. A record like this pushes the boundaries of automotive innovation, and requires immense focus, dedication, and teamwork to realize. It’s a true testament to the passion that everyone at Bugatti has for making history.”

– Andy Wallace, Bugatti Pilote Officiel

For the first time in Bugatti’s history, the customer of the vehicle was in attendance to witness a record-breaking event for the ages, he was offered the opportunity to immerse themselves in an exclusive, exquisite experience throughout the weekend in honor of the momentous day. Reinforcing the purely unique and landmark nature of the occasion, the customer was bestowed with the incredible opportunity to join Andy on another high-speed run in the wake of the world record, almost reaching the same speed – and likely setting an unofficial record for the fastest-ever passenger ride

Like each Bugatti owner, the customer of the W16 Mistral World Record Car had a unique vision to cement the legacy of their rare Bugatti collection: to own each of the Bugatti World Record Cars; the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, and Chiron Super Sport 300+. Each icon joins the W16 Mistral World Record Car in this exceptional collection, while forming a unique representation of the marque in The Singh Collection – an incredible private car collection showcasing the aspirational achievements of the community from Punjab, India.

In addition to the World Record Cars’ monumental accomplishments, a unifying thread runs through the W16 Mistral World Record Car and each of its illustrious forebears. Signifying its membership of a truly incomparable collection, the unique €14m W16 Mistral World Record Car features unmistakable accents on the lower body and wheels in vibrant ‘Jet Orange’ – a color that has evolved from the original signature hue of the Veyron World Record Cars to define the record-breaking Chiron and W16 Mistral, married with a pure, visible-black carbon exterior. The spirit of this unique design language continues in the interior, with a plethora of orange-accented features throughout the cabin immersing the driver in the aura of record-breaking triumph.

Reflecting on the immense moment in the history of Bugatti and indeed the automotive world, Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, said:

“Since the inception of Bugatti in 1909, the marque has sought to supersede the perceived realms of possibility in luxury, elegance, and performance. The Bugatti World Record Cars throughout the marque’s history have represented the epitome of speed and power, setting new boundaries and redefining again and again, what Bugatti vehicles are capable of. And now, with the unparalleled achievement of the W16 Mistral World Record Car etched into the history books, we see history not just repeating itself, but new history made. We are immensely proud of the whole team that made this incredible achievement possible – an achievement defined by passion and the pursuit of perfection. That is what defines Bugatti – and what makes its achievements truly incomparable.”

– Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac

In the fourth episode of the ‘A New Era’ docuseries, the French marque delves into the heart of what makes the Tourbillon¹ a true masterpiece and a forerunner of a new era of hyper sports cars: its completely new Bugatti platform. Carefully crafted to express the pursuit of engineering excellence, this cutting-edge design has allowed Bugatti to redefine its future, setting the foundation for many years to come.

Across Bugatti’s 115-year legacy, the brand has always been built on pushing boundaries, and the creation of a new platform for the next generation of hyper sports car is no exception. While the Veyron and Chiron² platform had formed the backbone of Bugatti for two decades, the Tourbillon presented the perfect opportunity to redefine the pinnacle of automotive excellence once again with an all-new architecture.

“We have always thought about how we could do it even better, how could we create a design that is even more beautiful than the Chiron. We thought about how we could improve its proportions, refine the aerodynamics, and further enhance the driving experience for the customer.”

– Emilio Scervo, CTO of Bugatti Rimac

For Bugatti, starting with a clean sheet of paper was not a necessity – it was an opportunity. The team used this chance to rethink every element of the car. Allowing the Tourbillon to emerge as something entirely unique, something that is even more emotional and dynamic than its legendary predecessor.

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the Tourbillon, the powertrain combining a naturally aspirated V16 engine and three electric motors represents a marvel of engineering and packaging. The entirely new platform allowed the Molsheim team to integrate the powertrain and all other of its technical features in the most optimal way.

At the front of the car, five of a total eight radiators are strategically positioned. Two radiators on the outside channel air directly to the engine, while the ones in the center direct airflow from Bugatti’s iconic horseshoe grille to cool the cabin and electrical components with ultimate efficiency.

Behind the luggage compartment, the electric axle – comprising two 250kW electric motors – has been seamlessly integrated. This setup not only provides full four-wheel drive capability but also allows for torque vectoring, which dramatically improves performance and handling by diverting torque to either front wheel as needed.

Core to the new platform is a centrally housed, T-shaped battery that delivers 800 HP of electric power and acts as a structural part of the monocoque. Positioned in the middle for a perfectly balanced center of gravity, the 24kWh battery unit enables over 60 km of range in pure electric mode. This new architecture also delivers a fixed seating position with a movable pedal box and steering wheel, minimizing both the height and weight of the Tourbillon.

At the rear lies the heart of the Tourbillon – the naturally aspirated V16 paired with a third, rear electric motor. The sheer length of this engine required Bugatti’s engineers to employ a new approach to packaging, which brought the engine closer to the driver. By relocating the fuel tanks to the sides, the brand was able to keep the hyper sports car’s wheelbase and length under control while maximizing interior space. The integrated crash structure within the huge diffuser provides further weight optimization, avoiding the need for a complete rear beam.

More than just a hyper sports car; the Tourbillon is a statement of intent, a signal that Bugatti’s commitment to excellence continues to guide its future. The platform on which it is built marks a new chapter for Bugatti, one defined by unprecedented levels of optimization and performance. As Bugatti moves into its next era, this platform will remain fundamental to everything the brand does from now on.

“What I’m most proud of is how the overall design of the car feels like the work of a single hand. Although many talented contributors were involved, the Tourbillon feels like a complete and holistic product. Just by looking at it, you can sense that it’s not just a collection of parts thrown together; starting from scratch has allowed us to create something cohesive and thoroughly considered, as if crafted by one vision – a truly incomparable Bugatti.”

– Emilio Scervo

¹ Tourbillon: This model is currently not subject to directive 1999/94/EC, as type approval has not yet been granted.
² Chiron: WLTP fuel consumption, l/100 km: low phase 44.56 / medium phase 24.80 / high phase 21.29 / extra high phase 21.57 / combined 25.19; CO2 emissions combined, g/km: 571.64; efficiency class: G

MOLSHEIM/OXFORDSHIRE (September 24, 2024) – An ode to the icon of a new era in Molsheim, the Bugatti Baby II Tourbillon Edition from Hedley Studios pays remarkable tribute to the recently unveiled V16 hybrid hyper sports car. Blending historic design with sublime artistry, this limited-edition draws heavily from Bugatti’s 115-year history while embracing design elements of the new Tourbillon¹. Continue reading

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (August 18, 2024) – The 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was the event at its best. The sky over the Monterey Peninsula was blue, interrupted only by the occasional cloud. A light breeze wafted through the air along with Vivaldi concertos. The immaculate paint of the entrants glistened under rippling banners. When confetti guns celebrating Best of Show went pop, a weather-beaten Bugatti race car roared its way across the stage, driven by Fritz Burkard from Zug, Switzerland. The combination made history: Burkard is the first overseas owner to win Best of Show at Pebble Beach, and his car—a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports—is the first preservation-class car to capture the prestigious award. Continue reading

MOLSHEIM (July 9, 2024) – Bugatti has a storied history when it comes to performance roadsters, with a lineage that spans more than a century of automotive innovation. From the legendary Type 35 to the iconic Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and performance in the realm of open-top automobiles. The latest page in this tale is the W16 Mistral. Continue reading

MOLSHEIM (May 30, 2024) – Since 2016, the Bugatti Chiron has remained an incomparable icon of hyper sports car performance. Limited to just 500 units, the final Chiron has now been hand-assembled by the craftspeople in Molsheim; a vibrant piece of bespoke art known as ‘L’Ultime’. This final farewell to Chiron marks the closing of an extraordinary era of performance that saw it become the first 1,500 PS roadgoing car as well as the first production car to surpass 300 mph. And just as it entered the world with spectacular elegance and power, so too does its production end, on the cusp of an all-new Bugatti era. Continue reading