Bugatti has unveiled the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The topless Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport is powered by a 16 cylinder engine that propels the car up to 253 mph when the roof is closed and 224 mph with the top down.
In addition to taking the top off the Veyron, Bugatti has made some other changes to the car. Engineers gave it a higher windscreen, stylized daytime running lights, and a new lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof.
Bugatti is only going to produce 150 of the roadsters, with 50 going to registered Bugatti owners.
PRESS RELEASE:
New Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport to be unveiled on 16 August 2008 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Molsheim/Pebble Beach, August 16, 2008 – The world’s most significant celebration of the automobile takes place annually in Monterey, California. This year, it will see some of the most elegant, exclusive, and valuable vehicles ever produced in over 100 years of motoring, with Bugatti set to play a prominent role. On the evening prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the highlight of the event, the marque renowned for impeccable automotive solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics will unveil a second model to the world – the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with a unique removable roof.
In response to customer demand, significant modifications have been made to the vehicle’s complex structure to make possible open-top driving, thereby adding a new dimension to this high-performance sports car. Incorporating a host of new and innovative safety and equipment features, it is the world’s fastest and most exciting roadster. It is immediately recognizable as a result of its slightly higher windscreen, stylized daytime running lights, and lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof.
The main challenge in developing the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with removable roof resulted from the unique structure of the fixed-roof Bugatti Veyron. An optimum combination of rigidity and lightweight engineering ensures the monocoque passenger cell of the original model is extremely strong while weighing an absolute minimum – it is a central element of the vehicle’s structure. As the roof is an integral part of this, removing it meant the load paths had to be completely redesigned to maintain the vehicle’s rigidity and crash safety, and to offer additional protection from side impacts and rolling.
As a result, the monocoque structure has been reinforced around the side skirts and the transmission tunnel. The B-pillars have been cross-stiffened using a carbon fibre support, and a central carbon plate has been positioned beneath the transmission tunnel to ensure the vehicle suffers from less torsional flexing than any other roadster.
The doors of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport are made of carbon fibre, and house an integrated longitudinal beam.
In the event of an accident, this transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, thereby dissipating impact energy. Furthermore, the two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine now feature 10-centimetre wide carbon-fibre elements to offer protection should the car roll.
Along with moisture-resistant, backstitched leather, a range of new equipment features has been added to the interior, including a reversing camera with 2.7-inch monitor in the rear-view-mirror, and the “Puccini” sound system with digital signal processor. When the roof is closed, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport can reach 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 360 km/h are possible with roof off. Should it rain, an innovative folding roof stored in the luggage compartment can be opened up like an umbrella at any time.
When this folding roof is in place, the car can travel at up to 130 km/h. Assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport will be available from March 2009 at the price of 1.4 million euros (excluding tax). Just 150 examples will be made, with the first 50 of these going exclusively to registered Bugatti customers. The first vehicle is certain to be highly sought after, and Bugatti has taken the decision to donate this specific car to charity. It will be sold to the highest bidder at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company
Comments (27)
I like it. I have two of these, because they look like toyota, Nissan and a bit like Honda.
Posted by gary | August 17, 2008 3:02 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 03:02
I like it. I have two of these, because they look like toyota, Nissan and a bit like Honda.
Posted by gary | August 17, 2008 3:02 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 03:02
Stupid Americans and their gas guzzling SUV's! Oh wait, this is a high performance gas guzzling import, nevermind, it's all good as long as it's not an SUV...
Posted by Smarter | August 17, 2008 7:41 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 07:41
Why does some idiot always have to mention fuel efficiency on postings of supercars that no mere mortal can afford (and which the owner could pay $1,000/gallon and be fine)?
IMO, I've never really liked the Veyron. While it's sickeningly fast in a straight line, it gets its ass handed to it in the handling department by a Ferrari Enzo (even an F430) and Porsche Carrera GT.
Posted by Noya | August 17, 2008 9:24 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 09:24
@Noya:
"sickeningly fast in a straight line"
not even that fast, i've made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs in my unmodified SS.
Posted by cobaltssman | August 17, 2008 9:37 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 09:37
How is it a roadster, it's heavy and has a targa top? Lightweight and topless are the criteria for a roadster.
At that price over $2 million American I could build my own car from the ground up that would out perform this thing, look better and weigh half as much.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | August 17, 2008 9:39 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 09:39
Now, I would like to see somebody drive it at 230mph with the roof down..
Posted by PaulMP | August 17, 2008 10:42 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 10:42
u really dont need a w-16 to go 250, they use it because of its really flat torque line and thay got the cash. a get a 540 hemi s/c it put in a 68' cuda, u can get a hemi to hit well over 1500 if u know ur stuff, plus the hemi is a crate motor so u dont have to be the queen of britain to get one
Posted by ben | August 17, 2008 11:28 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 11:28
u really dont need a w-16 to go 250, they use it because of its really flat torque line and thay got the cash. a get a 540 hemi s/c it put in a 68' cuda, u can get a hemi to hit well over 1500hp if u know ur stuff, plus the hemi is a crate motor so u dont have to be the queen of britain to get one
Posted by ben | August 17, 2008 11:28 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 11:28
@PaulMP
Haha yeah, your face would get ripped off at speeds like that.
@Smarter
Nobody uses a supercar as an everyday commuter so stop bitching about fuel economy.
Posted by Mathew | August 17, 2008 11:31 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 11:31
@Noya
I agree... fuel efficiency critics go to the prius blog and spend your time there. this is a supercar and it's NOT meant to be fuel efficient. they don't even make enough of these to cause any real harm.
I will also defend SUVs [even though i don't like them or own one]... don't blame the people that drive these vehicles that need them [i.e. construction, a large family, transporter, etc.]... blame the 30K millionaire that drives around town with his 24" rims while he barely can make the payments, lets his house fall apart, can't feed his children, or even pay for the gas it needs.
to be honest, i could care less about the fuel efficiency issue and more of the safety issue. i wish the government would ban cell phone usage and make it harder to get a license in the first place... too many idiots on the roads not paying attention. with vehicles the size of SUVs, that's the only real danger... people eating, reading the newspaper, putting on make-up, talking on the cell phone and not realizing they are about to kill someone as they change lanes without using the turn signal [or looking for that matter].
Posted by anon | August 17, 2008 11:34 AM
Posted on August 17, 2008 11:34
To the morons who don't understand IRONY:
I was pointing out that the same holier than thou jerks who like to critisise trucks and SUV's don't ever seem to complain about gas guzzling luxury imports. It's not just supercars that have worse mileage than a standard SUV. There are plenty of Mercedes/BMW/Jag models that are formally designated as 'gas guzzlers'.
Posted by Smarter | August 17, 2008 3:56 PM
Posted on August 17, 2008 15:56
@Smarter
you got owned...too late to save face here
Posted by cobaltssman | August 17, 2008 5:51 PM
Posted on August 17, 2008 17:51
And you own me cobaltboy!
Posted by lowest iq | August 17, 2008 7:48 PM
Posted on August 17, 2008 19:48
this car is a joke. give me a mclaren over this thing any day. it probably gets better mpg.
o.O
haha
Posted by TrainRekS | August 17, 2008 9:02 PM
Posted on August 17, 2008 21:02
What's up with the toliet seat grill? Did they get their styling Q's for that grill from the 1957 Ford Edsel's grill?
Posted by SteelCity1981 | August 18, 2008 2:24 AM
Posted on August 18, 2008 02:24
stupids, my toyota runs circles around this thing.I desperately long for C-man and L-iq. Boy, am i lonely...
Posted by gary | August 18, 2008 4:34 AM
Posted on August 18, 2008 04:34
"...i've made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs... "
You know that has absolutely nothing to do with speed right?
A parsec is a measure of distance.
Posted by JadeTalon | August 18, 2008 6:22 AM
Posted on August 18, 2008 06:22
For $2mil it could of looked a lot better.
Posted by Art | August 18, 2008 7:54 AM
Posted on August 18, 2008 07:54
There are cars for utility, cars for commute, cars to haul, cars to drive, cars to love to own. This is a car I would love to own and wash by hand. But i'd still commute in my Civic, which gets the automatic car wash.
Posted by sparky | August 18, 2008 8:55 AM
Posted on August 18, 2008 08:55
I think this poster summed my thoughts up best.
"PaulMP:
Now, I would like to see somebody drive it at 230mph with the roof down.."
Imagine all the bugs you would have to scrape up..... off your face!!
Also @ Matthew
" Mathew
@Smarter
Nobody uses a supercar as an everyday commuter so stop bitching about fuel economy."
I know of some rather wealthy oil tycoons in Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates who drive their super cars around as daily drivers..................
Mind you, they pay a lot less for fuel :p
Probably because they own those companies though...
But, I digress.
Posted by GT Fan | August 18, 2008 11:33 AM
Posted on August 18, 2008 11:33
@cobaltssman
"not even that fast, i've made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs in my unmodified SS."
Seriously, its a Cobalt - get over it already - here is an article about a high end sports car and you're ranting about a >, cobalt.
Posted by OrangeMan | August 18, 2008 12:38 PM
Posted on August 18, 2008 12:38
I'm getting my Bugatti with the optional Spotted Owl seats and Ivory-inlaid dashboard. Oh, and I can't do without the GW package (Global Warmer)...
Posted by WS | August 18, 2008 1:29 PM
Posted on August 18, 2008 13:29
@WS,
Or how about whale skin hubcaps and little baby seal eyes for headlights?
Posted by gm0n3y | August 18, 2008 3:41 PM
Posted on August 18, 2008 15:41
Will this come in a hybrid version in the future?
Posted by Sam | August 18, 2008 4:21 PM
Posted on August 18, 2008 16:21
this car is sick...yes. but is it really worth 1.4 million? i mean you could take a number of cars and mod them completely out for a fraction of the cost and still be able to keep with the bugatti 16.4. but i still give props to bugatti for enginerring such a beatiful luxury/supercar.
Posted by charles | August 19, 2008 1:25 PM
Posted on August 19, 2008 13:25
I attended the grand unveiling at Stonepine in Carmel CA a couple years ago. I built the stages and fancy pavilions for all the rich people that showed up in their lambos, limos, and old school racing bugattis.
When I saw pics of this car, I thought it ugly, especially the interior. But up close, this thing is sex on wheels, I love it. I got to meet the pres of VW when we were at Laguna Seca. (There were three places: Stonepine, Laguna Seca, and Pebble Beach)
As a matter of fact, I'm wearing the black bugatti shirt he gave me personally right now.
While at Laguna, I was in charge of watching one of the demo cars they had for potential customers to try when the pres asked if I want to go for a spin, so I headed to the passenger side...I'm a nobody to him and would never expect it...but he hands me the keys and in his odd french accent asked if I wanted to drive. OH HELL YEAH.
Needless to say, 1001 quad turbo horses are a real kick in the pants. This this will go well over 253MPH, but it's limited. One of the engineers there told me it can go faster, but the aerodynamics are such that it becomes unstable.
Anyways, this is a beutiful car. I only had it up to 165-170, but that didn't take long.
I'd love to own this car with a targa top. I know two of the demo cars out there blew due to overheating, I wonder if they ever fixed that one.
I would post pics here, but evidently I can't. This is a really beutiful car, though admittedly, I'd rather go for a Ferrari.
Posted by JoePDX | August 19, 2008 3:22 PM
Posted on August 19, 2008 15:22