Jalopnik: Bugatti Veyron

Second $2 Million Bugatti Veyron Crashes, This Time Into British Wheat Field

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:52:00 EDT

Apparently the second known Bugatti Veyron accident has occurred in the British countryside near West Berkshire, UK. The $2 million plus supercar lost control on a sweeping curve, plowed through a hedge line and ended up backwards in a wheat field. The pictures are of poor quality, but the damage seems pretty extensive (and expensive) with a thoroughly reshaped left fender, destroyed lower fascia and shattered windshield. Seems like another case of the driver not knowing the limits in a car far exceeding his abilities — won't someone please think of the supercars?

[GTSpirit]

Bugatti Veyron Replacement Coming In 2012, Plans For Entry-Level Model Scrapped

Mark Arnold — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:20:00 EDT

If the current Bugatti Veyron and its 1001 HP quad-turbo W16 just aren't doing it for you anymore, fear not, for Bugatti may be developing a high-end successor, and canning plans for a more-affordable model. In addition to an even more extreme version of the current hypercar, known to some as the "Veyron GT," which will come at the end of the Veyron's production run, a second saloon model may be launched to rival Rolls-Royce. In a recent interview Autocar had with Franz-Josef Paefgen, the Bugatti boss said:

“We will be staying on top of everybody else and we will not be producing a smaller, or cheaper car and we will not be moving volumes up. Bugatti customers are very extreme people,”

It may seem like a stupid move to just keep making gas-guzzling ultra-luxury cars, but maybe the people Bugatti plan on selling cars to are the type that benefit from rising oil prices. Either way, we'll also be on the lookout for a Bugatti based loosely on the next Bentley Arnage, which is due in 2012. As for that extreme "Veyron GT?" Top Bugatti engineer, Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, said:

"We can go to 1106 lb-ft of torque and we currently have [922 lb-ft] - and with a turbocharged engine, engineers are always working on getting higher power."

Wow.
[Autocar via Carscoop]

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Number One Auctions For $2.9 Million

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:20:00 EDT

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours last weekend, and chassis number one was promptly auctioned off the following day by Gooding & Company for the obnoxious sum of $2.9 million. "Standard" pricing for the ultra-exclusive convertible is set at €1.4 million, or about $2 million, so a paltry $900,000 for the privilege of owning the first one is totally worth it. Thanks to the magic of the internet you can watch the entire sales process below the fold. It certainly is a whole different world.

[WCF]

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Drives Pebble Beach In Its Bloomers

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:50:00 EDT

The Pebble Beach Concours is scheduled for tomorrow, but all the cars are taking their places already, including the debuting Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. Here, the Veyron Grand Sport is seen running around in its underwear, hoping to avoid photography. Gee, wonder what it looks like? (Thanks to J.F. Musial for the tip)

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport: A Targa For The Rest Of Us... With A Few Extra Million To Spend

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EDT

The open-topped Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport has officially been set loose on the world in pictures ahead of its planned Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance reveal in only a few weeks (chumps, don't they know the world will be watching the Woodward Dream Cruise that weekend?). According to Bugatti, the company busily trying to make the multi-variation Veyron the Ford Mustang of supercars, no sacrifice has been spared to get the sun shining in. We're told Bugatti's used a number of innovative reinforcement strategies to keep the car as stiff and safe as the original. We'll take two.

[WorldCarFans]

Matte Black Bugatti Veyron Soaks Up The Dubai Sun

Mark Arnold — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Logically, a matte black car in the middle of a sweltering desert climate makes no sense. Why, then, has someone gone and painted their Bugatti Veyron in this sun-absorbing hue? If they wanted something more special than a standard Veyron, they could have ordered up a Pegaso, Hermes, Pur Sang. Nah, this isn't just about exclusivity or suitability: It's about having a badass ride. We want one even more than we want a flat black GT-R. [CarZi]

Bugatti Veyron Targa To Bow At Pebble Beach, Car Snobs To Feign Disinterest

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:20:00 EDT

The Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance usually plays host to the reveal of at least one high profile, high-dollar piece of driveway candy every year. This year is no exception with the Bugatti Veyron Targa expected to make an appearance and drop its very expensive top. And when we say expensive, what we really mean to say is ridiculously expensive.

The Veyron Targa will be available to a mere 80 lucky individuals willing to part with 1.14 million Euros ( $1.8 million in non-Monopoly money) for the chance to drive around on the decks of their cruise ships that burn dollar bills for fuel with the sun shining down while they gargle melted Godiva chocolate. So what if the weight is up and the top speed is down, it's built by Molsheim and it's exclusive, so go ahead and add it to the garage as a gift to your other Bugattis. [Edmunds Inside Line]

Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir Production To Be Limited To 15

Ray Wert — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:20:00 EDT

We already assumed when we saw the new Sang Noir special edition of the Bugatti Veyron first-hand at the Frankfurt Auto Show it would be an extremely limited edition run of the world's most exclusive super car. We just didn't realize how limited. Evo magazine's reporting this month that the new Veyron dressed in black will be limited to a mere 15 units when it goes on sale. Expect the competition for those 15 pieces of polished perfection to be simply staggering. We're half expecting to see a new game show hit CNBC pitting 10 of the top .0001% having at each other for a chance to buy one. Now that's reality TV we'd like to see. [via evo]

BBC Facing Calls To Sack Clarkson Over Boasts Of Speeding 186 MPH On British Public Roads

Ray Wert — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:20:00 EDT

The Beeb's facing some criticism today from road safety activists over comments made by the very lovable, huggable and downright loud, Jeremy Clarkson. Actually, it's not just criticism — it's an outright call for his firing from the venerable Brits who broadcast. Apparently, during an interview by Daily Mail columnist Rosie Boycott, the 48-year-old host of the world's bestest motoring show was asked what was the fastest he had ever driven. Mr Clarkson replied: "On the public roads...186." Jeez. Didn't they know he was obviously talking about public roads with unlimited speed limits — like the Autobahn? Oh, wait, what's that? He was talking about the the Limehouse Link tunnel between Central London and Docklands in a Bugatti Veyron? Oh. Well, then he's a silly twit, isn't he for making mention of it? This isn't the first time he's had run-ins over road-going incidents, despite his proud claim of having "never been pulled over for speeding."

We'll let the Daily Mail continue:

"While Clarkson may not have been pulled over for speeding the 48-year-old was hauled before court on speeding charges last year.
The Top Gear host had been accused of failing to name the driver on a speeding ticket but after an intervention from his lawyer Nick Freeman, better known as 'Mr Loophole', the case was dropped before it even began.

Mr Freeman, who has made his name acting for a string of celebrity clients, said the case was 'fatally flawed'.

Car firm Alfa Romeo had sent Mr Clarkson a speeding infringement notice, saying a car caught on a speed camera had been loaned to him.

The V6 Alfa Romeo Brera was snapped travelling at 82mph in a 50mph zone on the A40 in Ruislip, West London, on October 16 last year.

The case was dropped because although Alfa Romeo had loaned the car to Clarkson they had no information as who the driver was."

And then of course there was that whole driving-with-cell-phone incident too. Musn't forget that. Obviously the tireless crusaders of unjust speeding won't forget it wethinks. [Daily Mail]

Photo Credit: Top Gear

KBB Names Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles, Family Truckster Suspiciously Absent

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:00:00 EDT

There's no set definition of what is and what isn't a road trip. Do you have to cross state lines? Is there a minimum mileage? Should it be measured in years? We don't have answers to these questions and neither do the people at Kelly Blue Book who put together an interesting mix of vehicles to meet the task, ranging from the obvious choices like the Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Prius to surprises like the Audi S5 and Bugatti Veyron. And then there's the VW Eos, which we'd rather not be packed into for a long journey. The full list and press release below.

KBB.COM NAMES 2008 BEST NEW ROAD TRIP VEHICLES
IRVINE, Calif., May 20, 2008 - The expert editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com (www.kbb.com), the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announce their picks for Kelley Blue Book's 2008 Top 10 Best New Road Trip Vehicles. Memorial Day weekend ushers in the beginning of the summer driving season, and record gas prices will play a large role in trip-planning this year. But even with gas prices reaching $4 per gallon, Americans are still expected to hit the road in droves for summer road trips. From the two-person weekend getaway to the full-family excursion, this year's Best New Road Trip Vehicles list is certain to accommodate any road trip.

In choosing this year's Best New Road Trip Vehicles, the kbb.com editors evaluated all tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any long drive, such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space and of course, fuel economy. Because not all road trips are the same, Kelley Blue Book's 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles provide a potential perfect ride or two for every type of driver and every type of journey. Each vehicle offers different perks such as entertainment options, interior accommodations and driving performance to keep road-trippers satisfied. Depending on the type of trip and the number of companions the right vehicle could be a coupe, sedan, crossover, SUV or minivan.

Kbb.com Editorial Comments: 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles

Audi S5

Combining a silky 354-horsepower V8 engine, impeccably tuned suspension and quattro all-wheel drive, the Audi S5 delivers high levels of both performance and comfort, along with the elegance to arrive in grand fashion.

Bugatti Veyron

If the price of fuel has impacted your yacht time more than your driving habits, you might find the $1.5-million, 1,001-horsepower, 16-cylinder, quad-turbo, 250-mph Bugatti Veyron an ideal alternative the next time the jet is in the shop. Just keep in mind that at full speed, the Veyron burns through its 26-gallon fuel tank in about 12 minutes.

Chevrolet Malibu

We recently drove six top-selling mid-size sedans in a back-to-back comparison test, and the remarkably quiet and comfortable Chevy Malibu handily outshined the competition on the highway. The first car in the category to combine a flexible six-speed automatic transmission with a gas-sipping four-cylinder engine, the Malibu is capable of an impressive 32 highway miles per gallon.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

While the Tahoe Hybrid's highway fuel economy rating of 22 mpg is only 2 mpg better than that of its gas-only counterpart (the hybrid's bigger advantage is in city driving), it's nevertheless the most fuel-friendly full-size SUV on the road and provides seating for eight, plenty of cargo solutions and the ability to tow your boat to the lake.

Dodge Grand Caravan

They say that getting there is half the fun. In the Dodge Grand Caravan, getting there can easily be all the fun. The Grand Caravan's wide variety of entertainment options includes multiple DVD players, video game inputs, two overhead video screens, SIRIUS Satellite TV and radio as well as rearward-swiveling second row seats, all helping to transform the once humble minivan into a virtual party on wheels.

Ford Flex

Due in dealerships this summer, Ford's new full-size, three-row crossover will be turning heads from coast to coast all year, while treating occupants to cold drinks with its class-exclusive refrigerated console.

Infiniti EX35

In addition to a plush, flexible interior, the EX35 offers a Lane Departure Prevention System that can help keep any driver — quite literally — in line. A small camera detects lane markers in front of the vehicle and, when inadvertent lane departure is detected, the system applies a small amount of left or right brake force to nudge the vehicle back on course.

MINI Cooper Clubman

With excellent fuel economy and a fun-loving attitude, the MINI Cooper has earned its way onto our list of top road trip cars for the second year in a row. The new Clubman offers more passenger and luggage space than the standard Cooper, making the largest member of the MINI family an even more ideal long-haul companion.

Toyota Prius

The iconic Prius doesn't just deliver the best highway mileage of virtually anything on four wheels, it also features a flexible hatchback design and enough interior volume to qualify as a mid-size vehicle.

Volkswagen Eos

The Volkswagen Eos is a sporty coupe that's also a sexy convertible, thanks to a sleek, sophisticated retractable hardtop. This chameleon also has an exceptionally wide glass sunroof for when you want the open-air experience without getting that wind-swept look.

[Source: KBB Road Trip 2008]

Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir Special Edition Shows Bugatti's Dark Side

Matt Hardigree — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:50:00 EDT

There's not that much you can do to a Bugatti Veyron to make it more powerful (and still drivable), so Bugatti has been creating slightly revised special editions for those with slightly deeper pockets, such as the tame Bugatti Veyron fbg par Hermes and the wild Veyron Pur Sang. Now we have the Sang Noir, which translates directly to "Black Blood" though dark blooded is probably more appropriate.

We don't know much about this special edition other than what you can see, namely the all-black body, specially designed grille, unique alloy wheels, headlights with black background and that wild bright orange interior. Reportedly made in homage to the Bugatti Atlantique 57s, it is hard not to appreciate how well these small details transform the car. No word on price, but if you have to ask you better cry diamonds. [autoblog.nl via GtSpirit via 4wheelsblog.com]

Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès: For When A $1 Million Bugatti Veyron Isn't Exclusive Enough

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST

We're assuming the dime-a-dozen — or 120 million dimes-a-dozen given the $1 million-plus price tag — Bugatti Veyron left some buyers wanting a touch more exclusivity. We mean, what's a Manhattan I-Banker or hedge fund owner going to do to set himself apart from the rest of the masses of über-rich? They do the only reasonable thing, spend an extra $1.3 million on a Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès. Yes, you heard us right — a total price of over $2.3 million for a special Bugatti Veyron that doesn't even look that much different than the average run-of-the-mill Veyron any poor schmo can buy from any of the nine dealerships strewn across the U.S. of A. But as a connoisseur of the corpulent, you'll know all about the external dollop of Hermes-specific color shades, the fancy "H" emblem wheels and the "Bugatti Fbg par Hermes" inscribed filler door. Oh, and we mustn't forget the fancy-schmancy chicken wire over the radiator intakes. But wait, what's this? Oh no! As you can see in the gallery below, folk who are mere filthy rich are already lining up for one already. Rats, the richest of the richest clans of worldly wealth will have to find something else to sate the desire for douchebaggery. Ooh, we hear the store at The Pierre is selling gold-plated tampons. Let's get some for the missus while the peons here read the press release after the jump.

On the occasion of the 78th Geneva Motor Show (from 6 to 16 March 2008), Bugatti and Hermès co-present the fruit of their partnership: the "Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès", associating Bugatti's technical performance with the expertise of Hermès and its craftsmen. In partner-ship with Hermès, designer Gabriele Pezzini has married the distinctive Hermès style to the legendary Bugatti Veyron 16.4, magnifying the car's personality.
This remarkable car features an array of excep¬tional characteristics: the innovative alliance of a technologically advanced engine, deliver¬ing 1001 horsepower, with an understated yet uncompromising silhouette reflecting the high performance capacities of state-of-the-art engineering and design, and above all, the pleasure these inspire in every Bugatti owner.

The fascination exerted by this sports coupé, capable of reaching 407 km/h, is due in large part to its unique alliance of the very finest motor-racing technology with comfortable handling for everyday driving. The 16-cylinder "W" configuration engine is fed by four turbochargers and features 64 valves, generating 1001 horse¬power at 6000 rpm. The engine draws on its 8-litre displacement to deliver a maximum torque of 1250 Newton-metres between 2200 and 5500 rpm. With full-time all-wheel drive, the car's phenomenal power produces breath-takingly dynamic handling, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.5 seconds. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 benefits from aero-nautical and aerospace technologies, making it the fastest production car ever made. The car also features a braking system designed to deliver unprecedented powers of deceleration, establish¬ing a new industry benchmark. The carbon-fibre discs provide brake pressure of up to 180 bars, combined with eight-piston monobloc callipers and titanium pistons fitted with fine steel heads and ceramic heat protectors. Apply the brakes at speeds above 200 km/h, and the rear wing acts as an airbrake, positioning itself at an angle of 113 degrees in less than 0.4 seconds, augmenting the Bugatti Veyron's already impressive stopping power. The airbrake increases negative lift at the rear of the car to 300 kg, enhancing the braking torque on the rear axle. At 400 km/h, emergency braking will bring the sports car to a complete halt in less than 10 seconds.

This, the world's most fascinating car, has pushed back the limits of physical engineering to offer a completely new sensation for driver and passenger alike. But it has also adopted a radically different stance to that of other sports cars: its features and finish are sure to impress the most demanding clientele. Hermès and designer Gabriele Pezzini have lavished attention on the interior and exterior of this exceptional car, to create the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4: the "Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès"

A harmonious design, inside and out

The official name of the highly exclusive Bugatti Veyron "Fbg par Hermès" refers to the historic Hermès headquarters on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, in the heart of Paris's eighth arrondissement: the "Fbg" appellation evokes the house's "faubourg" address.

With the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès, the exacting standards of Émile Hermès and Ettore Bugatti come together for the first time, in a exceptional collaboration: the culmination of their extreme attention to aesthetic and techno¬logical quality and performance.

Gabriele Pezzini has reinterpreted Bugatti's tradi¬tional two-tone carriage work, fostering a fluid, harmonious transition between the car's exterior and interior design. The colour of the hood extends to the interior of the cockpit, and re-emerges behind, at the level of the rear wing.
As a tribute to the celebrated 1924 Bugatti Type 35, undoubtedly the most famous of all time, thanks to its many successes on the racetrack, the new Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès features eight-spoked wheels in polished aluminium, central butterfly wheel locks branded with the letter H, and air vents around the rims repro¬ducing the characteristic appearance of Hermès saddle-stitching. The horseshoe radiator grille, and the lateral ventilation grilles flanking it, are made from lightweight alloys with a design of interlocking H's evoking the Hermès "signature".
A refined formal vocabulary

The inner surfaces of the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès have been designed and sheathed in bull calfskin by the Hermès workshops in Paris. The care and attention to detail observe an extremely refined, minimalist formal vocabulary, reflecting the tradition of the very first Bugattis and the fundamental design principles of the house of Hermès. The door handles echo the fluid forms of handles on Hermès travel bags and luggage. And the dashboard, traditionally finished in brushed aluminium, is here clad entirely in bull calfskin. Passengers aboard the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès will find a dashboard glove compartment designed to hold a selection of small travel accessories and a zipped Hermès wallet. Both seats are covered in two-toned bull calfskin, and the panel separating the cockpit from the central rear engine - traditionally made of carbon fibre - is covered in the same fine leather. The leather-lined trunk holds a specially-fitted "Toile H" and leather case, hand-made by craftsmen from the Hermès workshops.

This exceptional model - in toning colours of ebony and étoupe, or ebony and brick - is priced at 1.55 million euros (not including tax), available at the end of 2008.

2008 Bugatti Veyron Looks Like A Stealth Bomber, Buy It Now For $1.85 Million

Ray Wert — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 08:40:00 EST

UK tipster Russell let us know there's a wet black 2008 Bugatti Veyron currently up for sale on the abso-fab eBay Motors for the steal of a buy-it-now price of only $1,850,000. The Veyron's being sold by the Symbolic Motor Car Company and they're right about one thing — the black on black looks absolutely stunning — like a stealth bomber. Well, that is if a stealth bomber weren't painted with radar-reflective matte black paint. Also, if the bomber were actually a 1,001 BHP supercar. And rounded. Whatever, we digress — this particular Veyron's located in sunny La Jolla, California so the folks Symbolic want to make clear shipping or pick-up of the Veyron and it's 8.0-liter, fuel-injected, DOHC, 64 valve, quad-turbocharged, W16 engine is the responsibility of the buyer. But, they'd be happy to quote you a price on delivery if you'd like. What are they kidding me? I'd drive it straight back to Michigan myself. If you want it, you'd better hurry up as you've only got two days to snag it.

[via ebay motors]

What Happens When You Run Out of Gas in a Veyron in Vegas, Doesn't Stay in Vegas

Ray Wert — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:15:00 EST

Actually it goes right up on YouTube. Which is what YouTube user WillstDuFick did when he saw a "uber rare" Bugatti Veyron stopped at the traffic light. He "thought it was odd that it was stopped at a green light. Then I just cracked up." Why'd he crack up? Well, as you can see from the video above, it appears the driver's just run out of gas. [YouTube via World Car Fans]

Frankfurt Auto Show: Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:15:00 EDT

Pur Sang can be translated two ways, as either "pure blood" which we'll deem as bad, or as "thoroughbred," which we'll let slide. You are looking at the Veyron Pur Sang which sports an all-aluminum body shell, a carbon fiber bonnet cover (plus other scattered bits) and no paint whatsoever. Besides looking rather, well, frigging hot, all the shiny bits shave over 200 pounds off the Veyron's porky more than 2-ton curb weight, making the fastest car in the world even faster. No word on the price increase, but if you have to ask you'll never be allowed back in a Bugatti showroom. Us? We're just happy being alive. One more shot beneath the jump. [Hot images courtesy of Motor Authority]

Tiff Needell Teases Us With Bugatti Veyron Convertible In New Fifth Gear Episode?

Ray Wert — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:19:00 EDT

Although not as hot as our fave motoring show, Fifth Gear's still a damn sight better than anything we've got over here on this side of the pond. Case in point would be Tiff Needell's tour of the Bugatti plant in the newest episode of the #2 UK driving show. No US show would ever have the guts to drop into an automaker assembly plant and tease us with shots of some kind of unreleased toy. They normally reserve that for automaking vice-chairmen. The video above taken from the episode gives us a peek at Tiff showing us the front clip of something which folks at FinalGear seem to think is the rumored Bugatti Veyron convertible. The coloring also appears to match the paint job on that "Pegaso Edition" from a while back. Anyone have any thoughts? If you'd like to see the full show, I'm sure there's someplace you can snag a copy.

More Fun With Local Papers!

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:17:54 EST

"The latest, high-tech, most luxuriest, wildly styled and fastest, by far, is the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. The car is named after the famous Italian engineer, Ettore Bugatti, who built winning race cars and exotic road cars in France in the 1920s and 30s. The name is now owned by the German auto company, Volkswagon."

Exotic cars hit the market [Mount Vernon News]

Related:
Ah, Local Newspapers... [Internal]

Veyron Fanfic? Bugatti Inspires the Masses

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 14:25:14 EST

Reader Brian of Canada , apparently desperately wanting to get into Farago's Between the Lines series, takes matters into his own hands here, ginning up some kind of slightly disturbing tale of a man, his mother and a Bugatti Veyron test drive. Read the whole sordid tale after the jump.

Bugatti Veyron

Momma asked me what I was going to do with some of my trust money. I told her I m going to buy a new car. She said, I want to go for a ride in it before you buy it, OK?

Who am I to say no to momma? She can veto my spending!

But the test drive wasn t going to be easy setting up. I wanted the new Bugatti Veyron. I saw it as an investment. I looked at momma and figured that her arthritic 93 year old body would have trouble sliding into the car.

The nice salesman said he d help, even get all the boys out of the shop to help load momma into the car. I figured the motor hoist with the sling thing might come in handy so I was all appreciative and grateful.

To make a long story shorter (hey even the salesman was wondering if the commission to be earned was worth the troubles) momma was loaded into the right hand seat. Even with momma sitting on a cushion to comfort her bony ass, she had head room and so did I. I can not wear a cowboy hat in this car! I m about 6 2 and 260 pounds. Size 50 tall they call me at the men s shop.

Now the neat thing is that the Veyron is a two seater and bringing momma along means Mr. Salesman has to stay home because I m not buying something I don t first get to drive! For insurance purposes the salesman was going to tag along in a new Corvette kind of keep an eye on me. I guess leaving my gold Rolex as a security deposit of good faith fell short of the desired effect.

Even though momma is 93 years old she has likely never been in a car driven faster than 75 mph. She certainly has never been in one that looks like a Veyron and neither have I for that matter so we were both a bit excited. Momma does watch the Speed Channel on TV but I ve been thinking it s because she has forgotten how to change the channel on the remote.

Anyway I am just a wee bit concerned about her vital signs and how g-forces will influence her physical structure. I m not sure fast tracking to heaven in a Veyron is part of her metaphysical experience but time will tell.

I m not too worried about her puking and getting car sick as we ll be going too quickly for anything to clear her throat. But if she strokes out and falls to her left she may dislodge my right arm from the steering wheel and that could be disastrous.

So momma is belted in four buckle style. She refuses to wear a helmet saying it ll mess up her hair and I refuse for different reasons. This is a street car! What the hell am I doing wearing a helmet in a street car? Kind of like wearing leather racing gloves while driving to Wall Mart. What the hell s that all about, eh?

As we clear the dealer s parking lot I see many expressions on the faces of the service people, ranging from what the hell is going on here to isn t that man nice to be taking his momma for a ride to man that is a nice car, too bad there s such a dork driving it but his momma is cool!!

The on-ramp to the freeway is a how did we get here so fast kind of distance away. I swear I just touched the gas pedal and there we were on the on-ramp.

Got to love the AWD! Curiously there s no traffic so I stomp the gas. Immediately I sense this thing has way more pick up than my Subaru Outback. Momma s eye lids start peeling back. Funny how I notice that but time seems to slow down when things are moving so quickly. I m thinking I ve felt more acceleration in a jet on take off but I m finding out I am mistaken. I really can t lift my head off the head rest. Momma starts groaning and the portable blood pressure monitor I have strapped to left wrist is beeping.

I say, momma can I have this car? She kind of just moans.

That s not the kind of answer I want so I say, momma I m going to go faster till I hear a yes coming from you.

I tell you we are moving seriously fast now and I just know the car has more lungs for who knows how much speed. Momma groans and I take that for a yes. I slow down to regular traffic speed and notice that people driving by are waving and carrying on. I try to be cool and wave back but really do Bugatti veyrons drivers wave? Probably not!

The salesman in the corvette finally catches up and the worried look on his face goes away as I give him the thumbs up sign. Momma s BP monitor stops beeping. Could be we cleaned out some arteries on that run. She s breathing easier.

I asked her what she thought and she said it reminded her of her first date with dad. Ha! Ha!

We bought the car. The salesman was happy. The service people gave us a great send off and Henry our mechanic keeps it clean. Momma and I go out to the garage everyday just to look at it and it makes us feel better knowing it is there. Henry went for a short drive in it and his gait now seems to have more bounce! In small and large ways, life changes when you own a Bugatti Veyron.

Related:
Sports Car International On the Bugatti Veyron [Internal]

Cutting Away the Bugatti Veyron

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 13:16:27 EST

The boys and girls over at Modern Racer have published cutaway drawings of the finally-apparently-really-and-truly-here Bugatti Veyron, the fastest vehicle ever christened in honor of someone named "Pierre." Dr. Pi ch's 987-horse wonder, as you now know, packs more techno-goodness than last year's Crush The Luddites Convention in Palo Alto. Personally, we're waiting for the DARPA-fied version, which uses technology developed for Stanley to finally create the ultimate version of the Knight Industries Two Thousand.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Car Cutaway [Modern Racer]

Related:
Between the Lines: Csaba's Excellent Adventure [Internal]