Autoblog

Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Chris Paukert — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows, Middle East, Design/Style, Luxury

Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

As with any other business, in the automotive sphere, it's mission critical to recognize on which side your bread is buttered - particularly in lean times like these. Bugatti may be losing money on each Veyron it builds, but that doesn't mean that company strategists don't know how to earn a crust. Need proof? This month's Dubai Motor Show finds the supercar builder unveiling a trio of special edition models in one of its most important markets.

The Middle East triumvirate will consist of the Veyron Nocturne, which features "galvanized side windows" that add continuity to the polished aluminum body panel accents, and there are also polished wheels and a "black nanocoated magnesium dashboard" with a center console rendered in galvanized platinum. Just five examples will be built.

Bugatti will also show its Veyron "Sang d'Argent" and a topless Grand Sport "Soliel de Nuit" model for those that like a little sun and sand in their hair. The former of which employs a silver metallic finish and alloys nicked from the Grand Sport and the latter incorporates "country coded" colors that include a silver metallic lower and an impossibly deep upper blue finish and a Havanna interior with quilted seats.

If you're interested, well, have your accountant's accountant ring up Bugatti, and summon your garage keeper to ensure you've got some extra room available in the first quarter of 2010 for when you take delivery. Oh, and you'll have to liberate anywhere from 1.45 million euro ($2.1M USD) to 1.65 million euro ($2.5M) from your chaise lounge cushions for the privilege. Not up for it? Well, you can at least check out our high-res images below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show

[Source: Bugatti]

Continue reading Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

Drew Phillips — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Chevrolet

Superformance 1963 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite its relatively short list of on-track achievements, the original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is arguably Chevrolet's most iconic racecar. Built to compete with the likewise-iconic Cobra, the Grand Sport dominated the Shelby when the two went head-to-head, but the program was axed by General Motors before it would make a significant impact on motorsports. Still, the five chassis have become coveted collector cars and command prices into the multi-millions of dollars.

While the privilege of owning an original Corvette Grand Sport is limited to just a fortunate few, Superformance is now offering the next best thing. The SoCal-based company is perhaps best known for their Cobra and GT40 replicas, but a new licensing agreement with GM has opened doors to produce a Corvette Grand Sport model that will be available as either a coupe or convertible. Customers will also have the option of a street or race version (pictured).

As with their GT40, Superformance have gone to great lengths to insure that the Grand Sport is as identical to the original as possible. They even acquired the original blueprints and molds to one of the original race cars to produce accurate components. Powertrain options will be nearly endless, as the engine bay has been designed to accept most of the GM Performance Parts crate engines. Hit the jump for the official press release from Superformance, or check out the high-res gallery of the Superformance Grand Sport race car below.

Gallery: Superformance Corvette Grand Sport

[Source: Superformance]

Continue reading From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevy previews its Camaro-heavy 2009 SEMA line up

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Chevrolet

Chevrolet vehicles SEMA preview -- Click above to watch video

The Chevy Camaro was SEMA's poster boy last year, but there were precious few of them on the ground once the doors opened. This year it looks like that won't be the case. The Bowtie will be presenting its own take on some of its cars, and in a little preview of the action it looks like there'll be at least a Corvette Grand Sport and few Camaros with lots of shiny bits -- including one with a glossy lime paint job and pinstripes. Gotta love SEMA... Follow the jump to see the preview.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevy previews its Camaro-heavy 2009 SEMA line up

VIDEO: Chevy previews its Camaro-heavy 2009 SEMA line up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, First Drive

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Going into the 2010 model year, the Corvette lineup is growing to four models with the revival of the Grand Sport nameplate that slots in between the base and Z06 models. This is the third iteration of the Grand Sport, the first being a run of just five race-ready cars built by original Vette chief engineer Zora Arkus Duntov. The second batch was a run of 1,000 cars built in 1996 to close out the C4 generation. This time around, the Grand Sport is a regular production model and General Motors promises to make as many examples as customers demand.

The first customer bound production examples should be arriving at dealers this week, and the Corvette crew invited Autoblog out to the Milford Proving Ground for a tasting session. Thankfully, when Corvettes and Milford mix, that usually means a visit to the Milford Road Course (MRC), better known as the "Lutz 'Ring." MRC was completed five years ago at the south end of the company's proving grounds and as you might imagine, it's a suitably wonderful place to evaluate Corvettes. We spent the better part of an hour thrashing the Grand Sport around the MRC and came away impressed with this middle child. Read all about it after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu the last special edition Veyron?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Bugatti, Specialty

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Bleu - Click above for high-res image gallery

That's it, ladies and gents. The seemingly endless train of special edition Bugatti Veyrons has ended. Allegedly. After taking the wraps off the Sang Noir, Pur Sang, Fbg by Hermes, Grand Sport, Bleu Centenaire and the quartet of individual Centenaire tribute editions, to say nothing of the individual specials in between, Auto Motor und Sport says that the Sang Bleu edition of the Grand Sport which Bugatti unveiled at this past weekend's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will be the last special edition Veyron that Molsheim will build. With a reported 250 out of the 300 Veyrons initially earmarked for production now built and sold, Bugatti's moving on to its next project, tentatively dubbed Bordeaux. At which point the whole shpeil will presumably start all over again.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport - translated]

Continue reading Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu the last special edition Veyron?

Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu the last special edition Veyron? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport "Sang Bleu" unveiled in Monterey

John Neff — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport "Sang Bleu" - Click above for high-res image gallery

How many special edition Bugatti Veyrons are there? There's the Pur Sang, the Bleu Centenaire, the Sang Noir and Fbg by Hermes, not to mention the countless examples that have either been painted gold or chrome by bored sheiks who've spent too much time in the sun. The targa-fied Veyron, otherwise known as the Grand Sport, has been around a lot less time than its closed roof counterpart, but it's about time the open roof Bug got a special edition of its own. Enter the Grand Sport "Sang Bleu" that's being unveiled by Bugatti this weekend in Monterey.

The "Sang Bleu" is set off by its unique two-tone color combination that isn't the result of opening a couple new cans of paint back at the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, France, but rather combining two materials: carbon fiber and aluminum. The shiny parts are, of course, the al-yoo-mini-um of which we spoke, but the royal blue you see is a specially tinted carbon fiber. The only other differences between the "Sang Bleu" and a normal Grand Sport are that the rear airscoops are also body color, and the wheels are a unique design with a Midnight Blue and Diamond Cut finish.

Only 20 standard Grand Sports have been ordered and far less actually delivered, so the "Sang Bleu" stands as the rarest Veyron of them all right now. There's only one and Bugatti doesn't mention anything about it going into limited production, but considering the brand's penchant for making special editions, we expect the "Sang Bleu" will be available for anyone with anyone with a couple million bucks to trade.

[Source: Bugatti]

Continue reading Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport "Sang Bleu" unveiled in Monterey

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport "Sang Bleu" unveiled in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Gettin' bacchus with the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

John Neff — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Bugatti

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Production of the Veyron Grand Sport, Bugatti's roadster version of the ultimate super car, is just getting underway at the automaker's factory in Molsheim, France. Accordingly, Bugatti has released a batch of new high-res pics that were taken last year in such places as Napa Valley (hence the wine reference), Rome and Sardinia when the car debuted. Now, keep in mind, you don't just take a Sawzall to a Veyron's roof and get a Grand Sport. The GS gets a higher windscreen, daytime running lights and a transparent polycarbonate roof panel or umbrella-like soft top. There's also enough extra bracing beneath the carbon fiber skin to survive a black hole, and the two large air intakes above the engine are now reinforced to act as rollover bars.

The Veyron GS can go nearly 253 mph with its roof panel on, almost as fast as the straight coupe. Sans roof panel it can still hit almost 224 mph, and the soft top brings things down a top speed of just 99 mph. Only 150 units will be made, which means the 1.4 million euro Veyron Grand Sport is an ultra exclusive version of an already ultra exclusive car. Deliveries start in July and 30 have already ordered.

BONUS: This image is extra special because we took it while driving the car ourselves. Keep an eye out for Autoblog's First Drive of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport, coming soon.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Pics Aplenty: Gettin' bacchus with the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport shown from all angles

John Neff — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since Chevrolet announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport for 2010, we've been given detailed information on what the trim level will include as well as its starting price - $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. What we haven't been given is a truly good look at the Grand Sport, having to make due with a single profile shot.

Chevy has just released six new images of the GS in both coupe and convertible form that finally show off the exterior changes. Most obvious are the new gills that sit behind the front wheels and vent air from the larger brakes. The Grand Sport also gets that air inlet on the leading edge of its hood from the Z06, as well as the air scoop behind each door and front splitter. Those front and rear fenders are also both wider than what you get on a base Corvette, all in order to accommodate wider tires fitted to Grand Sport-specific wheels. Though the engine remains the same, GS Vettes do get an upgraded suspension and your choice of a manually tranny or six-speed auto.

Replacing the Z51 package, the new Grand Sport really does seem like the perfect compromise between a garden variety Corvette and the harder edged Z06. Check out the rest of our Grand Sport photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport

[Source: GM]

Pics Aplenty: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport shown from all angles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport to start at $55,720?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Specialty

If the introduction of the ZR1 into the Corvette lineup has made the base model look a bit dull, the Grand Sport package more than fills the aesthetic gap between the models. The Grand Sport package includes Stingray-like gills aft of the front wheels, unique rims and Z06 brakes. Unique suspension tuning reportedly nets a 0-60 time that goes from 4.2 seconds on the base coupe to 4.0 seconds in its updated configuration.

Corvette Blogger is reporting what it says is official Grand Sport package pricing, and the bottom line isn't as tough to swallow as some may have envisioned. The Bowtie fanboy site lists Grand Sport pricing at $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. That's a not-inconsequential $6,205 bump for the coupe and $5,360 for the droptop. The Grand Sport package essentially obviates the need for the $1,695 Z51 package, however, so you're basically looking at $3,500-$4,500 for the retuned suspension, widebody stance, Z06 brakes, improved 0-60 mph times, and aeshetic and exclusivity benefits, which doesn't strike us as a bad deal.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

REPORT: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport to start at $55,720? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Corvette Grand Sport launch control tested... in dealer lot

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet

Click above to watch the Corvette Grand Sport launch control

The Corvette Grand Sport features a launch control so simple your little sister could use it while she puts on her mascara at the light. It is also blisteringly effective and makes a whole lot of the right noises, as you can see in this video of a demo run in a dealership parking lot. How's that for a test drive? Follow the jump to check it out. (Note: no warranties were voided in the making of this video.)

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Corvette Grand Sport launch control tested... in dealer lot

VIDEO: Corvette Grand Sport launch control tested... in dealer lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Corvette Grand Sport returns for 2010!

John Neff — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Specialty

2010 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport - Click above to enlarge

Chevy is bringing back the Corvette Grand Sport, and unlike the one offered at the end of the C4's run in the mid-Nineties, this one sports a long list of performance upgrades that would make even Zora Arkus-Duntov proud. Rather than treating this revival as a special model with a limited run, Chevy has decided to ditch the Z51 package entirely and offer the Grand Sport that pushes the standard Vette's performance even closer to that of the Z06.

While the 430-hp (436-hp with the two-mode exhaust) LS3 V8 remains unchanged, wider front and rear fenders allow for 18- (front) and 19-inch (rear) wheels that are also wider than before. Larger brakes are included and the special suspension tuning is now even closer to that of the Z06. You'll also notice other Z06 elements like the front splitter, rear spoiler and functional brake ducts behind the doors. Unlike the Z06, you can order a Grand Sport with a manual transmission or the Vette's six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. If you're a true track hound, though, go with the manual that also comes with a dry-sump oil system, differential cooler and rear-mounted battery.

Though available as a convertible, coupe models also feature a removable roof. The Grand Sport can also be had in all four Corvette trim levels (1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT) and any standard Corvette color, and a special heritage package gives a nod to the past by adding a pair of hash marks to the front fenders. The new Grand Sport is being announced at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky as we speak and pricing has yet to be announced, so stay tuned.

[Source: Chevy]

Continue reading Chevy Corvette Grand Sport returns for 2010!

Chevy Corvette Grand Sport returns for 2010! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Corvette Grand Sport returning to Chevrolet for 2010?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Chevrolet, Rumormill

1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

It may be hard to imagine now, but there was a time when General Motors considered spinning Chevrolet's Corvette line off into its own separate division. The flagship supercar always had a distinct identity from the rest of Bowtie's model line - heck, overseas, 'Vettes aren't even sold at Chevy dealerships, they're sold with Cadillac. But while The General is trying to trim divisions down to a manageable level, now would seem like a less-than-ideal time to separate the Corvette range from Chevrolet, despite reports that yet another 'Vette derivative may on the way.

In addition to the base Corvette coupe, the convertible, track-focused Z06 and supercar-beating ZR1 (along with various limited-edition models), reports now suggest that a new Grand Sport model is on its way. Little is known in the way of details, but speculation suggests that it'd be a standard 'Vette with a wider body like the Z06 or ZR1 and some extra package additions. The trim level are reportedly set to be available in both coupe and convertible body-styles, but perhaps the real question is whether the asymettrical fender hash marks will return...

[Source: Corvette Action Center]

Rumormill: Corvette Grand Sport returning to Chevrolet for 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Build your own Bugatti Veyron Gran Sport... that you'll never get to drive

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Etc., Supercars, Bugatti, Specialty

Personalized Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport - Click above for a high res gallery

You can't own one, at least not right now, but maybe the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport will be as much of a bargain in 25 years as the Ferrari Mondial is. Okay, so that outcome is doubtful, but on the off chance you might someday take possession of one of these monsters, planning ahead is key. When it's beaten, broken, clapped out, and the top piece has gone missing, bodywork and restoration will be necessary, opening the door to a personalization party. Bugatti's even going to help you out. The storied French nameplate has a configurator on its website that it has now opened up to include the toupée-ripping Grand Sport.

The website is actually a pretty stripped-down affair; pick your model, pick your colors. With the Bug, that's because there's really nothing left to want, besides a very good pair of earplugs in lieu of serenity in the cabin. There is fun to be had in dreaming about how your own personal GS might look, and the site will even kick out a .pdf for you to download and treasure. When you're all done, and your car looks like it came out of the Creamsicle factory, you can print it on high gloss paper and tack that which will never be up on your bedroom wall.

Gallery: Bugatti Configurator

[Source: Bugatti]

Build your own Bugatti Veyron Gran Sport... that you'll never get to drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport's umbrella roof in action

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Videos, Supercars, Bugatti

Click above to watch the video after the jump

You can't go lopping the top off of a $1.5 million supercar without replacing it with something. Well, you could, but not if you're going to sell it for more than $2 million apiece. That's why when Bugatti unveiled the new Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, the automaker made sure to demonstrate not one, but two removable roofs that will be included with the targa hypercar. The first is a transparent polycarbonate hard-top section that can be removed and stowed for open-air driving. But in case the obscenely wealthy driver finds himself caught in an unexpected torrential downpour (or just a drizzle, for that matter), Bugatti has also developed an umbrella-like soft-top that can be deployed in an emergency. Unfortunately, the fabric roof section can't withstand the 252 mph top speed that the polycarbonate solid roof can, limiting speeds to an embarrassing 80 mph.

The deployment of the fabric temporary roof was a little difficult to describe in words and pictures, but fortunately our Latin friends at Autoblog En Espanol have found a video of the roof in action. Follow the jump to check it out.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Live Debut

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport's umbrella roof in action

VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport's umbrella roof in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2008: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:04:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Supercars, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.

The wraps - and the roof - have come off the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport here in Monterey, finally answering a question few have asked and even fewer will sample.

As you'd expect, Bugatti hasn't just hacked the roof off the Veyron and gone to the pub. The windshield is slightly higher, the daytime running lights have been tweaked and then there's the showpiece: a removable, transparent polycarbonate roof, which blends the A-pillars into two painted carbon fiber strips that lead into the massive air intakes feeding the 1001 hp, quad-turbocharged, W16.

If you stow the roof at home for the world's fastest open-air, four-wheeled experience and the heavens decide to open, a folding roof stored in the luggage compartment can be - according to Bugatti - "opened like an umbrella." With the soft-top in place, speeds are limited to an incredibly low 130 km/h (81 mph), otherwise, the Grand Sport can hit 252 mph with the polycarbonate roof and 224 mph with the top removed.

Bugatti made several structural enhancements to ensure the Grand Sport shares the same chassis rigidity and safety standards as its fixed roof counterpart. The monocoque has been reinforced around the side skirts and transmission tunnel, the doors feature new longitudinal beams, and the air intakes have been redesigned to include ten-centimeter-wide carbon fiber elements to protect occupants in the event of rollover.

Only 150 examples will be made available, with the first 50 going to registered Bugatti customers. The first model will be auctioned off at the Gooding & Company auction tomorrow night, with all the profits over the 1.4 million euro ($2.05 million) sticker going to charity.

Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Live Debut

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Continue reading Monterey 2008: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Monterey 2008: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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