Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Bugatti Bird-gate Update 2: New evidence of mystery pelican, avoidance techniques [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/bugatti-bird-gate-update-2-new-evidence-of-mystery-pelican-avo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/bugatti-bird-gate-update-2-new-evidence-of-mystery-pelican-avo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/bugatti-bird-gate-update-2-new-evidence-of-mystery-pelican-avo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

The case of the ill-fated Bugatti Veyron versus the invisible pelican has had the Internets buzzing for the past week. First we saw footage of the $1.6 million supercar as it was being pulled out of a Texas swamp. The story behind the dastardly crash was that a low-flying pelican caused the (at the time) un-named driver to swerve off the road and ultimately land in over two feet of watery muck.

Then, as if by some sort of miracle, a video appeared of the actual crash, and, quite frankly, we didn't see any pelican. Then we found out that the car was being driven by Andy House, the owner of Performance Auto Sales in Lufkin. PAS, as it turns out, fixes wrecked exotics, making the crash look all the more suspicious. Now, less than a week after the crash, one very patient viewer watched the video frame by frame, and there looks to be some evidence that something white was floating near the Veyron right before the accident. We don't know if the image was doctored and there is no definitive way to verify that the white smear is a pelican, but it certainly has the size and shape of the large and awkward-looking bird. Take a look at the picture above and tell us if you think there is a chance in hell that white blur is a pelican - or perhaps a bit of Photoshop magic.

In the meantime, it appears as though the Internets are beginning to have some fun with Mr. House and his ill-fated Veyron joy ride. First is a can of pelican repellent on sale at the Car Guy Garage website. Price tag? Only $2 million greenbacks. Of course, eBay isn't going to be left out of the sunken Veyron sweepstakes either, as one pioneering auctioneer has come up with the Apple AquaticAvoidanceSystem system for avoiding lakes, marshes, channels, bays and any other body of water. AAS.... very clever. The starting bid price is a far more manageable $800, but you're buying a pair of Apple ear buds so that next you don't blame a hapless bird for dropping your iPhone and driving into a marsh. Happy bidding, Veyron owners!

[Sources: Car Guys Garage; eBay Motors]

Continue reading Bugatti Bird-gate Update 2: New evidence of mystery pelican, avoidance techniques [w/VIDEO]

Bugatti Bird-gate Update 2: New evidence of mystery pelican, avoidance techniques [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aasandy houseAndyHousebugattibugatti veyronBugattiVeyronpelicanpelican bugattipelican veyronPelicanBugattiPelicanVeyronperformance auto salesPerformanceAutoSalesveyronwrecked bugattiwrecked veyronWreckedBugattiWreckedVeyronTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed <b>[*UPDATE:</b> Now with actual crash video!]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/bugatti-bird-gate-update-driver-identity-revealed-gov-schwarz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/bugatti-bird-gate-update-driver-identity-revealed-gov-schwarz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/bugatti-bird-gate-update-driver-identity-revealed-gov-schwarz/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bugatti Veyron of Andy House from Lufkin, Texas - Click above to view video

As we've already reported (stop tipping us on this!), yesterday a Texas man lost control of his Bugatti Veyron and ended up driving into the two-foot shallows of a nearby salt marsh. The driver claimed a kamikaze pelican that flew too low was to blame for the Veyron's bath. The Lufkin Daily News has now identified that driver as Andy House, the owner of Performance Auto Sales in Lufkin.

Perhaps too coincidentally, the company restores wrecked exotics for resale, which makes this whole situation seem like something akin to a mortician offing his own family members to drum up business. Unthinkable, for sure, and we hope it's not the case here as we'd hate to discover later that this Veyron was sacrificed as a publicity stunt.

Apparently a lot of people have been trying to reach Mr. House to discover exactly what happened. We're not sure what the connection is, but the group of interested callers is said to even include California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. We don't think the car has been terminated, but it might be a while before it's back.

*UPDATE: Now with incredible one-in-a-million video footage of the actual crash after the jump - and no, we don't see a pelican, either. However, we do hear explicit language, so this one is NSFW.

*UPDATE 2: Video working again.

[Sources: Lufkin Daily News; YouTube]

Continue reading Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed [*UPDATE: Now with actual crash video!]

Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed [*UPDATE: Now with actual crash video!] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andy HouseAndyHousebugattibugatti veyronBugattiVeyronLufkinPerformance Auto SalesPerformanceAutoSalesveyronveyron crashVeyronCrashFri, 13 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST<![CDATA[First Look: Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fine Art Masquerading As A Sedan

Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept - Click above for new high-res image gallery

Bugatti invited us to the first unveiling of its new 16C Galibier Concept on U.S. soil at a special event in Southern California last week. While we have all seen the press images from its debut in Molsheim last month, the select in-person preview gave us an excellent opportunity to talk with Bugatti about the concept, scrutinize the vehicle up close, and to actually spend some time sitting inside the passenger cabin.

The first modern four-door from Bugatti is absolutely striking in the flesh.
Introduced as the automaker's first modern four-door sedan, the 16C Galibier Concept is a close look at what the production 16C Galibier will resemble when it goes on sale in about three years (with a sales price estimated to be about $1.6 million). While it's engineered to be a sedan without peers - and we have no reason to question Bugatti's ability to accomplish this objective - the mechanical aspects of the Galibier will have to take a back seat to its design until the production model arrives in 2012.

In this rarefied automotive segment, the utilitarian value of the vehicle is absent. Vehicles are purchased for their design - that physical aura - and their historical distinction. Performance is expected. Understanding the connection, Bugatti chose a prestigious Beverly Hills gallery to host the event. After a brief introduction, the fabric cover hiding the concept was removed. Follow the jump to find out our reaction.


Gallery: Bugatti 16C Galibier concept

Continue reading First Look: Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept

First Look: Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>16c galibier16cGalibierbugattiBugatti 16C Galibier ConceptBugatti16cGalibierConceptfeaturedgalibiergalibier 16cgalibier conceptGalibier16cGalibierConceptMon, 09 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: <i>Top Gear</i> cooks up a Bugatti Galibier LM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/rendered-speculation-top-gear-cooks-up-a-bugatti-galibie/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/rendered-speculation-top-gear-cooks-up-a-bugatti-galibie/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/rendered-speculation-top-gear-cooks-up-a-bugatti-galibie/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As much as it dominated pre-war grand prix racing, Bugatti's is a heritage forged at Le Mans. Both the original concept and the subsequent production car which Bugatti built under its current ownership were named after Louis Chiron and Pierre Veyron, two of the most famous drivers from the marque's racing history. But it's been 70 years since Bugatti raced at Le Mans. The company's previous Italian owners took a race-prepped EB110 to Daytona, but that was about the extent of Bugatti's racing program in the modern era. But a few simple facts aren't about to stop the dreamers.

Over at Top Gear they've cooked up what a racing version of the new Galibier concept car would look like. Envisioned as some sort of touring car on speed and prepped for Le Mans, the Galibier LM features a massive front splitter and side skirts to match a giant rear wing and an exposed engine cover that displays the quad-turbo W16 like in the Veyron. Speaking of which, if Bugatti was going to return to racing, the outgoing super-coupe would have clearly been the better platform. But after seventy years of absence, we're not going to start splitting hairs... just imaginary lap times.

[Source: Top Gear]

Rendered Speculation: Top Gear cooks up a Bugatti Galibier LM originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti galibierbugatti le mansBugattiGalibierBugattiLeMansle mansLeMansrenderedrendered speculationRenderedSpeculationtop gearTopGearTue, 20 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Parmigiani Fleurier honors Bugatti's past and future with unique timepieces]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/parmigiani-fleurier-honors-bugattis-past-and-future-with-unique/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/parmigiani-fleurier-honors-bugattis-past-and-future-with-unique/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/parmigiani-fleurier-honors-bugattis-past-and-future-with-unique/#commentsFiled under: ,

Parmigiani Bugatti Galibier Tourbillon (above) and Type 370 Centenaire (below right) - Click either for high-res image galleries

You could call Parmigiani Fleurier the Bugatti of watchmakers and hardly be exaggerating. The pinnacle of time-craft, Parmigiani's timepieces are some of the most highly intricate, innovative and sought-after in the field. No wonder Bugatti chose the atelier to fabricate a unique wristwatch to accompany the Veyron. Now that the Veyron's production is drawing to an end and a new model is around the corner, Parmigiani has been back at work to both commemorate Bugatti's past and join it for the future.

Back in 2006, the Swiss watchmaker released the unique Type 370, a wristwatch whose movement was intricately designed to be placed sideways, with the face displaying to the driver's eye without requiring their hand to leave the wheel. Pointless, you might say, but the point is the craftsmanship, and Parmigiani pulled it off flawlessly. Only 200 were to be built specifically to accompany the Bugatti Veyron. And like the Veyron, its production run is now drawing to a close, but not before the last two examples have their chance to stand above the rest.

Parmigiani has crafted two unique examples in 18-karat rose gold and platinum 950, each hand etched by master engraver Philippe Bodenmann, taking a mind-blowing 300 hours to complete the task. Called the Centenaire like the special-edition Veyrons, the last Type 370s also feature calfskin straps furnished by Bugatti's partner Hermes and mark the company's 100th anniversary. But commemorating the past isn't all Parmigiani Fleurier has in store for its partnership with Bugatti.

Now that the Alsatian automaker is preparing for its next feat, Parmigiani is on board with a Tourbillon timepiece to accompany the 16C Galibier concept car, now tipped to have been approved for production. Fine watch connoisseurs know the tourbillon to be one of the most intricate watch mechanisms ever devised. Originally designed to combat the effects of gravity's pull on the mechanism of a pocket-watch, the entire mechanism rotates inside its case, and the gears within it. Parmigiani designed a tourbillon to dock into the dashboard of the Galibier, acting as the car's time display. But the timepiece can also be removed and worn as a pocket watch, attached to a wrist strap or docked into a stand to act as a desk clock.

Whatever production plans Bugatti has for the future, you can bet Parmigiani will be right on its heels. And with no less refined a level of design and craftsmanship, either. Photos in the galleries below.


Gallery: Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 370 Centenaire


Gallery: Parmingiani Fleurier Bugatti Galibier Tourbillon


[Source: Parmigiani Fleurier]

Parmigiani Fleurier honors Bugatti's past and future with unique timepieces originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti 16c galibierbugatti galibierbugatti galibier 16cbugatti veyronBugatti Veyron Centenairebugatti watchBugatti16cGalibierBugattiGalibierBugattiGalibier16cBugattiVeyronBugattiVeyronCentenaireBugattiWatchparmigianiparmigiani bugattiparmigiani bugatti galibierparmigiani fleurierParmigianiBugattiParmigianiBugattiGalibierParmigianiFleurierparminigiani fleurier bugatti type 370 centenaireParminigianiFleurierBugattiType370CentenaireFri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bugatti 16C Galibier reportedly gets the $1.5 million go-ahead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/report-bugatti-16c-galibier-gets-the-1-5-million-go-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/report-bugatti-16c-galibier-gets-the-1-5-million-go-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/report-bugatti-16c-galibier-gets-the-1-5-million-go-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bugatti 16C Galibier concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few have seen it - even standing still - but a report from the UK's Auto Express is already suggesting that the Bugatti 16C Galibier concept, shown to a select few at the company's factory in Molsheim, is set to receive the green light for production.

The concept for succeeding the two-door, mid-engine Veyron offers a more conventional four-door, front-engine bodystyle with bragging rights that pale only in comparison to its record-breaking forbearer: the 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine would carry over, albeit detuned from its 1000+ hp output in the Veyron to "only" 800, while sources suggest that the Veyron's purpose-built dual-clutch transmission would be replaced with a more conventional torque-converter eight-speed automatic. With less power and a larger shape, the Galibier is tipped to reach a 220 mph top speed - a good thirty less than the Veyron's top end, but still miles ahead of even the fastest production sedans.

Rumor has it that the Bugatti could share the platform from the new Bentley Mulsanne. And while earlier reports indicated that Bugatti would be trying out a number of different concepts before selecting one for production, if this latest report is accurate, the Galibier could hit the market by 2013 with a £900,000 price tag - about $1.5 million, the same price as that Veyron speeding off into the setting sun.


Gallery: Bugatti 16C Galibier concept


[Source: Auto Express]

Bugatti 16C Galibier reportedly gets the $1.5 million go-ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>16cbugattibugatti 16cbugatti 16c galibierbugatti galibierbugatti galibier 16cbugatti galibier conceptBugatti16cBugatti16cGalibierBugattiGalibierBugattiGalibier16cBugattiGalibierConceptfalsegalibierThu, 01 Oct 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Bugatti offers up promotional video on Galibier concept sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/video-bentley-offers-up-promotional-material-on-galibier-concep/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/video-bentley-offers-up-promotional-material-on-galibier-concep/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/video-bentley-offers-up-promotional-material-on-galibier-concep/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've seen the pics; we've read the details. Now, it's time for video, and Bugatti seems to have released exactly what we're looking for. The looks of the French supercar maker's Galibier concept are nothing if not striking and controversial, but at the level Bugatti's playing at those descriptors are certainly vastly preferable to boring and staid.

Bugatti says the Galibier's unique dark carbon fiber skin shines blue when illuminated, and you can see that effect much better on video than with static images. Pay special attention to the hood, which features twin side-by-side portals to access the front-mounted, ethanol-burning W16 engine. We could do without the breathless narrator, but as promotional material, we've come to expect nothing less. Hit the jump to watch the video. Thanks for the tip, Slavich!


Gallery: Bugatti 16C Galibier concept


Continue reading VIDEO: Bugatti offers up promotional video on Galibier concept sedan

VIDEO: Bugatti offers up promotional video on Galibier concept sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti 16 c galibierbugatti 16c galibierbugatti galibierbugatti galibier videobugatti sedanBugatti16cGalibierBugattiGalibierBugattiGalibierVideoBugattiSedanfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowgalibierMon, 14 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Bugatti Galibier leaks out after private unveiling in Molsheim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/bugatti-galibier-leaks-out-after-private-unveiling-in-molsheim/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/bugatti-galibier-leaks-out-after-private-unveiling-in-molsheim/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/bugatti-galibier-leaks-out-after-private-unveiling-in-molsheim/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bugatti Galibier concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

After months of speculation, Bugatti has finally pulled the wraps off its new four-door supercar concept just ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show at an event for past customers and Bugatti-intenders. Up to this point, we've been referring to the French uber-sedan as the Bordeaux, but it seems the actual car's moniker will be Galibier - the name of a difficult Alpine pass along the Tour de France.

One of the Galibier's most striking features is undoubtedly its two-tone outer shell, which is comprised of both polished aluminum for the doors and front fenders and a unique dark blue carbon fiber weave that shines through when illuminated. We also note a prominent center spine that recalls past Bugattis like the Type 35 and the classically beautiful Type 57.

Powering the Galibier concept will be a version of Bugatti's ridiculously powerful eight-liter W16 powerplant. Unlike the mill propelling the Veyron to ludicrous speed, this version is mounted up front and is capable of running on ethanol fuel, which may or may not allow the automaker to squeeze a few more ponies out of the engine... not that it needs it, of course.

Current reports peg the Galibier's top speed at 217 miles per hour (350 kilometers per hour), which, while slower than the Veyron's epic terminal velocity, is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Check out our gallery of high-res images below.


Gallery: Bugatti 16C Galibier concept


[Source: Net Car Show]

Bugatti Galibier leaks out after private unveiling in Molsheim originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti galibierBugattiGalibiergalibierMon, 14 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Video Exclusive: Bugatti Veyron joins Forza Motorsport 3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/autoblog-video-exclusive-the-bugatti-veyron-joins-forza-motorsp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/autoblog-video-exclusive-the-bugatti-veyron-joins-forza-motorsp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/autoblog-video-exclusive-the-bugatti-veyron-joins-forza-motorsp/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Exclusive footage of the Bugatti Veyron in Forza Motorsport 3 -- Click above to watch video

Forza Motorsport 3 developer Turn 10 Studios has decided to share some exclusive video footage with Autoblog (and our sister site Joystiq) that features one of our favorite cars: the Bugatti Veyron. When the game is released, you'll be able to take the wheel of the world's most expensive 'bug' without having to drop $1.6 million large. And of course, you'll get to customize it all you like. Take that, Sang Bleu...

Said Turn 10 head Dan Greenawalt, "Including the Veyron allows our fans and community to experience one of the world's rarest supercars at an unparalleled level of realism. Few people will ever get to see this car in person, let alone race or drive one, so the fact that we have it in Forza Motorsport 3 where it's fully drivable, tunable, paintable and even damageable is a very exciting concept to us. We hope our community shares that passion and enthusiasm!"

Damaging the Veyron in the game wouldn't be as bad as overcooking the real thing into the Armco, but we still recommend against it. However, having driven the thing twice, we can say that if you can get the actual Veyron to lay down rubber or drift through corners, then please give us a call - we have a trophy for you... Check out the video footage after the jump.

[Source: Turn 10 Studios, Joystiq]

Continue reading Autoblog Video Exclusive: Bugatti Veyron joins Forza Motorsport 3

Autoblog Video Exclusive: Bugatti Veyron joins Forza Motorsport 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti veyronBugattiVeyrondriving gameDrivingGameforzaforza 3forza motorsportforza motorsport 3Forza3ForzaMotorsportForzaMotorsport3turn 10Turn10veyronvideovideo gamesVideoGamesWed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monterey 2009: Medium rare or rare? Custom coachwork Bugatti Type 57s]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/monterey-2009-medium-rare-or-rare-custom-coachwork-bugatti-typ/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/monterey-2009-medium-rare-or-rare-custom-coachwork-bugatti-typ/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/monterey-2009-medium-rare-or-rare-custom-coachwork-bugatti-typ/#commentsFiled under: ,


Custom coachwork Bugatti Type 57s at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours - Click above for a high-res image gallery

At the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Bugatti was allotted two classes: 100 Years of Style and Speed, and a second class devoted solely to the Type 57. Check that, a second class devoted to Type 57 models with special coachwork. As if any Bugatti Type 57 wasn't special enough, back in the day, customers could order an off-the-rack Type 57, or they could opt for a custom coachwork job arranged directly through Bugatti. They offered six different body styles: The Stelvio, Aravis, Galibier, Ventoux, Atalante and Atlantic.

Those bodies rode on standard chassis or lowered ones labeled with an "S." Customers also had the choice of either the standard naturally aspirated 8-cylinder engine or a supercharged version putting out 210 hp. Supercharged, lowered vehicles were dubbed the 57SC and those were and are the most desirable setup no matter what coachwork it wears. The four 57SC Atlantics built demand the most money, though.

Think of it like the current situation with the Veyron. You can order a "regular" Veyron 16.4, or you could get one of approximately one dozen special editions instead. After all, wouldn't you want to have a one-of-ten or one-of-one edition instead of a lousy one-of-fifty model? The difference in the Type 57 days was that the bodies completely changed from model to model, whereas the special editions today tend to revolve around paint schemes. It's a lot more like taking an Enzo to Pininfarina and turning it into a Ferrari P4/5, or taking a ZR1 Corvette to Bertone and driving off in a Mantide.

At Pebble, we were treated to a selection of nine Type 57 Bugattis ranging in year from 1935-1939. There was a bare chassis, a Bertelli of Feltham Cabriolet, Two-Light Ventoux Coupe (l), Graber Cabriolet, Paul Nee Pillarless Coupe, 57SC Atalante Coupe, Albert D'Ieteren Cabriolet, 57C Aravis, and a 57C Letourneur et Marchand Cabriolet (r). That Atalante took a well-deserved trophy for best in class. Be sure to check out our gallery to see these amazing Bugattis for yourself.


Gallery: Custom Coachwork Bugatti Type 57s At Pebble Beach


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Monterey 2009: Medium rare or rare? Custom coachwork Bugatti Type 57s originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For some time now speculation about Bugatti's next megacar has been running rampant. The car world got nice and teased recently when a "teaser" shot of a new Bug got itself "leaked." Named the Bordeaux, very little is known about the concept past the point that it has eight tailpipes. However, Dr Franz-Josef Pfaegen, lord of Bugatti's Molsheim manor, sat down with Autocar and spilled some high priced beans.

Turns out that the Bordeaux is in fact most likely a four-door, and Bugatti will be showing the car to existing customers to gauge their reaction and make sure the Bordeaux is the type of vehicle the company should be building. That said, Pfaegen wants to crush rumors that the Bordeaux will share parts with the new Bentley Mulsanne into dust. Says Pfaegen, "A Bugatti saloon will have different dimensions and be a completely different concept. In fact it's hard to find any similarities at all [with the Mulsanne]."

However, as both high end marques are owned by Volkswagen, we wouldn't be surprised if a bit of platform sharing took place beneath the surface. Whatever it is, the eight pipes lead us to speculate that high performance is the Bordeaux's raison d'etre. Especially as it will probably be packing the Veyron's quad-turbo, 8.0-liter 1,000+ hp W16.

We don't have any info on the other two concepts at this time, except that one of the three will indeed be Bugatti's next model. We'll go ahead and guess that one of the remaining two is Veyron 2.0. Especially as the Grand Sport Sang Bleu is the last of the special edition Veyrons. Plus, with 250 out of the 300 total Veyrons already built and sold, mega-performance hypercars might just be Bugatti's preferred niche. As for the possible third concept, we don't know. Though, if we were in charge of conceptual Bugattis, a new Royale would be in the works. If you have any guesses as to what the third Bugatti concept might be, shout it in the comments below.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Bordeaux one of three Bugatti concepts proposed for next model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bentley MulsanneBentleyMulsanneBordeauxBugattiBugatti BordeauxBugatti RoyaleBugatti VeyronBugattiBordeauxBugattiRoyaleBugattiVeyronGrand Sport Sang BleuGrandSportSangBleuSang BleuSangBleuveyronTue, 18 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu the last special edition Veyron?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/bugatti-grand-sport-sang-bleu-the-last-special-edition-veyron/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/bugatti-grand-sport-sang-bleu-the-last-special-edition-veyron/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/bugatti-grand-sport-sang-bleu-the-last-special-edition-veyron/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

sangbleu_3_4front_opensangbleu_3_4front_closedsangbleu_3_4frontsangbleu_3_4backsangbleu_front_shot

[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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Concept Lawn at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is usually packed with new and nearly-new concept cars from a who's who list of international automakers. Although the best-of-the-best were still represented, this year's display was a little different. Rather than just showing recent concepts, the lawn was used to show off some recently unveiled production cars as well.

Among the cars on the putting green at The Lodge were some brand-new debuts along with a few that we've seen already this year. A visual jog around the main ring included the Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu, Audi R8 V10, Infiniti Essence, Mercedes SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, Bertone Mantide, SMS Challenger 570, 2010 Lotus Evora, Fisker Karma Sunset, Spyker Aileron Spyder, Iconic rolling chassis, 2010 Jaguar XJ, Devon GTX, 2010 Morgan Aero SuperSports, and the Rolls-Royce 200EX. An adjacent patch had the Lincoln Concept C and the Aston Martin One-77.

The Bugatti, the Aston, the Mantide and the Essence seemed to be getting the most attention, but there were also quite a few folks checking out the Lincoln, Lotus, Fisker, Spyker, Devon and Jag. Heck, all of them were getting a lot of looks. Our personal favorites included the Infiniti, which is amazingly elegant and sporty for its size, the Mantide, which has a certain presence to it and a purposefulness that photos can't really convey, and the One-77 which has some truly beautiful detailing. Check out our high-res gallery below and let us know what your favorite is.


Gallery: 2009 Pebble Beach Concept Car Lawn


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Monterey 2009: Concept and Show Car roundup at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

With so many special edition Veyrons, we're starting to wonder if Bugatti is still making any regular versions. To their credit, this is only the first unique version of the Grand Sport model that made its debut at Pebble Beach this time last year. Named the Sang Bleu, the latest Veyron variant was unveiled at the Quail Motorsports Gathering yesterday and features a body comprised of polished aluminum and carbon fiber tinted in Royal Blue. The only other differences between the Sang Bleu and the standard Grand Sport are the Gaucho leather seating and wheels that have a Diamond Cut finish and Midnight Blue trim. Check out our live pictures below or read more about the car after the jump in case you missed the official announcement yesterday.

Gallery: Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu Live


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Monterey 2009: Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu live from the Quail Lodge

Monterey 2009: Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu live from the Quail Lodge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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This is a bit sad. The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum collection, part of the larger Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, is selling off 19 of its 175 cars in order to climb out of debt. Among the cars being offered to buyers are a gorgeous seafoam green 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a 1930 Belanger Indianapolis Racer with a 270 cubic-inch Offenhauser Dual Overhead Cam V8 good for 325 hp (installed in 1949) and a 1930 Bugatti Type 44 Phaeton Open Tourer, the only one thought to exist.

Sadly, this isn't the first time the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum has resorted to raiding its stash of cars to pay the bills. 20 other cars were sold off a few months back, and since the early 2000s, the Western Reserve has been in the habit of selling off part of its auto collection whenever its strapped for cash. This is bad for several reasons. The first is, its hard to increase museum attendance when items the public might like to see are gone.

Second, "What do you think our chances are of people donating their cars to Crawford?" said John Hlavka, a Crawford volunteer. "It's a Catch-22," continues Hlavka. "The less donations, the less money. Then to make up the money they sell off cars. So they get less donations." And finally of course, once historic cars like these leave a museum, there's no telling what their fate will be. They could very well be lost forever. Pity that. Thanks to Ken for the tip.

[Source: Cleveland.com]

Western Reserve Historical Society selling off (more) rare cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1930 Belanger Indianapolis Racer1930BelangerIndianapolisRacer1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing1956Mercedes-benz300slGullwingBelangerBugattiBugatti Type 44 Phaeton Open TourerBugattiType44PhaetonOpenTourerClevelandCrawford Auto-Aviation MuseumCrawfordAuto-aviationMuseumMercedes-BenzWestern Reserve Historical SocietyWesternReserveHistoricalSocietyTue, 11 Aug 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/meadow-brook-concours-2009-the-supercars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/meadow-brook-concours-2009-the-supercars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/meadow-brook-concours-2009-the-supercars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Supercars at Concours d'Elegance - click above for high-res image gallery

After about three hours at Meadow Brook, team Autoblog was ready to head out and get writing. The only thing that had us scratching our heads was the lack of modern supercars out on the lawn. On our way out the door, though, one of the gentlemen working the show asked us if we'd seen the exotics, which were hidden at the side of Meadow Brook Hall. Thank you sir.

Once we entered the hidden patio at Meadow Brook, we were greeted with dozens of supercars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche, along with a smattering of ultra-rare rides, including the Reventon, Veyron, 959 and Spyker C8 Laviolette. Ferrari was well-represented with a 612 Scaglietti, California, a pair of F430s and a 599 and we were also happy to see a V-10 Audi R8, a couple Astons and, perhaps our favorite of all, the absolutely stunning Alfa Romeo 8C.

Click on the gallery below to peruse 112 high-res images of the supercars you've been daydreaming about. Tens of thousands of people paid $25 each to see these them, but you get the Autoblog grand tour free of charge.


Gallery: Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Following the release of a couple of teaser images showing what was tipped as an upcoming new model from Bugatti, the automotive press has been all up in a frenzy speculating over the form that the highly anticipated new car will take. But while the conclusion was that the car would be unveiled to the public at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, new reports suggest otherwise.

According to sources inside the company, Bugatti will indeed be showing a new concept in Frankfurt - but only to a select group of customers to gauge reactions among its exclusive clientele. And while it may seem like a waste to bring a concept car to the show only to keep it hidden, it may be indicative that the car itself won't be ready for a full public unveiling, for which we'll apparently have to wait a little longer. In the meantime, Bugatti will reportedly be back up to its old tricks with - yep, you guessed it - yet another special edition Veyron at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where sister company Bentley will be unveiling its own new super-luxe saloon. Stay tuned for more.

[Source: The Car Connection]

REPORT: We may not see the Bugatti Bordeaux at Frankfurt show after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bordeauxbugatt veyron editionbugattibugatti bordeauxbugatti bordeaux conceptbugatti conceptbugatti frankfurtbugatti royalebugatti royale conceptbugatti sedanbugatti veyronBugattiBordeauxBugattiBordeauxConceptBugattiConceptBugattiFrankfurtBugattiRoyaleBugattiRoyaleConceptBugattiSedanBugattiVeyronBugattVeyronEditionFri, 24 Jul 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: The Quick and the Dead - Bugatti Veyron vs. Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/video-the-quick-and-the-dead-bugatti-veyron-vs-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/video-the-quick-and-the-dead-bugatti-veyron-vs-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/video-the-quick-and-the-dead-bugatti-veyron-vs-nissan-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Bugatti Veyron vs Nissan GT-R - Click the image above to view the video after the jump

The Nissan GT-R is a quick car by most standards. In fact, with all-wheel drive and traction control system, it's frighteningly fast. Pull up next to just about any other car at a stoplight and you'll undoubtedly come out ahead. That is, of course, unless you happen upon a Bugatti Veyron. The Bug matches the Nissan's AWD system and doubles the number of turbochargers and horsepower. As our man Jonathon put it in his first drive of the Bugatti Grand Sport, you don't accelerate in this car, you evaporate.

While a heads-up drag race between the GT-R and Veyron is an unlikely occurrence in the real world, Evo Magazine took it upon themselves to pair the two cars on an open airfield. Just how much faster is the Bugatti than the Nissan? Watch for yourself after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: The Quick and the Dead - Bugatti Veyron vs. Nissan GT-R

VIDEO: The Quick and the Dead - Bugatti Veyron vs. Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Nissan GT-R2010NissanGt-rBugattiBugatti VeyronBugatti Veyron vs Nissan GT-RBugattiVeyronBugattiVeyronVsNissanGt-rGT-RNissanNissan GT-RNissanGt-rvideoWed, 22 Jul 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Octophonic Sound? Second teaser of Bugatti Bordeaux surfaces]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/octophonic-sound-second-teaser-of-bugatti-bordeaux-surfaces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/octophonic-sound-second-teaser-of-bugatti-bordeaux-surfaces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/octophonic-sound-second-teaser-of-bugatti-bordeaux-surfaces/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Further evidence that Bugatti has a new product planned for its centenary celebration at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September comes by way of PistonHeads in the U.K., which offers up this image of the rear of what may or may not be a vehicle called the Bordeaux. Of course, before we pull this one completely out of the rumormill file, we'll need either official word from Bugatti or an actual picture of the party invitation that this car supposedly graces.

Assuming for a moment that this image is the real deal, we see some interesting tidbits from which to glean tantalizing details of the future car. While we're still not certain if this could be the World's Ultimate Sedan, some bizarre sort of shooting brake, or even a supercar to replace to Veyron (or none of the above), but the thin strip of brake light right down the center reminds us of the dorsal seam from the iconic Type 57SC Atlantic - certainly a fitting way to recollect the French automaker's first 100 years in business.

Note, too, the inclusion of eight rather obvious exhaust tips at the rear of the car, which reinforces speculation that this vehicle will be powered by Bugatti's current 8.0-liter W16 powerplant. If that's the case, we'd also expect the Veyron's all-wheel-drive system and active aerodynamics to keep the ridiculously powerful car from going airborne. As much fun as it is to speculate, we look forward to getting official word from Bugatti as Frankfurt draws nearer.

[Source: PistonHeads]

Octophonic Sound? Second teaser of Bugatti Bordeaux surfaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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