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BUGATTI CENTODIECI – First prototype for series development

The French luxury brand is paving the way for series production of its exclusive and unique hyper sports car.

Highly exclusive, distinctive and high-performance. At “The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering” in California in summer 2019, Bugatti presented another project reflecting its excellent coachbuilding expertise: the Centodieci. The Centodieci evokes automotive history: the unique project is a tribute to the legendary EB 110. This few-off project comprises production of just ten vehicles for an exclusive clientele. The next phase is about to start for the hyper sports car with a W16 engine and 1,600 PS: the first prototype for series development is currently being assembled.

The design of the Centodieci with its flat front, low-slung front spoiler and three-part air intakes reinterpret the shape of the most famous super sports car of the 1990s. The EB 110 was a key milestone on the road to the revival of the Bugatti brand in 1998 at Bugatti’s historic headquarters in Molsheim, ultimately resulting in the first hyper sports car of the modern era – the Veyron.

The Centodieci is Bugatti’s way of paying its respects to the Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli and architect Giampaolo Benedini, the men who created the EB 110 some 30 years ago. “The challenge for us was not to get caught up in the design of the legendary EB 110 itself and avoid focusing solely on a retrospective approach. Our aim was to create a modern interpretation of the shape and technology of that time: but at the same time, we didn’t want to lose the charm and character of the EB 110.

After all, the super sports car is still fascinating today with its distinctive design and technology,” says Achim Anscheidt, Design Director at Bugatti. The biggest challenge: to transform the very flat, wedge-shaped and graphically virtually two-dimensional body of the EB 110 into a modern, three-dimensional sculpture to project the fascination of the super sports cars of that time into the modern age.

Since the world premiere of the Centodieci, the Bugatti development team has been working on the technical implementation of the strictly limited model. “Every newly developed vehicle poses an immense challenge, as we are creating a very small series that at the same time has to meet and even exceed all the quality and safety standards of a large series,” says André Kullig, technical project manager for one-off and few-off projects at Bugatti.

The engineers first delve into calculations for the body, aerodynamics, engine and transmission. They simulate the airflow on the vehicle and check all components down to the smallest screw.

Meanwhile, the design team checks the styling in close collaboration with the developers before finalising this and designing the surfaces. They adjust the curvature of the components according to the incidence of light so that the appearance is homogeneous in all lighting conditions – an elaborate development process. After well over a year of design and simulation, the team has now developed the first prototype.

“I was hugely looking forward to the first prototype of the Centodieci,” says Kullig, who has been with Bugatti since 2004 and was previously involved in projects such as the Divo and La Voiture Noire3. “Series development of a few-off project is an especially exciting challenge – and that is also true in the case of the Centodieci, which is a very design-driven project,” says Andre Kullig. His task is to ensure a perfect match between the exterior shape and the technology. Despite only producing ten vehicles, the Centodieci must meet all the same technical requirements as a Chiron.

“With the newly designed body, there are changes in many areas that we had to simulate using special computer programmes. Based on the data, we were able to establish a basic set-up as a starting point for series development and the first prototype,” explains André Kullig.

The team was recently able to successfully put the rolling chassis into operation on the site’s own roller dynamometer in the Molsheim Atelier and check all the drivetrain functions –to ensure the Centodieci can move onto the next stage of development. The next step is now to build the elaborate exterior. “With a high-performance hyper sports car like the Centodieci, it’s a matter of filtering out subtleties based on the modified requirements of a completely new exterior – something that requires highly focused and intense development work,” says André Kullig.

The technical challenges involved were enormous: an engine with eight litres of displacement and 1,600 PS generates high temperatures that require sophisticated thermal management. As in the EB 110, the engine is seen behind a transparent glass surface. So to ensure more efficient engine thermodynamics, the Centodieci has a wide air outlet opening and modified air flows. In addition, guide flaps around the five circular air inserts – positioned in the form of a rhombus – ensure sufficient air intake for the 16-cylinder power unit. As a result, the otherwise dominant Bugatti line, the C-line, gives way to a new design. The rear is formed into a large ventilation outlet opening defined by the eight rear light elements. Other development challenges include the new light elements and the rear wing design, which is permanently mounted in the style of the EB 110 Super Sport.

But even if the development team can simulate and test so much data on the test rigs, the Centodieci will also undergo dynamic testing. “In the next few months, in addition to building the exterior and running more advanced simulations in the wind tunnel, we’re very much looking forward to going out on the test track to start tuning the chassis,” says Kullig.

Within a few hours, all ten units of the Centodieci were sold out at a net price of eight million euros. The highly exclusive, hand-crafted small series will be delivered to customers next year.

 

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The first Japanese full-electric hypercar
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Aspark Company | The first Japanese full-electric hypercar

Car manufacturing and engineering – Aspark Company

The first Japanese full-electric hypercar

Body, chassis and much of the components entirely made by top-level carbon fiber materials, extremely powerful four electric motors, a unique torque vectoring system, an exclusive battery system, and handmade premium interior. The full-electric hypercar Owl is a compendium of state-of-the-art technology, design and functionality, mixed with a genuine passion for beauty.

The production version of the Owl, after its world premiere in Dubai last November, was scheduled to be exhibited at the Geneva International Motor Show.

“After unveiling the Owl at Dubai International Motor Show the company has achieved many progresses on development and production, as well on future strategy as a car manufacturer”, Head Of Sales and Communication Agshin Badalbayli points out.

All major tests related to performance, safety and durability were completed successfully and now the Owl can be seen running on the road.

Meanwhile, the production has been accelerated to deliver the orders on time and the sales and after-sales networks around the world are growing fast.

A second project is coming up

Aspark kicked off a new era in full-electric hypercars with the Owl: but the first project of the Japanese car manufacturer won’t remain alone, as a the development of a second project has already started. Details will be given in the next weeks.

The Power is in our Nature

“The Power is in our Nature” – the official claim of the Owl – perfectly catches the essence of this incredible full-electric hypercar.

Body, chassis and much of the components entirely made by top-level carbon fiber materials, extremely powerful four electric motors, a unique torque vectoring system, an exclusive battery system, and handmade premium interior: the Owl is a compendium of state-of-the-art technology, design and functionality, mixed with a genuine passion for beauty.

The fastest accelerating car in the world: 0-60 mph in 1.69 seconds

The most astonishing performance of the Owl is the acceleration: from 0 to 60 mph in 1.69 seconds*.

The Owl has a unique battery pack for a range of up to 450 km. Top speed is 400 km/h. Furthermore, the Owl has a height of 99 cm: it is probably the lowest road legal electric hypercar in the world.

The world most powerful electric hypercar

The Owl has the most powerful 4 electric motors ever made. They produce a total power of 1480 kW with 2012 horsepower. Overall torque is around 2000 Newton meters.

The Owl has almost three times more power than Formula-E cars and two times more than Formula 1 cars.

The rotation of the motor should be the fastest in the world with 15000 rpm.

Delivered in the second quarter of the year

The production version of the Owl is limited to only 50 cars worldwide. Each one will be fully customizable, each one will be different from the other: exclusivity now has a real meaning.

Production is taking place in Turin, Italy in collaboration with Manifattura Automobili Torino, with the full support of Aspark engineering centres in the world. The first set of the Owl will be delivered by the second quarter of 2020.

Price of the base version is Euro 2,900,000. The Owl can be reserved with a reduced deposit of Euro 50,000.

*One Foot Roll-Out

Running on the road.

All major tests related to performance, safety and durability were completed successfully and now the Owl can be seen running on the road.
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“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars
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“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

Stuttgart, Germany. Under the title “Porsche Unseen”, Porsche is for the first time publishing design studies from 2005 to 2019 which have until now been kept under lock and key. The sports car manufacturer is showing spectacular visions of 15 different cars. The early studies cover the segments “Spin-offs“, “Little rebels“, “Hyper cars“ and “What’s next?”. In this way, Porsche is offering an exclusive insight into its design process – from the very first drawing to the finished model ready for series production.

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“People all over the world love the timeless and innovative design of our sports cars,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche AG. “Visionary concept studies are the foundation of this success: they provide the pool of ideas for the Porsche design of tomorrow, and combine our strong tradition with trailblazing future technologies.”

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

The previously unpublished design studies are being presented exclusively by the Porsche Newsroom in a series of articles. The 911:Magazine web TV format has also dedicated an episode to selected studies and examines the connection between the studies and the current production models together with Porsche Chief Designer Michael Mauer. For fans of the brand, the book entitled “Porsche Unseen” is released today by the Delius Klasing publishing house. Interested readers are given a detailed look behind the scenes of Style Porsche. A selection of studies will also be on display later for fans to admire live: the Porsche Museum will be integrating the models in the exhibition in 2021.


The design process: from the first drawing to the drivable prototype
The design process starts with a sketch. This is visualised in the next step as a 3D model. As soon as an idea is to be developed further, small models are produced in a scale of 1:3, then followed by hard models in the scale 1:1. “The virtual world is the first step, but you especially have to experience the unusual models in reality in order to understand whether a car has small, large or surprising proportions,” says Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. In contrast to the development of a production model where several models are always developed with different styling formats, the vision projects, on the other hand, concentrate on a single vision model which serves as a protagonist for the central idea.


“Porsche intentionally has just a single design studio – located in the direct proximity of development,” says Michael Mauer. “Weissach is our epicentre. Instead of opening advanced design studios in the distant metropolises of North America and Asia, our designers come from all over the world to Porsche in Weissach in order to create the latest production sports cars and automotive visions at the heart of the brand. More than 120 designers, experts for interior, exterior, colours and materials, model builders, modellers and study engineers work in the Porsche Design Studio.

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

The design studies: on a journey of the mind into the future of mobility
“When it comes to the visions we develop, it is not about bringing every car onto the road. Instead, it is more a question of establishing creative space and a relationship with the future,” says Michael Mauer when describing the design process and adds: “There are two possibilities for continuing to develop as a brand: either you improve your products from the present, that is to say step-by-step. However, it is difficult to be really innovative in this process. Or you give free rein to your creativity. The idea is to let your thoughts jump to the day after tomorrow, and to then move back from there to tomorrow.”

Based on this idea, Porsche develops the product and brand identity which characterises and secures the appearance of all models in the long term. The design language for future models develops from the long-term vision. In this process, the higher-level goal is to combine the Porsche design DNA with state-of-the-art vehicle engineering. On the one hand, this secures the innovative capability of future Porsche models and, on the other, also provides an evolutionary reference to the rich history of Porsche. A closer look at some examples:

The Porsche 919 Street (2017; 1:1 clay model) was developed on the basis of the technology used in the Porsche 919 Hybrid, promising to make the exhilarating driving experience of the LMP1 race car available to amateur drivers. Under the outer shell are the carbon monocoque and powerful 900 PS hybrid racing drivetrain that helped the Porsche 919 to achieve numerous victories at Le Mans. The dimensions and wheelbase were also the same as on the race car.

With its spartan, puristic cockpit, the characteristic radiator grilles over the mid engine, red graphic elements and the suggested fins at the rear, the compact Porsche Vision Spyder (2019; 1:1 hard model) clearly calls to mind the Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder from 1954. At the same time, the study was intended to further develop the design identity of Porsche and provide a pool of ideas for future details – for example, the ultra-modern roll bar.


The Porsche vision “Renndienst” (2018; 1:1 hard model) is the free interpretation of a family-friendly space concept for up to six persons. The design team designed a futuristic “space shuttle“ with exciting proportions. The study shows how the Porsche design DNA with its characteristic surface modelling can be transferred to an unknown vehicle segment for the brand. In the interior, passengers find a comfortable and modular travel cabin. The driver sits in a central driver’s seat. The all-electric drive technology is located in the underbody. As a result, passengers can enjoy an unexpectedly generous space and travel experience combined with Porsche-like flair.

The book “Porsche Unseen” is now available from retailers with the ISBN number 978-3-667-11980-3. The design studies are presented in detail over 328 pages with impressive photos from Stefan Bogner and informative text by Jan Karl Baedeker. It is published by Delius Klasing Verlag and is also available in the Porsche Museum shop.

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Automobili Lamborghini e Yohji Yamamoto celebrano l’inaugurazione della Lamborghini Lounge Tokyo

Automobili Lamborghini e Yohji Yamamoto celebrano l’inaugurazione della
Lamborghini Lounge Tokyo e dell’Ad Personam Studio

Sant’Agata Bolognese/Tokyo, 29 ottobre 2020 – Automobili Lamborghini apre nell’esclusivo quartiere residenziale di Roppongi la LOUNGE TOKYO, il secondo spazio dopo quello di New York
negli Stati Uniti. All’interno è presente lo Studio permanente Ad Personam dove il cliente può personalizzare colori, rivestimenti interni ed esterni della sua nuova Lamborghini nei minimi
dettagli. La LOUNGE TOKYO non è solo una finestra sul mondo Lamborghini per proprietari e VIP,
ma anche un luogo d’incontro e uno spazio per eventi e mostre.

L’inaugurazione diventa anche il momento ideale per la presentazione dalla collaborazione tra Lamborghini e il leggendario marchio dello stilista di fama mondiale Yohji Yamamoto: la Lounge è l’ambiente ideale per presentare la Lamborghini Aventador S ‘‘vestita’’ da Yohji Yamamoto, accanto alla capsule collection co-branded composta da tre capi unici –mod coat, bomber e felpa
con cappuccio.

Mitja Borkert, Head of Design di Automobili Lamborghini, ha incontrato Yohji Yamamoto in occasione della settimana della moda di Parigi a gennaio 2020, ed è rimasto colpito dallo stile
creato dal contrasto tra rosso e nero nella collezione presentata, ma anche dall’eccezionale maestria che traspariva da ogni capo. I valori in comune tra Lamborghini e Yohji Yamamoto erano
evidenti e la collaborazione inevitabile. Ispirato dalla collezione di Parigi, il Centro Stile Lamborghini ha immaginato l’iconica Aventador S come una tela su cui dipingere. L’inconfondibile
Gandini Line, che caratterizza ogni Lamborghini, pur rimanendo chiaramente visibile sull’Aventador, è arricchita da motivi selezionati dalla collezione di abbigliamento, gli stessi che
decorano gli interni di Aventador S.

Mitja Borkert commenta così la collaborazione: “È stata un’emozione poter lavorare con Yohji Yamamoto, icona mondiale della moda, che ha compreso subito il valore del DNA del design
Lamborghini. Dalla nostra collaborazione è nata quest’opera eccezionale di design per Aventador S che, presentata oggi per la prima volta, celebra l’unione tra artigianato italiano e cultura
giapponese”.

Yohji Yamamoto sottolinea: “Con il loro design inimitabile, le supersportive Lamborghini sono istantaneamente riconoscibili, più di ogni altro marchio automobilistico: è sufficiente un solo
sguardo. Sono orgoglioso di veder realizzata questa collaborazione, che enfatizza l’unicità, il fascino senza tempo e la passione che caratterizzano entrambi i marchi.”

Al piano terra della LOUNGE TOKYO, la prima finestra sul lifestyle Lamborghini, è anche il luogo per accogliere i clienti per la consegna personalizzata della loro nuova Lamborghini, mentre il
secondo e il terzo piano offrono ambienti unici per eventi e incontri, sia per occasioni di lavoro che private e assicurano un’esperienza esclusiva che incarna lo stile e le caratteristiche di design del
marchio Lamborghini. La Lounge aprirà le porte al pubblico anche per attività speciali come mostre o spettacoli d’arte.

Katia Bassi, Chief Marketing e Communication Officer di Automobili Lamborghini, dichiara: ‘‘Abbiamo creato questa Lounge perché siamo designers of experience e vogliamo che i nostri
ospiti respirino il vero spirito italiano di Lamborghini in questo spazio: un frammento dell’anima di Sant’Agata Bolognese nel cuore di Tokyo. Rispecchia la nostra filosofia orientata all’innovazione, conservando il DNA del nostro marchio, e la nostra identità culturale italiana; il concetto di lusso informale al centro della Lounge esprime la nostra visione del mondo, accogliendo gli ospiti in questo spazio intimo ed esclusivo che, in ogni angolo, rievoca il marchio Lamborghini.

Cerchiamo sempre di percorrere nuove strade, nel settore dell’automotive come nel design, nella tecnologia e nella performance, così come nel vasto mondo che ci circonda. Oggi, siamo fieri di
presentare due importanti progetti: oltre all’inaugurazione della Lounge, un secondo progetto prende vita, e siamo onorati di presentare la collaborazione tra Lamborghini e Yohji Yamamoto’’.

Giovanni Perosino, Chief Commercial Officer di Automobili Lamborghini, conclude: ‘‘Oltre la metà delle auto consegnate globalmente da Lamborghini presenta almeno un dettaglio personalizzato
tramite il nostro programma Ad Personam, disponibile nello studio di Sant’Agata Bolognese o nelle sedi dei nostri concessionari. I clienti Lamborghini giapponesi hanno accolto con grande favore le opportunità pressoché illimitate offerte da Ad Personam: è stato meraviglioso vedere oltre 200 Lamborghini, create grazie al programma, durante il nostro Lamborghini Day di Osaka lo scorso
anno. È con piacere che annunciamo l’apertura dello studio Ad Personam proprio qui, all’interno della Lamborghini LOUNGE TOKYO, che offrirà ai nostri clienti la possibilità di personalizzare le
proprie vetture senza doversi recare all’estero. È un onore contare così tanti clienti e fan in Giappone, e un privilegio poter aprire le porte del mondo Lamborghini con questa Lamborghini
lounge a Tokio’’.

THE LOUNGE TOKYO
Venue: 7-5-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
Business hours: Monday to Friday (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Email: concierge.tokyolounge@lamborghini.com

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BUGATTI BOLIDE – WHAT IF …

 Bugatti developed an extreme, track-focused hyper sports car with an unprecedented weight-to-power ratio of only 0.67 kg per PS?

Reduced, raw, authentic. With the technological concept of the Bugatti Bolide1, the French luxury car manufacturer is now providing the answer to the question what if Bugatti built a radically light vehicle around its iconic 8.0-litre W16 engine? The experimental study of the Bugatti Bolide is a track-oriented hyper sports car featuring a W16 engine derived from series production as powertrain combined with a minimal body for maximum downforce. It therefore promises to offer the ultimate Bugatti performance kick.

The idea – what if? An experiment.

“Bugatti stands for the continuous quest for technological innovations – in alignment with the company’s brand values of excellence, courage, dedication. And Bugatti never stands still. We are perpetually aiming for new and exciting goals, and the question that we always keep in mind is: what if?” says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti.

“We asked ourselves how we could realise the mighty W16 engine as a technical symbol of the brand in its purest form – with solely four wheels, engine, gearbox, steering wheel and, as the only luxury, two seats. Important aspects of our considerations were fine-tuning our iconic powertrain without any limitations as regards the weight-to-power ratio. These considerations resulted in the Bugatti Bolide. An uncompromising experiment, a thoroughbred, a Pur Sang that, in its brute exclusivity, impresses above all with high performance, low weight, and a driving experience in a whole new dimension. Driving the Bolide is like riding on a cannonball.”

The technology – powertrain designed specifically for the racetrack

“The Bolide is the ultimate answer to the question of what if Bugatti built a track-focused hyper sports car that met the FIA’s safety requirements. Designed around the W16 powertrain with the minimum body structure and unbelievable performance data. The result: the smallest possible shell for a breathtaking performance vehicle that allows the W16 to truly come into its own,” explains Stefan Ellrott, member of the Board of Management of Bugatti and Head of Technical Development. “All of Bugatti’s expertise has been condensed into the Bugatti Bolide. It is therefore an innovative information source for future technologies. The Bolide is thus more than just an intellectual exercise.

“In terms of technology and organisation, the Bolide was one of the most ambitious projects of my career,” says Frank Götzke. After playing a crucial role in the development of the Veyron 16.4 and the Chiron, the engineer was also responsible for the technical concept of the Bolide. In only eight months, he created a completely new vehicle around the well-known Bugatti W16 all-wheel powertrain, which was highly modified for the project.

The 8.0-litre W16-cylinder engine with 1,850 PS and 1,850 newton-metres of torque is at its heart. Bugatti has designed the drive specifically for use on the racetrack and has optimised the engine and gearbox in particular for higher engine speeds. Among other things, this includes dethrottling the intake and exhaust system to achieve an even faster, more spontaneous, and extreme response characteristic. The four newly developed turbochargers are fitted with optimised blades in order to build up more boost pressure and power at higher engine speeds. In order to achieve optimum lubrication even under extremely high centrifugal forces, the oil circuit, oil pressure, check valves, baffles, oil tanks, oil reservoirs, and pump design of the dry sump lubrication have been optimised. The weight of the drive system is also significantly reduced at the same time.

Instead of water-to-air intercooling, the Bugatti Bolide has air-to-air intercooling with water pre-cooling for optimal performance on the racetrack. The inflow takes place from the front via one internal and one external air duct on each side of the vehicle. The two water coolers, which are arranged in front of the front axle, provide a more effective radiator system in terms of flow than is customary even in Formula 1. Three air-cooled oil coolers for engine, transmission, and differential with water pre-cooling reduce the temperature even on dynamically demanding race laps. Newly developed and hybrid carbon titanium turbofan radial compressors ventilate and cool the high-performance racing brake system.

1,850 PS and 1,240 kilograms – weight-to-power ratio of 0.67 kg/PS

In order to achieve a dry weight of 1,240 kilograms, all the stops have been pulled out with regard to the materials and production processes used, both in terms of what is currently feasible and what will be possible in the future.

All the screw and fastening elements of the Bolide are made completely out of titanium. In addition, hollow, thin-walled functional components made of an aerospace titanium alloy are used in many places. These originate from a 3D printer and are extremely thin with wall thicknesses of up to 0.5 millimetres. However, they are still very stable with a tensile strength of 1,250 newtons per square millimetre. Hybrid components, such as the 0.5- metre-long auxiliary drive shaft, combine wound high-strength and ultra-stiff carbon fibres with 3D-printed titanium end fittings and can withstand a continuous operating temperature of up to 260 degrees Celsius. In this example, this reduces the weight by around half to 1.5 kilograms and, due to the reduction of the rotating masses, increases the revving ability of the engine at the same time. The forces acting on the front and rear wings are transferred by ultralight but very solid titanium elements. They weigh a mere 600 grams at the front and an astounding 325 grams at the rear.

A worldwide innovation is the morphable outer skin of the intake scoop on the roof, which provides active airflow optimisation. If the vehicle is driven at a slow speed, the surface of the scoop remains smooth. In contrast, a field of bubbles bulges out when driven at fast speeds. This reduces the aerodynamic drag of the scoop by 10 percent and ensures a 17 percent reduction in lift forces. In addition, the flow onto the rear wing is optimised. At 320 km/h, the downforce is at 1,800 kilograms at the rear wing and 800 kilograms at the front wing.

As in Formula 1, the Bolide decelerates with racing brakes with ceramic discs and coatings. The brake callipers weigh only 2.4 kilograms each. The front forged magnesium rims with central lock weigh 7.4 kilograms, while the ones at the rear weigh 8.4 kilograms – with a very wide tyre size of 340 millimetres on the front axle and 400 millimetres on the rear axle (Chiron: 285 mm at the front and 355 mm at the rear). A compressed-air-driven jack system with four rams makes tyre changing easier, a quick refuelling system allows pressure refuelling.

Among other things, a push rod kinematics system with horizontal dampers ensures precise handling. The oil reservoirs are arranged inside the dampers, which improves aerodynamics. Weighing only 100 grams, the push-rods are designed as a thin-walled and flow-optimised titanium lightweight construction with a buckling load of 3.5 tonnes, which corresponds to a dry weight of nearly two Chirons. The welded control arms made of aerospace-grade stainless steel have a tensile strength of 1,200 newtons per square millimetre and are also designed as wing profiles.

Light monocoque made of carbon

The Bugatti team developed a light monocoque made of carbon around the drive. The integral front end flanged to it is also made of high-strength carbon fibres, as are the fully aerodynamically effective underbody and the monocoque itself. The single-fibre tensile strength of the fibres used is 6,750 newtons per square millimetre, the single-fibre stiffness is 350,000 newtons per square millimetre. These represent figures that are only reached in the aerospace industry. The rear frame, designed as a welded steel assembly, offers a maximum tensile strength of 1,200 newtons per square millimetre, despite a wall thickness of only 1 millimetre – this is made possible by the use of high-strength stainless steel, which is otherwise only used in aviation.

With an overall height of only 995 millimetres, the Bugatti Bolide is exactly the same height as the historic Bugatti Type 35, depending on the steering wheel and truncated windscreen, and about 300 millimetres flatter than the Chiron. The wheelbase is 2.75 metres and the width 1.99 metres. Like in an LMP1 racing car, the occupants fold up the doors that are hinged at the front at an angle, sit on a sill that is only 70 millimetres wide, as in a Type 35, and then position their feet in the interior. Thanks to a side wall that is about 150 millimetres lower than that of the Type 35, the procedure is quick and easy – for drivers up to a body height of 2 metres.

Safety is ensured with safety equipment designed in accordance with FIA regulations. These include HANS device compatibility, an automatic fire extinguishing system, a towing device, pressure refuelling with fuel bladder, central locks for the wheels, lightweight polycarbonate windows, and a six-point harness system. The monocoque side floors with integrated carbon coolant pipes are simultaneously designed as side impact structures and structural reinforcement of the monocoque. The driver can see all the relevant data on a motorsport display. For an optimum sitting position, both the pedals and the passenger footrest can be moved by 150 millimetres.

The design – the quintessence of form follows performance

The experimental study of the Bugatti Bolide is also a very special project for Achim Anscheidt, Director of Design at Bugatti. “In my 16 years at Bugatti, I have never worked on a more extreme concept.” The design of the Bolide is radically tailored to the idea of lightweight construction, and the design principle therefore follows on from the overriding goal of achieving a fascinating weight-to-power ratio of 0.67 kilograms per PS.

“It is the very first time that my team had the freedom of creating an absolutely minimalistic design around the W16 engine. The result is the most provocative proportion of a modern Bugatti ever and the distilled quintessence of our Bugatti design ethos that form follows performance,” says Anscheidt. “The Bugatti Bolide, however, is a project more technically driven than shaped by style.”

The stylistic challenge was to transform the unyielding demands of aerodynamics and lightweight construction into an aesthetic that reflects the unique Bugatti DNA, but at the same time illustrates the ambition of an impressive weight-to-power ratio. The overall appearance is dominated by air ducts that are more reminiscent of aerodynamically sophisticated Formula 1 racing cars than classic sports cars. The seemingly filigree and half-open front end is a striking example of the combination of air duct expertise, lightweight construction requirements, and aesthetic dynamics.

The dramatic effect of the overall proportions is made clear by the aerodynamically favourable overall height of only 995 millimetres. The driver’s ultra-sporty seating permits the low-slung shape of an automotive low-flying aircraft. It is therefore not surprising that the appearance of the Bugatti Bolide invokes the so-called X-planes of aviation history and shows a clear X signature from every perspective. It is indirectly reminiscent of the Bell X-1 jet aircraft which was flown by Captain Charles “Chuck” Yeager 1947, the first person to break the sound barrier at Mach 1.06. The Bugatti Bolide “X-periment” has the shape of an aerodynamically optimised, uncompromising racing car and offers ultra-sporty, superlative performance – with no hint of luxury.

As with other Bugatti vehicles, the Bugatti design team also makes use of a colour split in the Bolide. Compared with other models, the share of visible carbon parts is increased by up to 60 percent. Only around 40 percent of the surfaces are painted – in a re-interpretation of the historic French Racing Blue.

“Fifteen years ago, Bugatti succeeded in creating a new segment with the Veyron 16.4: that of the superior hyper sports car. With the Chiron launched in 2016, we systematically developed this segment further. The models bear witness to power and elegance, uniquely combining technology, design, luxury, and quality in a hitherto unknown combination,” explains Anscheidt. “In contrast, the Bugatti Bolide is an absolute rebel. It is clear to see that its only aim is to convey the pure power of the W16 engine in a visually and technically unadulterated form. Reduced, raw, and authentic – like freshly-caught sashimi”.

The DNA – Bugatti Type 35

With the Type 35, Bugatti produced one of the most successful racing cars of all time. The open-top sports car achieved over 2,000 victories between 1924 and 1930. Today, the Type 35 is a legend in racing history. It was inimitable in terms of technology, design, and performance in its time – and still is today. Ettore Bugatti used a double roller bearing and triple ball bearing crank mechanism for the first time. This allowed the engine to rotate at up to 6,000 rpm to move the eight pistons. Two carburettors increased the power to an initial 95 PS. With this engine, the first Type 35 cars were able to reach speeds of over 190 km/h. In the later Type 35 B evolutionary models with a 2.3-litre eight-cylinder engine and compressor, the power output increased to 140 PS, and the Bugatti achieved a top speed of more than 215 km/h.

As well as their incredible power, the engines were primarily renowned for their reliability and endurance. And their lightness. Ettore Bugatti did not compromise when it came to lightweight construction and best possible driveability. He developed special smooth-running wheels to reduce the unsprung masses and, as a result, improve the response of the suspension. The new hollow-bored and forged front axle weighed only 10 kilograms and was nevertheless still stable. A race-ready Bugatti Type 35 weighed only around 750 kilograms. A masterpiece in terms of the weight-to-power ratio.

The verdict – a track-oriented thoroughbred of modern times

The Bugatti Bolide is the unrivalled technological concept of a track-focused Bugatti hyper sports car. The combination of 1,850 PS and 1,240 kilograms dry weight ensures an unbelievable weight-to-power ratio. This puts the Bolide with its W16 engine at the absolute pinnacle in terms of combustion engines used in automotive engineering. “For the first time, we are showing what the W16 engine is really capable of. We have freed the vehicle of all baggage and have illustrated and combined the engine with the lightest possible chassis to create the ultimate Bugatti and to ensure the ultimate driving experience. With the Bolide, we are presenting our interpretation of a Bugatti track car of modern times to Bugatti enthusiasts all over the world and finally make their most fervent wishes come true,” explains Stephan Winkelmann.

Whether the Bugatti Bolide will go into series production, has not been decided yet.

 

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SERIE BENTLEY BLOWER CONTINUATION

SERIE BENTLEY BLOWER CONTINUATION

Una delle auto più iconiche della storia di Bentley – la “Blower” da 4½ litri sovralimentata di Sir Tim Birkin del 1929 – rinasce con una nuova costruzione di 12 auto corrispondenti, ciascuna realizzata individualmente a mano da un team di specialisti della divisione Bentley’s Bespoking and Coachwork, Mulliner. Insieme, le nuove auto formeranno la prima serie di auto da corsa prebellica al mondo.

Solo quattro “Team Blower” originali furono costruiti per le corse da Birkin, alla fine degli anni ’20. Tutti hanno partecipato a una campagna sulle piste d’Europa, con l’auto più famosa – la Team Car n. 2 di Birkin, targa UU 5872 – che correva a Le Mans e giocava un ruolo fondamentale nella vittoria ufficiale della Bentley Speed Six nel 1930.

Ora, utilizzando una combinazione di generazioni di abilità artigianali e la più recente tecnologia digitale, il Team Blower del 1929 sarà l’esempio principale per 12 continuazioni, una per ogni gara in cui ha gareggiato la flotta originale di quattro Team Blower.

UTILIZZANDO DNA SOFFIATORE ORIGINALE

Il Team Blower di Bentley – numero di telaio HB 3403 – sarà smontato nei suoi singoli componenti, prima che ogni parte venga catalogata e meticolosamente scansionata in 3D per creare un modello digitale completo dell’intera vettura. Utilizzando gli stampi e le maschere per utensili originali degli anni ’20 e una serie di utensili manuali tradizionali insieme alla più recente tecnologia di produzione, verranno quindi creati 12 set di parti, prima che i tecnici esperti di Bentley assemblino i nuovi soffiatori. Le 12 continuazioni saranno, ove possibile, identiche all’originale – meccanicamente ed esteticamente – con solo minime modifiche nascoste dettate dai moderni problemi di sicurezza.

L’auto originale verrà quindi rimontata, con il team del patrimonio che coglierà l’opportunità di completare un’ispezione dettagliata e un restauro meccanico comprensivo, se necessario.

Il 90enne Bentley Team Blower è ancora utilizzato regolarmente su strada, incluso il completamento della Mille Miglia italiana, le corse giornaliere in collina al Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​e un recente tour lungo la costa della California. La Blower è stata vista alla Monterey Car Week 2019, inclusa una parata a Laguna Seca e culminata nel Concours d’Elegance di Pebble Beach 2019, dove l’auto è apparsa con due degli altri tre Team Blower.

UNA CONTINUAZIONE DI ELEMENTI ORIGINALI

Come continuazione dell’originale Team Blower, ciascuna delle nuove auto della serie Continuation sarà dotata di motori a quattro cilindri, 16 valvole con un basamento in alluminio con canne dei cilindri in ghisa e testata in ghisa non staccabile. Il compressore sarà una replica esatta del compressore radicale Amherst Villiers Mk IV, aiutando il motore da 4398 cc a sviluppare 240 CV a 4.200 giri / min. La struttura dell’auto sarà un telaio in acciaio stampato, con sospensioni a balestra semiellittiche con copie degli ammortizzatori Bentley & Draper. Le ricreazioni dei freni a tamburo meccanici Bentley-Perrot da 40 cm (17,75 “) e lo sterzo a vite senza fine e settoriale completano il telaio.

Mulliner impiegherà circa due anni di meticoloso lavoro per completare la serie di 12 auto. I prezzi saranno su richiesta.

STORIA DEL VENTILATORE

Nessun’altra Bentley anteguerra ha avuto un impatto come la Bentley “Blower” da 4½ litri sovralimentata. Sebbene non abbia mai vinto una gara di durata, la Blower Bentley è stata l’auto da corsa più veloce della giornata e ha annoverato tra i suoi fan l’autore Ian Fleming, che in seguito ha deciso che il suo famoso agente segreto immaginario James Bond avrebbe guidato una Bentley da 4½ litri sovralimentata , con l’auto sportiva britannica rivale spesso associata semplicemente la “macchina da biliardo” MI6.

Le Blower Bentley sono nate da una filosofia ideata da Sir Tim Birkin, noto pilota automobilistico e Bentley Boy, per estrarre più velocità dalle Bentley da corsa del giorno. Mentre il metodo di WO Bentley era quello di aumentare la cilindrata del motore – da 3 litri, a 4½ litri, a 6½ litri – Birkin rimase impressionato dal compressore di tipo Roots sviluppato dall’ingegnere britannico Amherst Villiers, che aumentò la potenza del 4½ da 130 CV a 240 CV in sintonia da gara. Convinse il presidente di Bentley Woolf Barnato a autorizzare la produzione di 55 Bentley sovralimentate da 4½ litri, cinque delle quali assegnate per la competizione. L’auto della flotta storica di Bentley – UU 5872 – è la seconda delle quattro auto “Team” sviluppate nelle officine Birkin & Co a Welwyn Garden City con il finanziamento della ricca ereditiera l’On. Dorothy Paget.

www.bentleymotors.com

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ASTON MARTIN V12 SPEEDSTER: a puristic limited edition for the most demanding drivers

Wednesday 4 March, Gaydon: The Aston Martin V12 Speedster has made its global debut today, with just 88 examples of this puristic limited-edition model set to hit the road.

Created by luxury British marque’s bespoke customisation service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, the Aston Martin V12 Speedster is a truly visceral driver’s car that draws inspiration from both the brand’s rich racing history and aeronautical design. Today’s example is showcased in a conceptual F/A-18 livery, also curated by the same artisans.

ASTON MARTIN V12 SPEEDSTER: a puristic limited edition for the most demanding drivers

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “It makes me enormously proud to reveal Aston Martin’s latest, most exciting special model today. The V12 Speedster is an incredible demonstration of the breadth of capability and determination from the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ team, who have worked tirelessly to create this stunning, two-seat sports car aimed at our most demanding and enthusiastic customers.”


Conceived a little over 12 months ago, the V12 Speedster has undergone an intensive development programme, going from drawing board to production reality within that short period. Demonstrating the skills and meticulous planning of ‘Q by Aston Martin’ and Aston Martin Design, the V12 Speedster is a living show car, underlining the company’s commitment to deliver customers a stunning driver’s car, using the engineering ingenuity and advanced materials evident throughout the entire Aston Martin range.


Utilising Aston Martin’s latest bonded aluminium architecture, the V12 Speedster utilises elements from both the DBS Superleggera and Vantage model lines to create its own unique platform. With independent double wishbone front, and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and adaptive damping offering Sport, Sport+ and Track modes, the V12 Speedster also benefits from standard 21-inch forged centre lock alloy wheels. Carbon Ceramic Brakes of 410mm on the front axle and 360mm at the rear are also standard equipment.


Over the V12 Speedster’s unique chassis is a bespoke body constructed almost entirely from carbon fibre. Miles Nurnberger, Director of Design, Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “With the V12 Speedster we do go back a step and look into our past for inspiration. Since the DB11 launch, everything has been focused and very forward looking. Here though, we find a different tempo. There’s clear lineage from the 1959 Le Mans winning DBR1 to our Centenary celebratory CC100 Speedster Concept in 2013. There is also a bit of 1953 DB3S in the mid-section, so it really is our latest incarnation of the Speedster concept. It’s also inspired by fighter jets as much as it is by our history, and it has been created to deliver an incredibly visceral experience, hence why it is a V12, rather than a V8. With the V12 Speedster we are amplifying all the emotional strings that we can to the absolute maximum.”

Nurnberger adds: “No roof or screen, a big engine, low, with broad shoulders and exaggerated and emotional styling with twin humps and the spine separating the driver and passenger. The light, low, rear end contrasts with the bold, enlarged grille, unique headlights and bonnet nostril at the front. The bonnet nostril we haven’t done in a very long time, but we’ve brought them back. It’s a neat trick visually to allow us to win some space for the V12. It creates this iconic looking vent.”

The interior specification pushes new boundaries, using a mix of traditional and modern materials. Structural satin carbon fibre, contrasts with traditional hand-crafted Saddle Leather, chrome, aluminium and even 3D printed rubber. Visually and physically the interior reduces mass, for a leaner, efficient style, but one that retains all the emotion and craftsmanship Aston Martins are renowned for. In front of the passenger is a removable leather bag in place of a traditional glove box, while there’s additional storage space under the rear bumps for luggage.

Unveiled here today at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, the V12 Speedster has been shown in a conceptual specification that is inspired by the legendary F/A-18 and will be available for customers to order. Born from an exciting new collaboration with Boeing and created by the brand’s bespoke customisation service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, this striking livery takes the legendary fighter jet for inspiration and is finished in Skyfall Silver, with contrasting satin black on the exhaust tips, vent grilles and vanes. The dark theme is carried through to the interior, with satin dark chrome, machined aluminium, black leather, black technical textile, black carpets and vivid red Aston Martin scripted door pulls, creating a purposeful look for this conceptual styling.


Powering the V12 Speedster is Aston Martin’s scintillating 5.2-litre, Twin-Turbo V12 engine, with a peak output of 700hp1 and 753Nm1 of torque. Front mid-mounted, the all alloy, quad cam 48-valve engine is mated to a ZF 8-Speed automatic transmission with a limited-slip differential driving the rear wheels. The V12 Speedster is able to accelerate to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.5 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h)1.


The iconic V12 engine promises scintillating performance, but further underlining the V12 Speedster’s abundant character and unparalleled commitment to a thrilling drive is an even more invigorating aural signature. To create this Aston Martin’s engineers have created a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system exiting centrally into the diffuser surface at the rear of the car for an even more rousing, characterful sound from the drivetrain. With the V12 Speedster, every element of the drive is experiential, most obviously the removal of the windscreen adding to the visceral engagement, heightening the driving experience to new levels.

Matt Becker, Aston Martin Chief Engineer, said: “for raw, driving thrills the V12 Speedster is unparalleled, the fully open element of the car adding a new dimension to the experience. It engages on every level, delivering a precise, involving driving experience, with agility and poise backed by abundant power from Aston Martin’s twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12. Driving doesn’t get any purer than this.


 
Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “nothing demonstrates Aston Martin’s commitment to providing unique, special models to its customers more than the V12 Speedster. The 88 hand-built cars will be sought after by driving enthusiasts and collectors alike all around the world. I’m excited not just about what they offer drivers, but of what it represents. The V12 Speedster not just showcases our incredible engineering capability and ambition, but also celebrating Aston Martin’s rich heritage.”

Orders are now being taken for the V12 Speedster, with pricing starting at £765,000 including VAT and deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021.

www.astonmartin.com

 

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Le Mans success story on display at Ferrari Museum

The ‘Ferrari at 24 Heures du Mans’ exhibition opened at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, to celebrate seventy years of Prancing Horse victories in the world’s most famous endurance race. Visitors can look back over the 36 wins recorded on the French track, with the help of some of the cars that competed in the famous races plus multimedia and interactive contents.

SEVENTY YEARS OF LE MANS TRIUMPHS ON DISPLAY AT THE FERRARI MUSEUM

PURCHASE TICKET ONLINE

The exhibition opens with the 166 MM Barchetta Touring. With a similar car, Lord Selsdon and Luigi Chinetti triumphed on 26 June 1949, on Ferrari’s debut at Le Mans. The British aristocrat and the Milanese driver transplanted to America faced a large number of British and French professionals whose cars had twice the engine capacity of the Ferrari.

Nevertheless, they won with an average speed of 132.946 kilometres per hour. Chinetti went down in history by driving for over 23 hours, handing the wheel to Lord Selsdon for just 30 minutes.

The exhibition also includes the 275 P in which Jean Guichet and Nino Vaccarella won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1964 with an astonishing average speed of 195.63 km/h, ahead of two Ferrari 330 Ps. The 275 P is part of the legendary P series, packed with very successful cars: the number refers to the unit displacement, while the letter P stands for prototype.

Then, of course, there is the 488 GTE with which Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and Daniel Serra won the last edition of the French marathon, gifting Ferrari its 27th class victory, seventy years after the first triumph of the 166 MM.

Visitors can relive this achievement through the ‘Le Mans Experience’, an exciting film that combines evocative images of the race with some of the most important messages recorded by the drivers and the team during the 24 Hours.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to test themselves virtually at the wheel of the 488 GTE on the circuit of Le Mans, in the simulator set up inside the exhibition area.

Many other historical specimens are on display within the two current exhibitions in progress at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, ‘Hypercars – The evolution of uniqueness’ and ’90 years – Scuderia Ferrari, the complete story’. They are open every day from 9.30 am to 7 pm.

PURCHASE TICKET ONLINE

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Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo en Montecarlo

Sant’Agata Bolognese / Monte-Carlo, Mónaco, 24 de noviembre de 2019 – Automobili Lamborghini presenta su nuevo concept car, el Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo, por delante del mundo Finales del Campeonato de Gran Turismo Certificado por la FIA 2019 que tendrá lugar en Monte Carlo, Mónaco.

Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo en Montecarlo

El Lambo V12 Vision GT es un concepto muy visionario, que enfatiza la “diversión de conducir” dentro del entorno digital del icónico juego de carreras Gran Turismo Sport para Sony PlayStation 4, donde estará prácticamente disponible a partir de la primavera de 2020.

Stefano Domenicali, presidente y CEO de Automobili Lamborghini SpA comenta: “Lamborghini es una marca muy joven, y es por eso que estamos aquí hoy para presentar nuestra nueva visión virtual en forma de modelo real, con un diseño muy futurista y genial para ser disfrutado por la joven generación de entusiastas de los juegos de carreras y los súper deportivos ”

La Lambo V12 Vision GT presenta un diseño muy emocionante producido por Lamborghini Centro Stile en Sant’Agata Bolognese. Es un monoplaza, que en su forma virtual utiliza el tren motriz del Lamborghini Sián FKP 37.

El diseño se basa en el ADN de diseño histórico de Lamborghini, ampliando el potencial del lenguaje de diseño de una manera muy futurista. Centrado en la línea central única, la silueta icónica de todos Modelos Lamborghini, enfatiza un diseño de un solo asiento concebido para un juego de carreras donde no se necesita un pasajero.

El potente diseño general del concept car está dedicado a la aerodinámica sofisticada. Un ala grande que alberga una luz trasera Y significativa domina la parte trasera. Todos los elementos están diseñados como superficies de alto rendimiento, integrando diseño y aerodinámica. El cuerpo principal está desconectado de los guardabarros, y el tema inspirado en el hexágono en las ventanas laterales está inspirado en el Lamborghini Marzal de 1968. El Lambo V12 Vision GT utiliza la típica firma Y de Lamborghini para las luces delanteras y las luces traseras.

Un concepto visionario requiere un diseño interior adelantado a su tiempo. El conductor entra en la cabina como un piloto de caza a reacción, desde la parte delantera del automóvil. Los principales controles de conducción se encuentran dentro del El volante futurista y toda la información del conductor se proyecta prácticamente delante del conductor. “El Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo está creado para proporcionar el mejor auto virtual para los jóvenes fanáticos y jugadores, que están muy entusiasmados con Lamborghini y sus aspiraciones futuristas”, dijo Mitja Borkert, directora de Lamborghini Centro Stile.

“Es una oportunidad para el talento de diseño dentro de Lamborghini para estirar las alas y visualizar un automóvil que, como todos los Lamborghini, es un giro de cabeza y la mejor experiencia de conducción, pero también refleja el empuje de Lamborghini en tecnologías futuras, particularmente en el campo de materiales ligeros e hibridación “.

Photos and videos: media.lamborghini.comLamborghini Lambo
Information on Automobili Lamborghini: www.lamborghini.com

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