Fiat 500 Prima Edizione Revealed [Video]

Fiat has launched new special limited edition of the 500 for the USA called the Cinquecento ‘Prima Edizione’ or 500 first edition.. The car was revealed during the annual convention of the Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, were Fiat fans were given the opportunity to place reservations and select their vehicle build number for this car which is limited to 500 units.

Fiat 500 Prima Edizione will be made available in Bianco, Rosso and Grigio and will have the Prima Edizione badge stuck to them. As another touch of uniqueness, a sequential VIN and badge according to production order will come with each car.

This model is limited to 500 units all allocated to US market, and will be exclusively available in three colors: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray). Each of the 500 Prima Edizione vehicles will feature a sequential VIN and badge according to production order.

Only 500 cars will be made, each equipped with Fiat’s new 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, and decorated with special badges and a unique plate on the inside. For those that didn’t get a chance to attend the event, Fiat will be opening up pre-orders in the following weeks for the 500 Prima Edizione.






Press Release

• Fiat North America rewards its long-time U.S. enthusiasts with an opportunity to reserve a special-edition vehicle, the Fiat Cinquecento 'Prima Edizione'
• Designed as a collector vehicle, each Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione will feature a sequentially numbered vehicle identification number (VIN) and unique numbered matching badge
• Fiat fans will be able to select their model build number
• A total of 500 Prima Edizione vehicles will be sold in the United States

Fiat fans attending the annual convention of the Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited were given a special surprise when the head of Fiat North America arrived at their closing dinner and made them an exclusive offer. These long-time enthusiasts of the Fiat brand and vehicles, some for almost 27 years, were given the first opportunity to place reservations and select their vehicle build number for the unique Fiat Cinquecento 'Prima Edizione' (First Edition) model. A total of 500 of these collector-edition Fiat 500 models will be sold in the United States.

"The Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione was developed especially with the Fiat fans in mind," said Laura Soave, Head of Fiat North America, who personally presented the opportunity to the Fiat aficionados. "For over a quarter of a century, the members of this Club have kept the spirit of the Fiat and Lancia brands alive in North America through their unique and passionate support for true Italian design. We really value their loyalty, and the Prima Edizione is our gift of appreciation to these fans on behalf of Fiat North America."

The Fiat 500 Prima Edizione will be exclusively available in three colors: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray). These limited-edition Fiat 500 models will be equipped with a manual transmission and will feature an exclusive Prima Edizione badge. Each of the 500 Prima Edizione vehicles will feature a sequential VIN and badge according to production order.

The modern generation of the Fiat 500 will be introduced in North America at the end of 2010 and will offer customers uncompromising safety, fuel efficiency from its 1.4-liter MultiAir™ four-cylinder engine, individualization options, quality and advanced technology, all wrapped in iconic Italian style. The Fiat MultiAir technology was recognized as the "single most innovative engine technology" of the year by the International Engine of the Year Awards panel.

Fiat North America will also offer other Fiat fans the opportunity to reserve their Prima Edizione model, up to a limit of 500, via a special website that will be made available at a later date through www.ciaofiat.com.

Fiat Mobile Experience

The Fiat Cinquecento 'Prima Edizione' announcement was made during the national annual convention organized by Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, North America's largest enthusiast club for owners of Fiat Group Automobile vehicles. This year, the convention – commonly known as the "Fiat Freakout" – was held in Asheville, NC.

Fiat North America was the title sponsor of the annual convention, which featured displays of more than 100 well-preserved Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo vehicles.

During the event, Fiat North America debuted the 'Fiat Mobile Experience' – a unique display that hosts both a cafe station and a Fiat brand merchandise store.

Fiat fans attending the convention were able to enjoy complimentary gelato, espresso and cappuccino served by baristas. Visitors were also able to browse through and purchase various Fiat-branded merchandise items in a unique store area, finished in Fiat red and white colors and staffed by Fiat merchandizing specialists.

The Fiat Mobile Experience display is constructed from a repurposed auto-shipping container and will be seen at other future Fiat shows and exhibitions in North America.

About Fiat

One of the pioneer companies in the automobile industry, Fiat has produced around 90 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, including more than 400 models since 1899, when the company was founded in Turin, Italy. Some of Fiat's vehicles have represented milestones in automotive history. The Automobiles business area of Fiat Group encompasses Fiat Group Automobiles (Fiat Automobiles SpA, Alfa Romeo Automobiles SpA, Lancia Automobiles SpA, Abarth SpA and Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles SpA), Ferrari SpA and Maserati SpA. In 2009, Fiat Group formed a global strategic alliance with Chrysler Group LLC.

Official: BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo [Video]

BMW Aplina has released details on its B5 F10 Bi-Turbo, based on the BMW 5-Series. The BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo is Power comes from an all-aluminum V8 from the B7 Bi-Turbo making a total of 507-hp and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. Mated to a ZF SWITCH-TRONIC 8-speed sport automatic transmission, the 2011 BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo goes from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 191 mph.

The suspension of the BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo has also been improved and now offers the best compromise between good handling and comfort.
As far as the visuals go, the BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo has a new aerodynamics package which includes a rear spoiler and diffuser, and a modified interior. It's been equipped with a leather interior, comfort seats and a navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity.

Outside the car there’s the ever-so-traditional Alpina wheels that carry a design that has been around for over 20 years. Hardly outdated though, as these measure 20 inches in diametre. There’s also subtle aerodynamic additions that help with high-speed stability and separate the package from the usual BMW 5-Series.






Press Release

THE NEW BMW ALPINA B5 BITURBO
BRILLIANTLY BALANCED HIGH PERFORMANCE

The finely honed balance between athleticism, comfort and every-day luxury that has defined ALPINA automobiles for decades reaches a new dimension in the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo.

Five different generations of 5 Series-based ALPINA automobiles have been developed in the last 35 years, revealing to those in the know a unique and exclusive driving experience. The sixth generation draws from the finest ingredients provided by those previous generations to create a mouth-watering palette of characteristics for the most discerning of drivers in the high performance luxury saloon segment.

THE POWERTRAIN - First Class In Both Performance And Economy

First introduced in the BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo, the all-aluminium V8 powerplant endows the new B5 Bi-Turbo with sensational pace. It achieves 507 horsepower (373 kW) at a moderate 5,500rpm, with maximum torque of 700Nm from 3,000 to 4,750rpm. The "Bi-Turbo" appellation refers to the two turbo-chargers comfortably nestled inside the V shaped 8 cylinder block. They work in parallel, each feeding one of the two cylinder banks. Specially developed for ALPINA in partnership with Honeywell-Garrett, the bespoke exhaust turbines are generously dimensioned. Compared to its super-charged predecessor, this engine configuration delivers more torque over a broader rev range and improves throttle response at low revs.

To fully leverage the potential of the engine, ALPINA have optimised the indirect inter-cooling system (air-to-water / water-to-air) with short intake tracts and increased inter-cooler flow. The high-performance cooling package gains its thermo-dynamic efficiency through the use of a large-volume low-temperature inter-cooler, as well as two water-to-air inter-coolers placed close to the engine. The pistons are a high-performance variant developed together with Mahle to deal with the extreme temperatures and pressures associated with up to 1.0 bar charging and the engine's 9.2:1 nominal compression ratio. Altogether this results in an impressive specific output of 115.3 horsepower (85kW) per litre and a mean total compression of 20.1 bar.

Direct injection and Double-VANOS contribute to the B5 Bi-Turbo's class-leading performance in terms of emissions and economy in the super saloon segment: 10.8 l/100km (26.2 Imp. mpg) and 252g/km CO2 (Combined as per the ECE Norm).

TRANSMISSION - The Eight-Speed All-Rounder

Adapted and tested in cooperation with ZF, the advanced SWITCH-TRONIC 8-speed sport automatic transmission sets a new benchmark. With ALPINA's philosophy the guiding credo, our engineers have spent thousands of development and test hours ensuring that no other performance automatic transmission comes close to providing this level of both comfort and sportiness.

The blend of eight speeds and plenty of torque makes for unparalleled comfortable gear changes with no noticeable interruption to the delivery of power - only the accompanying acoustics and the dynamic rev counter provide feedback as to the workings of the transmission. The 700Nm of torque means the B5 Bi-Turbo excels at gliding along at low speeds in a high gear with minimum revs, benefiting both consumption and comfort.

In Sport mode a completely different character emerges: the transmission is crisp and unmistakably immediate. The innovative single-cylinder step-down (EZA), specially developed by ALPINA for the B5 Bi-Turbo allows for super quick up-shifts in just milliseconds, in spite of the high torque. Depending on the load on the transmission, the injection of fuel into a given cylinder is interrupted for a fraction of a second, creating the required reduction in torque that the automatic transmission needs for the up-shift. The advantage versus the typical timing retardation are noticeably quicker shifts, and improved thermo-dynamic efficiency due to reduced exhaust temperatures as well as lower fuel consumption. The single-cylinder step-down (EZA) is accompanied by a tone nothing short of spectacular, as each shift harbours a deeply sonorous back-pressure burble.

The Manual mode gives the driver full control over every shift. The SWITCH-TRONIC buttons are ergonomically and aesthetically positioned on the back side of the steering wheel, and can be used by the driver in whatever manner he or she wishes, based on traffic and the roadway at hand. The system also allows for multi-simultaneous down-shifts in fractions of a second, hereby the transmission will skip several gears depending on accelerator loads and revs. In this mannerthe 8-speed sport automatic transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC reveals itself to be multi-faceted and able to provide the proper shift characteristic for any and all situations.

The intelligent coupling of state-of-the-art engine and transmission technologies give the B5 Bi-Turbo strong performance figures: just 4.7 seconds to 62mph (100km/h) are needed, on the way up to a top speed of 191mph (307km/h). Even if the driver is seldom in such a rush: massive braking capability in the form of ventilated high-performance brakes (front: 374mm/14.7in; rear 370mm/14.6in) ensures braking on par with pure-bred sports cars.

SUSPENSION - Excitingly Sporty, Relaxingly Comfortable

The times when "properly stiff" suspensions were seen as a positive handling characteristic are long gone. It remains a fact that a truly neutral set-up, even atthe limit, provides the best technical compromise. This is achieved in part through shorter yet very progressive springs and special suspension arms, which in combination results in more camber on the front track.

Together with 20" wheels and tyres, ALPINA have achieved a very balanced and direct chassis set-up, discarding a pure sport-orientated approach for an agile suspension with precise turn-in. The new light-weight 20" ALPINA CLASSIC are shod with the most advanced high performance tyre technology available today. Making their debut on the B5 Bi-Turbo, the new MICHELIN PILOT SUPER SPORT tyres, which measure 255/35ZR20 at the front and 285/30ZR20 at the rear, provide highest levels of high-speed stability. In addition to improved all-round capabilities, these non run-flat tyres provide greater traction on wet roads, offer improved hydro-planing behaviour and excellent rolling comfort.

To fulfil the highest demands in terms of comfort, everyday usability and razor-sharp handling when called for, the B5 Bi-Turbo is equipped with electronically-adjustable suspension (Variable Damper Control). Using the control switch mounted to the left of the shift lever, the driver can select between Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. This system has been artfully calibrated by ALPINA, and is tied into other system parameters controlling steering assistance, torque cushioning and DSC. The B5 Bi-Turbo transitions effortlessly from cultivated luxury to thorough-bred sportiness. Light steering, ultra-comfortable suspension and an imperceptibly shifting transmission B5 Bi-Turbo the ideal partner in stop-and-go traffic, when covering great distances or when encountering less than perfect road surfaces. Yet at the touch of a button, the B5 Bi-Turbo will track through tricky corners and exciting sections of road with an agility and light-footedness like no other in its class.

When the 8-speed sport automatic's manual mode is combined with the selection of the Sport or Sport+ modes, the driver benefits from a new feature: no mandatory up-shifts. When truly pressing on through twisty sections of road or around hairpins, skilled drivers can remain in their selected gear and not be interrupted by an up-shift.

The optionally available Dynamic Drive reduces body roll in corners, awarding the B5 Bi-Turbo even more agility.

When placed in Sport+ mode by the driver, the B5 Bi-Turbo's dynamic control systems offer a heightened form of DSC called Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which allows noticeably more slip at the rear wheels and delays the point at which the traction control systems take over.

DESIGN & INTERIOR - Classic Craftsmanship Meets Modern Technology

The new B5 Bi-Turbo presents typical ALPINA virtues and design cues in a new and convincing fashion, with a refreshing and dynamic appearance.

The self-assured and powerful front commands attention with its decidedly sport-orientated lines and striking air. The rear is especially harmonious, clearly communicating the B5 Bi-Turbo's ALPINA family heritage. The ALPINA exhaust's two double-ended-pipes are artfully integrated into the rear valance, a discreet rear diffuser completing the silhouette. The diffuser can be deleted as needed, should the customer desire the optional ability to tow a trailer. In combination with the rear spoiler, the B5 Bi-Turbo's total aerodynamic package yields the highest levels of safety and stability, especially at high speeds. The resulting reduction in lift, speed-dependent, can reach a remarkable - 60% front and - 30% rear.

The interior reveals the expected discreet touches that suggest the B5 Bi-Turbo's exclusive pedigree. The standard equipment level is comprehensive: leather interior, versatile and adjustable Comfort seats, an excellent navigation system with Bluetooth preparation, and Xenon headlamps all ensure the driver's and passengers' well-being. The hand-stitched LAVALINA leather SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel can be positioned exactly as needed to see the blue ALPINA gauges with black-panel LCD technology, thanks to the electrically-adjustable steering column. The classic ALPINA burled Myrtle wood trim provides a warm
ambience - found only on the USA's Pacific Coast it is cultivated from dedicated Laurel tree groves grown for just this purpose.

THE BMW ALPINA B5 BITURBO - Brilliantly Balanced High Performance

The overall harmony and the accomplished manner with which the B5 Bi-Turbo's last fine calibrations were achieved are a common thread, and as always carry that ALPINA flair, our signature. Sovereign performance and opulent torque assure excellent performance, this in conjunction with "best-in-class" fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Neutral turn-in and road-holding, agile handling and a many-faceted, adjustable suspension satisfy the highest demands in terms of comfort and a sporting nature. The interior's warm ambience and modern treatments foster a sense of well-being. For those who would only award themselves that something unique, exclusive volumes and the ALPINA philosophy of hand-craftsmanship offer a nearly endless spectrum of personalisation.

Audi R8 e-tron entered in road rally [Video]

Audi has entered the new R8 E-tron in the Silvretta E-Auto Rally Montafon 2010. E-tron is the name given to Audi's electric vehicles (EVs). The R8 was chosen for its light aluminum frame, it's available and in production, and looks good racing and rallying.

The R8 E-tron will run the 167.5 km (104.08 miles) route of the Silvretta E-Auto Rally Montafon 2010 piloted by factory driver Lukas Luhr as well as Audi's own head of technical development, Michael Dick. The race takes place in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg.

Wrapped in an Audi R8 body, the E-tron comprises four electric motors, two at the front and two at the rear axle, which generate an amazing 313 hp, as well as 4,500 Nm of torque. The motors allow the car to use all that instant torque and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds.

As for the battery pack--a prime concern when heading out 100 miles in one direction, even with a factory support team at your back--it can be charged in just 2.5 hours from a 400-volt, 63-ampere source. Audi hasn't said how far the car can go on a single charge, or revealed the capacity of the pack, however.

Source: Audi



Press Release

First stage: Audi R8 e-tron in "Silvretta E-Auto Rally Montafon 2010"

• Audi electric sports car entered in Silvretta E-Auto Rally

• Audi Board Member and a factory driver at the wheel of the Audi R8 e-tron

• Technology platform to complete ten special stages over 160 kilometers

Montafon/Voralrberg, 2010.07.08 - Audi has entered an e-tron technology platform wrapped in the skin of an R8 in the Silvretta E-Auto Rally Montafon 2010. Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development, and factory driver Lukas Luhr will pilot the electric sports car along the 167.5 kilometer (104.08 miles) route through the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. After debuting with a demonstration run at "Le Mans vers le futur" as part of the 24-hour race, the Audi R8 e-tron will now be competing in three stages.

"We already received very good feedback on the Audi R8 e-tron in Le Mans," says Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development. "In Montafon, the e-tron will put its potential to the test in ten different mountain, valley and timed special stages. This is a good opportunity to showcase Audi's integrated approach and to experience the fascination of electromobility in a sports car on the road."

Four motors - two each on the front and rear axles - power the wheels of the Audi R8 e-tron, making this test vehicle a true quattro. With 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds. The technology platform is designed for a top speed of 200 kilometer per hour (124.27 mph).

The technology platform vehicle wrapped in the skin of an R8 demonstrates that the Audi e-tron belongs in the major leagues of electric sports cars. The package does justice to all of the specific realities of an electric vehicle: The water-cooled, lithium-ion battery is located directly behind the passenger cabin for an optimal center of gravity and axial load distribution.

With the R8 e-tron technology platform, Audi is providing an insight into the development work. The requirement specification for the production concept goes far beyond battery technology and the replacement of a combustion engine with an electric drive system. The interaction of all components has a decisive influence on efficiency, range and practicality.

Design and package
One glance is all it will take for the fans at the Silvretta E-Auto Rally Montafon 2010 to recognize the caliber of the car: Based on the R8, this Audi e-tron has a wide, powerful road stance. The trapeze of the single-frame grille dominates the front end and is flanked by two large air intakes. 1.90 meters (6.23 ft) wide, just 4.43 meters (14.53 ft) long and 1.25 meters (4.10 ft) tall - those are the proportions of a supercar. The wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft) leaves plenty of room between the axles for people and technology. The sporty proportions offer enough room in front of the rear axle for the battery unit and the power electronics.

The special package of the Audi e-tron technology platform provides for a 42:58 distribution of weight between the front axle and the rear axle, and thus for optimal balance and driving dynamics.

Because systematic lightweight construction is also a crucial prerequisite for the efficiency and range of electric cars, the Audi designers tapped into one of the company's core competences for the R8 e-tron technology platform: The body structure is based on Audi Aluminum Space Frame (ASF) technology.

Driving dynamics
The normal distribution of torque is clearly biased toward the rear axle and is similar to that of the production R8 mid-engine sports car, sending roughly 70 percent to the rear and 30 percent to the front. If an axle slips, this balance can be varied by means of the four centrally controlled electric motors. The electric vehicle from Audi thus enjoys all of the advantages of quattro technology.

The R8 e-tron also uses the four individual motors, which as wheel drives are connected directly to the respective wheel via a short shaft, to control the lateral dynamics. Similar to what the sport differential does in conventional quattro vehicles, they enable torque vectoring - the targeted acceleration of individual wheels - and thus active distribution of the torque. This improves driving dynamics while at the same time increasing driving safety. Understeer and oversteer can be corrected by not only targeted activation of the brakes, but also by precise increases in power lasting just a few milliseconds. The concept car remains extremely neutral even under great lateral acceleration and hustles through corners as if on the proverbial rails.

The chassis has triangular double wishbones at the front axle and a trapezoidal-link rear suspension made of forged aluminum components - a geometry that has proven in motorsports to be the optimal prerequisite for high agility, uncompromising precision and precisely defined self-steering behavior. A taut setup was chosen for the springs and shock absorbers, but still offers a high level of comfort.

The direct rack-and-pinion steering gives finely differentiated feedback. Boost is varied electromechanically as a function of speed. Fittingly, the technology platform rolls on 19-inch wheels.

Power supply
The energy storage unit is charged with household current (230 volts/16 amperes) via a cable and a plug. What used to be fuel cap covers the socket. With the battery fully discharged, charging time is between six and eight hours. High-voltage (400 volts, 63 amperes) reduces this to around 2.5 hours.

The battery isn't only charged when the car is stationary, but also while driving. The keyword here is recuperation. This form of energy recovery is already available today in a number of Audi production models. During braking, the alternator converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy and feeds it into the onboard electrical system. This relieves the load on the alternator during the next acceleration phase, which enhances driving dynamics and improves efficiency.

Interior and control concept
The interior evokes motorsports ambience on a luxury level. As with the R8, its distinctive element is the monoposto: a large arc sweeping around the dashboard instruments. Unlike the R8 production model, however, the Audi R8 e-tron has a graphic display to indicate the driving mode. It is located between two dial instruments that indicate the recuperation and the boost level, respectively. Similar to the new A8, the driver of this high-performance sports car can select the various driving modes using a stalk that is based on shift-by-wire technology.

Audi at the Silvretta Classic
It goes without saying that Audi's heritage department will also be participating in the traditional Silvretta Classic. Thomas Frank, Head of Audi Tradition, will be piloting one of the rare green Audi Sport quattro models. A grand total of 15 of these cars were painted "Malachite Green" between 1983 and 1985. What had long been the most expensive car that Audi had ever built is highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts, and prices are rising steadily.

Another headturner in the automobile scene is the Audi Ur-quattro. Audi Tradition is entering a 1988 model with a very special team in the Silvretta Classic. Multi-time Mille Miglia-winner Luciano Viaro has relied on blind co-pilots in classic rallies for some time now. The Italian "M.I.T.E." project (Miteinander, Insieme, Together, Ensemble) is a multilingual symbol for the integration of people with disabilities in classic racing. Blind persons are given the opportunity to participate actively in rallies as co-pilots, directing the driver using a roadbook in Braille. Audi Tradition has supported this project for the past year and is making its project debut at the Silvretta Classic in 2010.

Hofele Rivage GT 970 [Video]

Hofele-Design tuning center to release their styling package for Porsche Panamera,

The package is finished by 22" wheels from the "K-Series".Hofele is also offering high-speed sport brakes kit with six-piston brake calliper and perforated, inner-ventilated brake discs. The interior gets a variety of different materials and colors.

At the front, the Hofele’s styling pack equips the Porsche Panamera with new bumper that has bigger and higher air vents in Cayenne style, and LED-daytime running lights from Panamera Turbo. Moving on the side, a set of sportier skirts lend the four-door, four-seat luxury saloon more dynamic and unusual note. On the rear, the Hofele experts have fitted the ride with new bumper and rear diffuser with an integrated central fog light and 4-pipes stainless steel sports muffler. Other unmistakable highlights in the back are the two R8-like air vents with lamellas which break the Panamera’s “high tail” uniquely and make the rear more interesting than ever.

The Hofele Porsche Panamera is also equipped with an electronic lowering module for its suspension and upgraded brakes with six -piston caliper and large cross-drilled , vented rotors.






Press Release

Hofele-Design for PANAMERA

"RIVAGE GT 970"

The fine art of technic and design!

With this body kit Hofele-Design carries over the astonishing design lines by the Porsche designers and sharpens them even a bit more. This is the reason why Hofele does not use attachment parts but uses complete elements and bumpers which integrate themselves harmonically into to the original Porsche look without being a distraction.

Up front the bumper with even bigger and higher air vents, the distinctive front grill from the Cayenne Turbo and the LED-daytime running light / indicator element from the Panamera Turbo. Thanks to the big air vents the intercoolers, especially the intercoolers for the Turbo, and the brakes get more air supply.

Also very effective is the big rear spoiler which surrounds the original Panamera rear spoiler and gives the car more down force thanks to the bigger surface.

The side skirts give the car a more dynamic note which looks very good on the car. The rear bumper comes with a rear diffuser with an integrated central fog light. The diffuser has room for the combination with the serial exhaust system as well as for the combination with the Hofele 4-tube stainless steel sports muffler with sportive sound. In the middle area on the left and the right side of the bumper are two air vents with lamellas which break the "high tail" of the Panamera and make the rear more interesting. In this area an even wider look can be achieved by adding black colour.

All plastic parts are made of the highest-quality & heat resistant „HPG" material which received the grade "sehr gut" (A) by the German TUEV authorities and are being mounted to the original points of attachment on the Panamera. All parts are reversible.

For the Panamera Hofele offers wonderful and elegant wheels in 22" from the „K-Series". These wheels are a perfect match to the body kit. The „Chrono"-wheels are available in the dimension 10J x 22".

Our electronically lowering module takes care of a „low profile". On speeds over 80 km/h (50 mph) the module switches back to the serial height to give the suspension its full comfort and reserves on high speeds.

A very effective deceleration is reached through the high-speed sport brakes kit with six-piston brake calliper and perforated, inner-ventilated brake discs.

For the interior Hofele-Design offers a variety of different materials and colours to serve your individual wishes.

Fiat 500 and 500C with New TwinAir 85 HP Two-Cylinder Engine [Video]

Fiat is unveiled a new innovative TwinAir two-cylinder 85 HP (900 cc) to celebrate the Fiat 500's third birthday, Both the Fiat 500 and 500C TwinAir have a 2-cylinder 900 cc turbo engine that develops 85 hp and 145 Nm of torque.

The new versions will be available in showrooms from September 2010. The Fiat 500 TwinAir and the Fiat 500C TwinAir will be available with a choice between a Dualogic robotised gearbox, With CO2 emissions of 92g/km with the Dualogic robotised gearbox and 95g/km with the manual, Fiat says the TwinAir emits 30 percent less CO2 than engines of equal performance. The engine is also 23 percent shorter and 10 percent lighter than medium-sized four-cylinder engines of similar performance.

The 51kW/102Nm engine in the 1.2i Pop is currently the smallest engine offered in the Australian range, while the 1.3 JTD Lounge features the most frugal engine, with combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.2 litres/100km.




Press release

A memorable event was organised, once again in Turin, on 4 July 2007 to introduce the new Fiat 500, exactly 50 years after the Fiat 500. Since then, the second generation of the model that epitomised the history of Italian cars was quick to conquer everyone’s hearts. For the many enthusiasts and customers worldwide, Fiat decided to celebrate each birthday of the little 500 with special events and by introducing highly interesting innovations. In 2008, picnics were organised in the main European capitals and the powerful 500 Abarth was introduced. The same happened in 2009 for the international presentation of the Fiat 500C, the original cabriolet version, which pays homage to the style of the 1957 open top, which received over 32,000 orders in only a few months. And today, to celebrate the model’s third birthday, Fiat is introducing an innovative TwinAir two-cylinder 85 HP (900 cc), which will be marketed starting from next September on the 500 (saloon and cabrio alike).

The first of a new family of two-cylinder engines

made by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies, it implements the revolutionary MultiAir system combined with specific fluid dynamics optimised for maximum fuel efficiency. Furthermore, by taking the concept of downsizing to the extreme and masterfully tuning the basic mechanics, the new family – delivering from 65 to 105 HP – emits 43% less CO2 than an engine of equal performance.

Significantly the new TwinAir 85 HP two-cylinder engine will complement the many technological solutions already adopted by the Fiat 500 to contain consumption and emissions as demonstrated by the recent expansion of the engine range, now featuring a second-generation 1.3 MultiJet delivering power of up to 95 HP. With 8 injections per cycle, the 1.3 MultiJet II improves low rpm torque delivery by up to 38% and cuts CO2 emissions by 6%. Again with a focus on environmental protection, the Fiat 500 (saloon and cabrio) is available with Start&Stop, the system which temporarily stops the engine and starts it again when the car is stationary with the engine idling: this reduces urban cycle average consumption by up to 12%. The principles of the Fiat 500 range are also implemented in eco:Drive, innovative software for analysing driving behaviour and helping motorists optimise consumptions and emissions by using the USB port of the Blue&Me system.

In short, the Fiat 500 perfectly expresses the commitment of Fiat in the field of environmental protection and encourages users to adopt a more responsible, eco-friendly use of the car. It is no coincidence that, for the third year in a row, Fiat is the most environmentally-friendly of the top-selling 10 car brands in Europe, with an average CO2 emission level of 127.8 g/km, compared to the market average of 145.8 g/km (analyses carried out by the independent institution Jato Dynamics). A fundamental boost to obtaining this result was certainly given by the extraordinary growth of methane, the most eco-friendly and cost-effective fuel available on the market today. A forward-thinking direction chosen over ten years ago, that has made Fiat the undisputed European leader in factory-fitted methane systems (OEM), as demonstrated by nearly 400,000 units sold to date in the Natural Power range, which includes 14 bi-fuel (methane/petrol) models - cars and commercial vehicles - for responding to all mobility needs.

Perfectly in line with this environmental protection commitment, the brand new TwinAir 85 HP is a further step forward that will certainly increase the commercial success and international appreciation of the Fiat 500, already demonstrated by the 52 awards assigned worldwide and the goal of 500,000 units made which was reached last April, only 31 months after its release. A web initiative called “500 Thousandth” was launched to celebrate this record with the goal of creating a show car with a body completely covered with 1500 photographs of the faces of owners, celebrities and enthusiasts who contributed in various ways to the car’s extraordinary success. The Fiat 500 Thousandth is the first “collective car”, confirming the spirit of the original model with potential customers being involved from the earliest steps of design. Since 3 May 2006 and for the first time in automotive history, scores of 500 enthusiasts worldwide have been directly involved in the "500 wants you" project, an international marketing platform, and given the opportunity of saying what they want from the future car. The suggestions were picked up by Fiat Automobiles designers and engineers and turned into practical objectives to be reached with solutions and equipment as close to the expectations of potential customers as possible. In short, the Fiat 500 is truly “a car created by the people, with the people’s ideas”. Today, fiat500.com is a community of 120,000 active users from 206 different countries who are involved in over 30 online activities. The web pages have been browsed nearly 240 million times.

As an expression of Italy’s finest automotive design, the 500 is not merely a super-compact city car, but a real platform upon which Fiat Automobiles is building a whole family of cars with technology and attention to detail worthy of a higher category. That’s without forgetting that the Fiat 500 has introduced many innovations and achieved important records in its segment. For example, in 2007, it was the first car only 3.55 metres long to be awarded 5 EuroNCAP stars. Similarly, the adoption of seven standard airbags (it is the only compact to include knee bags) and the availability of advanced ESP for all engine versions (standard on the 1.4 16v 100 HP) was an absolute “première” in this class. That’s without counting that even back in 2007, the entire engine Fiat 500 range was already compliant with Euro 5 standard emission limits, three years ahead of the legal deadline. Last but not least, Fiat 500 was the first small car to offer such a wide, articulated range, typical of higher range models: by combining different versions, engines, interiors, upholstery, body colours, rims, accessories and so on, customers could choose from over 500,000 variants. Product innovations also came in thick and fast: 500 by Diesel (September 2008), 500 Pink (June 2009), 500C (July 2009), 500C by Diesel (June 2010).

Finally, Blue&Me – TomTom, the latest evolution of the Blue&Me system, will be appearing on the Fiat 500 along with the new TwinAir engine. Blue&Me – TomTom is a fully integrated infotainment system that lets you manage telephone, navigation and useful driving information functions using a practical colour touch screen interface. Furthermore, with the launch of the solution on the Fiat 500 a new mediaplayer feature will be introduced that further strengthens the Blue&Me - TomTom proposition.

Blue&Me – TomTom is conveniently and elegantly accommodated on the dashboard of the Fiat 500 to combine the safety and convenience of an integrated solution with the flexibility of portable devices. The device is the result of a partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom, the European leader in portable navigation systems, and integrates with the car’s other systems via the Blue&Me system developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli.

Presentation to the press on the Valentino circuit

The Fiat 500 TwinAir was presented to the international press in Valentino Park, the most famous, and oldest public park of Turin, located on the left bank of the Po river, between the monumental Umberto I (corso Vittorio Emanuele II) and Isabella (corso Dante) bridges. Home to a very rich variety of plants and birds, Valentino Park was the stage of a Formula 1 Grand Prix of the same name until 1955. In brief, a suggestive location that well embodies the combination of "power and environmental-friendliness" embedded in TwinAir technology.

The origins of the park are remote in time: the name "Valentino", of unknown origin, first appeared in the Middle Ages and since the 1600s identified a castle, one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, and the surrounding grounds. The Valentino Park, then not public, was first landscaped in 1630 by Carlo Cognengo di Castellamonte and the project was followed up until 1660 by his son Amedeo.

A new urban phase started for Turin in the second half of the 1800s following the destruction of the city walls ordered by Napoleon and the population spiked. The modern concept of a public park came about at that time and city authorities thought of the Valentino Castle grounds. Works started in 1863-1864, based on a partial project by French architect Barillet-Deschamps. Inspired by the principles of a landscaped park with lanes, thickets and artificial dells, the project also included a small riding track and a lake (later dried) which was used as a skating rink in winter.

Even before its completion, the park staged several important national and international expositions from 1829 to 1961. A so-called medieval village and castle, a composite reconstruction, picking various styles and architectonical elements from medieval buildings in Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, was built in 1884 for the General Italian Exposition. The park assumed today’s proportions after the 1911 exposition.

In 1935 the Italian car capital set up a racing circuit precisely in the Valentino Park area. It was 4088 metres long and the first event, which was held on 7 July, was an immediate success: Tazio Nuvolari won with Alfa Romeo, ahead of team mates Antonio Brivio and Carlo Pintacuda. Nino Farina came in fourth at the wheel of a Maserati. The starting line was in front of the Valentino Castle and the circuit was mostly inside the park. It was not an easy task to erect mobile grandstands for the audience and a tower for race officials and the press.

The event was repeated two year later, on 18 April 1937. Once again, Alfa Romeo dominated the most important class (GP single-seaters). The race was won by Antonio Brivio, followed by Nino Farina. The driver from Turin had in the meantime joined the Milan-based team. The race was 175 km long in total and the course was particularly twisty, which accounted for an average speed of only 93.629 kilometres per hour. For the sake of comparison, the Monte Carlo winner (Von Brauchitsch on Mercedes) clocked an average speed of 101.815 kilometres per hour.

The race was interrupted for a long time and resumed only after the war, when the automotive industry was attempting to pick up and restart production despite many difficulties. Competitions were in any case important test benches for advertising products.

Automobile Club Torino, on their part, invested considerable efforts and managed to set up the circuit that hosted the First Turin Grand Prix on 1 September 1946. Racing regulations were changing and although a genuine world championship was still to be organised, there were many prestigious events in which major auto makers could compete. Turin was one of these. The circuit set up was meticulous and the public responded enthusiastically. The event was international although only supercharged Alfa Romeo 158s ever won. The results were topped by Achille Varzi and Wimille. The average speed of the winner on the 283.200 km long race was 109.088 km/h because the circuit had been made faster by including a few stretches of corso Massimo D’Azeglio. Sommers of Maserati came in third. Tazio Nuvolari was forced to withdraw. The event continued after the GP with the Coppa Brezzi for cars without turbocharger and displacement of approximately 1500 cm3. Cisitalia 1100 cm3 built by local Piero Dusio dominated the class. Many champions, such as Chiron, Taruffi and Nuvolari, were invited to take part. The latter was involved in an episode that would go down in history. His steering wheel attachment snapped while he was heading the race. Not one to be put off easily, the driver drove a few more laps steering with the little lever used to fasten the wheel but he was eventually stopped by the race officials. The race was won by Dusio, a good driver as well as auto builder.

Ferrari put its name on the roll of honour a year later with Sommers driving to win at an average speed of 108.825 on a remarkable length of 540 km.

1948 was the most prestigious edition of the event. The Italian Grand Prix took place in Turin with the best drivers of the time on the starting line. The race took place during the first weekend of September under the beating rain. The strong Alfa Romeo (Wimille, Trossi and Sanesi) and Maserati (Villoresi, Ascari and Taruffi) teams clashed with the Ferraris of Farina, Sommers and Bira and the Talbots of Chiron, Rosier and Comotti. Many accidents occurred during the race. At the end Wimille drove the only remaining Alfa to the win one lap ahead of Villoresi’s Maserati.

The first Formula 1 World Championship was organised in 1950 and the Italian race took place on the Monza circuit. There were no races in Turin for two years and the Valentino circuit was to host another competition in 1952. The Turin Grand Prix was won by Gigi Villoresi of Ferrari. The Sport class animated the city circuit in 1953 and 1954, while 1955 was the last edition of the Formula 1 GP won by Alberto Ascari on Lancia, after an exciting duel with Luigi Musso of Maserati. The new Formula 1 cars were by now extremely fast. Ascari won at an average of over 141 km/h.

TwinAir 85 HP, world preview

The new two-cylinder engine family made by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies, called TwinAir, is debuting in the Fiat 500 today. This is a brand-new concept on the worldwide auto scene and confirms the leadership of the Fiat Group in this field.

Using next-generation technology, the new engine implements the revolutionary MultiAir system combined with special fluid dynamics optimised for maximum fuel efficiency. Furthermore, by taking the concept of downsizing to the extreme and masterfully tuning the basic mechanics, the new family – delivering from 65 to 105 HP – emits 30% less CO2 than an engine of equal performance.

On sale from next September, the 500 will be the first Fiat model to adopt this, which will be the progenitor of a new family of engines: a 85 HP (900 cc) turbo two-cylinder with the lowest CO2 emission for a petrol engine (92 g/km with a Dualogic robotised gearbox and 95 g/km with manual gearbox) without skimping on performance or driving pleasure. This is thanks to the small-sized turbine which, combined with dedicated valve management strategies, minimises transient response times and, at the same time, keeps maximum power levels high. In this way, despite its small size, the engine ensures excellent performance and an appreciable reduction in fuel consumption: compared with a 1.2 8v, the new 85 HP turbo has 23% more power and a 30% better performance index. In fact, the performance of the two-cylinder is not only equivalent to a 1.4 16v, but consumption is a remarkable 30% lower.

Equipped in this way, the Fiat 500 reaches a top speed of 173 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 11 seconds. This remarkable performance corresponds to a significant reduction of fuel consumption and emissions: 4.1 l/100 km and 95 g/km respectively on the urban cycle (with manual gearbox), that becomes 4.0 l/100 km and 92 g/km with a Dualogic robotised gearbox. Furthermore, the Fiat 500 with TwinAir 85 HP is provided with an ECO button – positioned on the dashboard – for further cutting fuel consumption in cities and guaranteeing very eco-friendly running. Two driving modes can be selected: Normal and ECO.

In the first mode, the ECO function is off and the engine delivers the maximum available torque (145 Nm), guaranteeing prompt, brilliant response and a "sportier" driving feel. Steering assistance is also specifically calibrated for Normal mode. No indication appears on the dashboard in this mode (City is not selected). Consequently, this configuration is recommended for maximum response and full enjoyment of all available torque.

In ECO mode, instead, the emphasis is on "eco-friendly" engine running: torque delivery is cut off to 100 Nm at 1750 rpm to minimise consumption and promote a driving style more suitable for city traffic. The steering wheel is lighter (CITY mode is automatically selected). The driver only needs to press the specific button on the dashboard to activate the ECO function. The lettering ECO will appear on the panel (the letter “E” will appear on the panel if the car has a Dualogic robotised gearbox). Furthermore, the Dualogic shifting strategy also switches to ECO mode to further optimise fuel consumption.

Furthermore, compared with a medium-sized four-cylinder of equal performance, the new engine is significantly shorter (-23%) and lighter (-10%), opening the way to further developments, such as methane fuel supply or hybrid technology combinations, again on the theme of greater eco-friendliness. In particular, a methane version of the TwinAir will be available soon providing a further CO2 emission reduction, by adopting a pair of special injectors in addition to the petrol injectors on the intake manifold ducts. Improving on these fuel saving results using internal combustion engines will be difficult and alternative technologies will need to be developed. The combination of traditional engines and electric motors appears particularly promising. Due to its reduced size, the TwinAir is quite suitable for being paired with an electric engine and in general with a device located between the engine and gearbox for recovering and storing the energy that is normally wasted during braking.

Interestingly, the TwinAir 85 HP comes with “Start&Stop” as standard. This device temporarily stops the engine and restarts it, ensuring reductions in fuel consumption and noise in the passenger compartment. The Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) associated to the Start&Stop system is a genuine “co-pilot” that discreetly suggests when to shift gear, leading to more efficient use of the engine in terms of fuel consumption. For example, the GSI may suggest shifting up, by means of an indication on the control panel, to allow the engine to burn a leaner mixture, i.e. one containing less fuel, or shifting down to make best use of the available torque.

Nothing short of an engineering gem, the two-cylinder implements the revolutionary MultiAir technology developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, which was introduced on FIRE engines last year for the first time. The heart of MultiAir is a new electro-hydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle).

MultiAir reduces polluting emissions (thanks to combustion control) and also considerably improves performance by boosting driveability with respect to a traditional petrol engine of equal displacement. In brief, the advantages of MultiAir technology applied to petrol engines are:

- maximum power boosted by 10% compared with a traditional engine of equal size;
- 15% more torque at low rpm and during transitions by applying early intake valve closing strategies to maximise the air introduced into the cylinders;
- less fuel consumption and consequently lower CO2 emissions, equal to 10% by eliminating pumping losses and precise parameter calibration for optimising combustion;
- lower polluting emissions from the engine by optimising valve control strategies during the intake stroke;
- prompter response to accelerator commands due to the constant air pressure upstream of the cylinders combined with extremely fast control of the intake valves.

Also, the new TwinAir engine takes the concept of downsizing to an extreme: by combining a small-sized engine with a next-generation turbocharger performance comparable to – or even better than – that of a larger engine is obtained but with less fuel consumption and lower emissions. Not only that, the turbo significantly increases the maximum torque, making it available at a very low rpm, with the result of offering greater flexibility and an unrivalled responsiveness compared to conventional aspirated engines.

All this comes with a simple build to the benefit of strength and reliability.

Last but not least, the new engine was painstakingly optimised and tuned. For instance, the basic two-cylinder architecture – combined with the low friction of internal parts – ranks this engine best in the world as far as friction is concerned. Furthermore, calculated simulations have been used to identify the best possible unit displacement in terms of thermo-dynamic efficiency, and the best fluid dynamic configuration to optimise and get the best out of the MultiAir system. Finally, special attention has been placed on the NVH (Noise, vibration, and harshness) aspect to ensure vibration performance at least equivalent to that of a four-cylinder, with equal performance but with a characteristic sound. For this purpose, a balancing countershaft was used to maintain optimal vibration levels in all operating conditions of the engine, from idling speed to top power.

Bugatti has unveiled the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport [Video]

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport achieved a new landspeed world record for production cars. the Veyron Super Sport set an average top speed rating of 431,072 km/h (268 mph). Piloted by Bugatti test driver Pierre Henri Raphanel, with German inspection officials (TÜV) keeping watch, the car topped out once at 428 km/h and second time at 434 km/h. A representative of the Guinness Book of Records was on hand to witness the new world record.

With output bumped up from 1,001 horsepower to 1,200 horsepower, torque swelling to 1,106 pound-feet and a revised aerodynamic kit, Raphanel managed runs of 265.9 and 269.8 mph for an average terminal velocity of 267.81 mph and a new world record for a production car.

The Veyron 16.4 Super Sport comes with four enlarged turbochargers and bigger intercoolers that have been used to boost the power of the 16-cylinder engine to a total of 1200 HP, the chassis

Out go the large overhead air scoops, replaced by deep air ducts. The front air intakes are wider, the rear diffuser is larger and the double exhausts are now big enough for large animals to hibernate in. And get this: Bugatti has played with the engine to develop even more power.
The headline figures: 1183bhp, 1106lb ft, 268mph

The new Super Sport, which Bugatti plans to produce in a limited run of no more than 30 units, is set to be the last hurrah for the Veyron 16.4, taking overall production of the flamboyant, quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter 16-cylinder supercar to 300 units since its introduction in 2005.




Press Release

Land speed world record with the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport takes production sports cars to a whole new dimension

Wolfsburg/Molsheim, July 4, 2010 - on a beautiful sunny day at 25 degrees the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport achieved a new landspeed world record for production cars, on the proving grounds of the Volkswagen Group at Ehra-Lessien (nearby its headquarters at Wolfsburg). In the presence of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV) and a representative of Guinness Book of Records the Super Sport achieved an average top speed of 431 km/h.

Saturday, 2 pm - Bugatti's Pilote Officiel Pierre Henri Raphanel puts his helmet and gloves on, pulls the safety belts tight whilst the engineers check the car a very last time: tyre pressure, temperature, all systems go. Then the orange black Super Sport crosses the light barrier, from now on the time will be taken, within one hour the car has to drive from South to North and then in the opposite direction. No one but the driver is allowed to touch the car during this time. The tension rises. A few minutes later we can hear from the left side the sound of a starting jumbo jet coming closer towards us. First we perceive the headlights of the Veyron, then we can recognize the shape of the car, a loud wooosh.... and Raphanel dashes in top speed past us. The GPS-tachometer stops at 427, 933 km/h. Now the same procedure from the opposite direction. This time the car reaches 434, 211 km/h. As average top speed the representatives of the "TÜV"and Guinness generate a value of 431, 072 km/h (268 mph). This even hit Bugatti's engineering team by surprise.

"We took it that we would reach an average value of 425 km/h," explains Bugatti's chief engineer Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, "but the conditions today were perfect and allowed even more."

The climax of the Veyron series: the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

Had a model been especially popular or highly successful in races, Ettore Bugatti's customers often pushed the master to tease out of the engine a few horsepower more for their future car. Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. had been in a similar situation when their existing customers asked the companyto not only design their second model optically differently but to also create a version with a sportierand more extreme driving experience. The result is a car with a uniquely high performance of1,200-hp (882 kW) offering experienced drivers a whole new dimension of excitement, with a maximum torque of 1,500 Newton metres and a limited top speed of 415 km/h (to protect them tyres) but, the technique of the Super Sport is identical to the record car. The first five Super Sports to come off the production line will constitute a special series of their own, with the same configuration as the landspeed record car.

The Super Sport is a consequent of the further development of the classic exclusive 1,001-hp Bugatti Veyron 16.4, launched in 2005. This model offers a stunning set of specifications, such as the twin clutch gearbox with seven speeds, the extraordinarily precise driving performance in bends and excellent stability when braking and accelerating.

Continuous work in extreme performance ranges lead to constantly new conclusions, which enabled the engineers at Bugatti to develop the Veyron into a direction in which the driver can reach new dimensions. Every modification is designed to produce an even more powerful car for an agile ride. Four enlarged turbochargers and bigger intercoolers have been used to boost the power of the 16-cylinder engine, and the chassis has been extensively redesigned to maintain safety at extreme speed - thanks to slightly raised main-spring travel, stronger stabilisers, and new shock absorbers with a complex architecture originally developed for racing cars. This gives noticeably more precise control of the wheels and the car as a whole. With lateral acceleration of up to 1.4 G and improved interaction between the tyres and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Super Sport offers perfect handling and even more powerful acceleration of 1,500 Newton metres on corner exits.

The body has been fine-tuned to improve aerodynamic efficiency and maintain perfect balance in every situation, while the new fibre structure of the all-carbon monocoque ensures maximum torsion rigidity and passive safety - at reduced weight. The skin is made entirely of carbon-fibre composites, and the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is available in 100 per-cent clear-lacquered exposed carbon on request.

Dynamic exterior

Every detail of this car, and not just its use of advanced motorsport technology, harks back to the pioneering spirit of company founder Ettore Bugatti. This brilliant designer came from a family of artists, and his philosophy was always to combine mechanical perfection and exterior beauty. This ethos remains alive and well at the company, and the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is wholly unmistakeable, with every external modification serving to coax greater performance from the car.

The Super Sport's flat, elongated silhouette is immediately recognisable. The 16-cylinder engine gets its air from two NACA ducts integrated into the roof, rather than from scoops above the engine. The front air intakes have been expanded and reshaped, with the lower one extending elegantly around the sides to the wheel arch. The revised back looks sportier due to the double diffuser and a centrally arranged exhaust system.

Bugatti has a tradition of making super-sport versions of successful models, usually with racing chassis and supercharged engines. These cars were considered as true racing machines for diehard Bugatti devotees. The most successful were the type 55 and type 57S; only around forty of each were built.

Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has sold 260 Veyrons and 35 Grand Sports by now, of which 249 Veyrons and 22 Grand Sports had been delivered. The Super Sport will begin production this autumn at Molsheim along with the Veyron and the Grand Sport. The first five cars - known as the World Record Edition – are in a special black exposed carbon and orange finish and have already been sold.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport will appear for the first time in public in California at the Pebble Beach Concours weekend in mid-August and will be featured at The Quail, Monterey Historic Races at Laguna Seca and on the concept lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.