Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir (2008)

The Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir is a special edition, created for the true automotive connoisseur. While its entirely black exterior may initially appear subdued, upon closer inspection it becomes clear that a select number of visual accents make this special Bugatti Veyron just as vividly coloured as its brighter counterparts.

Similar to its thoroughbred predecessor, the Type 57S Atlantic, the Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir exposes a raptor-like DNA that is reflected throughout the entire model history of the marque..

Even the hand-stitched, all-leather interior of the Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir plays on the theme of a 'harmony of extremes'. The light and confident Tangerine is offset by a black-piano lacquer finished centre console; both available exclusively to this edition. A dominant black tinted carbon fibre monocoque joins the elegant black body sides, which in turn are complemented by polished details.

The face of the Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir is instantly recognisable due to the iconic horseshoe grill, finished exclusively in chrome.

This striking and unparalleled harmony between luxury and sportiness is complemented by alloy-coloured details in the form of the chromed Bugatti grill and door-mirrors, as well as polished wheel surfaces and roof-rails. All-black front lights, air intakes, filler caps and door-handles naturally heighten the stunning effect of the racing-blue brake callipers.

Of the Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir 15 cars will be built and offered in Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

2008 , Bugatti , Bugatti Veyron

Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes (2008)

technical performance with the expertise of Hermès and its craftsmen. In partnership with Hermès, designer Gabriele Pezzini has married the distinctive Hermès style to the legendary Bugatti Veyron 16.4, magnifying the car's personality.

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

On the occasion of the 78th Geneva Motor Show (from 6 to 16 March 2008), Bugatti and Hermès co-present the fruit of their partnership: the "Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès", associat-ing Bugatti's 

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

A harmonious design, inside and out

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

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

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

A refined formal vocabulary

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

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

2008 , Bugatti , Bugatti Veyron

Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R Concept (2008)

It was a triumphant drive: in May 2008, three VW Scirocco GT24 cars lined up at the start of the 24-hour endurance race on the Nürburgring track. At the wheel: driving legends the likes of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Carlos Sainz. The teams drove two 238 kW / 325 PS strong race cars to a dual victory at the finish line, first and second in their class. Now Volkswagen is presenting a street version of the race car at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show: the Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R Concept. A genuine Grand Tourismo with a 198 kW / 270 PS engine that delivers aggressive propulsive power. This power is distributed by a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Adapted directly from car racing are the coilovers, the four-piston brake calipers and a sound-optimized exhaust system with its oval, polished tailpipes.

Visually, in many respects the concept emulates the race car version. Take the front end, for example: here the design adheres to the motto "Form follows function"; it features three large air inlet openings that guarantee optimal cooling of the brakes and engine. The front splitter that was added minimizes aerodynamic lift of the front axle. Also adopted from the racing version is the engine hood with its auxiliary air vents.

The rear end is dominated by an integrated rear wing and distinctive diffuser in the lower section of the bumper. These two components reduce lift at the rear axle substantially. Despite the aerodynamic design derived from car racing, a clear stylistic resemblance to the production Scirocco was preserved. Identifying characteristics of its side profile are the new side skirts and polished 19-inch alloy wheels with five sets of triple spokes. The wheels were specially developed for the Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R.

The radiator screen, diffuser and underside of the rear spoiler are treated in high-gloss black, and this provides a strong contrast to the white exterior paint. Supplemented by a "Bologna 08" badge, red and green stylistic elements on a white background create an Italian tricolor. The outside mirrors are also coordinated with this color scheme.

Interior

Italy's national colors are also represented in the interior. White and black create the basic theme, similar to the exterior color of the Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R. The seams of the Recaro racing shell seats, steering wheel, front armrest, gearshift lever trim and floor mat edging are designed in the colors of the tricolor. Inside, nappa leather in "Deep black" and "Berry white" is applied to the uncompromisingly designed racing shell seat. The shell seats are upholstered with a deep black leather in carbon look. An eye-catching feature here is the conspicuous yet refined contrast of low and high-gloss elements of the carbon structure. Interior accents also consist of genuine carbon composites. The footwell features aluminum pedals specially designed for this vehicle.

Articles By : netcarshow

2008 , Concept , Scirocco Studie R , Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept (2008)

In 1976 the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk I was launched as a low volume addition to the Golf range. Thirty two years, five generations and 1.7 million sales after that car established the breed, the sixth generation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been unveiled in concept form ahead of its public debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

The core attributes of the original VW Golf GTI - sharp dynamics, style and practicality - remain in the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept. Yet the new car uses the latest advances in drivetrain and chassis technology designed to enhance rather than detract from the purity of the driving experience.

The strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension architecture from the conventional Golf are adopted in modified form on the GTI. Specially tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are joined, for the first time on the GTI, by the option of Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which comprises adjustable pneumatic dampers. With three settings ranging from 'comfort' to 'normal' and 'sport' the ACC system also remaps the steering and throttle response to give a vehicle that can strike a balance between sharp dynamics and body control and comfort while driving in urban areas or on motorways.

For the first time the new Volkswagen Golf GTI features an electronic limited slip differential (XDS) linked to a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) system in order to maximise traction and improve responses.

Powering the Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is a 2.0-litre four cylinder TSI engine developing 210 PS - a gain of 10 PS over the Mk V GTI. Despite this gain the new engine is both more efficient, returning 37.6 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 178 g/km of CO2 compared to 189 g/km for the outgoing car. Installed in the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept the 2.0-litre TSI engine allows the vehicle to accelerate from standstill to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 148 mph making it the fastest standard production GTI yet produced.

A team of three designers are responsible for the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept: Walter de Silva (Director, Group Design), Klaus Bischoff (Director, Brand Design) and Marc Lichte (Director, Exterior Design). The new car bears clear visual links with the original. 'We wanted a consistently clear GTI design, a car that has power, but style as well,' commented Walter de Silva.

This is apparent in the red grille surround that echoes the original, along with the horizontal grille fins and elegant yet purposeful new headlights featuring individual lamp pods behind a translucent cover. In profile the side skirts of the VW Golf Mk V that extended the length of the sill are replaced by subtle wraparound versions that extend only partially along the lower edge of the vehicle. At the rear a set of GTI smoked rear light lenses are joined by a rear diffuser channelling air from beneath the vehicle that's in turn framed by a pair of chrome tailpipes.

The distinctive 18-inch 'telephone dial' wheels from the VW Golf GTI Mk V make a reappearance, albeit in subtly evolved form on the Mk VI Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept. Finished in milled silver with gloss black inserts, the new wheels are reminiscent of those first fitted to the Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 Concept.

Continuing the unique modifications to the GTI over the conventional Golf is a new interior. Drawing on the all-new interior of the Mk VI Golf the GTI features a flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in black leather with contrasting red stitching. A set of contoured sports seats finished in grey tartan cloth reminiscent of the Mk I and Mk V models are joined by unique instruments and gloss black dashboard and door trim inserts framed by silver highlights.

As with all Golf models the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is fitted with a high level of standard equipment including seven airbags, a CD stereo, climate control and ESP.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is intended as a first step towards the VW Golf GTI which will start production in spring 2009.

Articles By : netcarshow

2008 , Concept , Golf GTI , Volkswagen , Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept

Volvo XC70 (2008)

The good folks at Volvo chose to introduce the fresh, new, third-generation Volvo XC70 to the media in the big sky country of Whitefish, Montana. As we flew over Glacier National Park and into the Kalispell airport the yellowing aspens confirmed that fall is already upon these lovely mountains - a perfect time to be here. The aspens will soon be glowing gold.

The new XC70 is the all-wheel-drive sport wagon (or is it a CUV?), based primarily on new S80 components, also shared with the Land Rover LR2. It would take more than a higher ground clearance and all-wheel-drive to think of it as an off-roader, so it’s not an SUV in that sense, but much leeway is granted these days in defining a genre. Volvo calls it a “family adventure vehicle” an innocuous as that sounds. We’ll figure out what to call it before we’re done here.

The first two generations of the XC70 were more station wagon than anything else. Sure, they stood a bit higher off the ground than most wagons, I suppose, and a bit more sturdy, but a station wagon none-the-less. In terms of appearance this new one looks a lot like an evolution of the old wagon and a little closer to the bigger, brasher, more SUV-like XC90 that has been a great success for Volvo since it came out nearly a decade ago winning “Truck of The Year” honors right out of the box. The XC90 was one of the first to be called a CUVs designed with attributes of an SUV on a car platform.

I’m getting a close look at the new XC70, 4 inches longer overall and 2 inches longer in wheel base than its predecessor, on the lawn of The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, the rustic but upscale resort where we’re headquartered this week, on the shore of – you guessed it – Whitefish Lake. The air is cool with a light breeze coming off the still water and I kept waiting for the sun to go under the intermittent clouds so I could get some photos without harsh shadows and reflections. No luck, I had to shoot with the glare.

While evolutionary the new design is attractive. The Volvo design language, first presided over by Peter Horbury of Ford, took Volvos from slab-sided rectangular boxes to curvaceous, stylish elegance. Most distinctive is the broad shouldered look created by the mid-body’s extention outward from the upper body. The horizontal shoulder line blends into the hood line approximating a V-shape tapering to a distinctively Volvo grille. The rear view has sort of a hexagonal theme reminiscent of the tail of the revered P1800ES sport hatch of the early 70s. Part of the large, complex, but lovely rear lights are integrated into the lift gate and the rear window extends lower than the side windows. Flat black cladding on the lower body all around and high onto the rear may sound less than aesthetically pleasing but is executed well adding to the pseudo-off-road image of the wagon.

Safety, of course, is one of Volvo’s claims to fame. Sounding the cabin are more airbags than you’ll find at a Senate hearing, and somewhat smarter ones as well. Integrated into the car’s substructure is way more high-strength steel than in any previous model adding to the weight and the exceptional crashworthiness. Chassis dynamics the equal of any manufacturer’s keep the car going straight and under control no matter what the conditions. Collision and blind spot warning systems help the driver stay out of trouble.

2008 , Volvo , Volvo XC70