Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Roadster at Pebble Beach
This past weekend Bugatti unveiled its new Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Roadster in the presence of the world's media and for the adoring public. It is the result of pure consumer pressure, despite the coupe model being among the world's most powerful, technologically advanced and expensive models in the world, it hasn't stopped many of the current owners demanding an open-top version.
These current owners are also the destination for the first 50 units of the planned 150 unit production run and considering each model is custom made, any first-time buyers are likely to have to wait a good couple of years before they will see it in their garage. There is of course one other option, Bugatti do have the first model up for auction through renowned auctioneers Gooding & Company, but we can expect a sky high price way above the €1.4 million (excl. taxes) for the regular model. Profits from the auction will go to charity.
Now we have the boring details out the way, lets get down and dirty with the new open-top monster. The roof of the original Veyron was key to the vehicle's structure, therefore designing the Grand Sport Roadster was not as simple as just removing the roof. The monocoque structure of the roadster has been reinforced around the side skirts and transmission tunnel, the carbon fibre doors house an integrated longitudinal beam which transfers the structure's load from the A-pillar to the B-pillar in the event of an accident.
Interior has also benefited from a number of enhancements, these include a moisture-resistant, backstitched leather along with a new 2.7 inch monitor integrated into the rear-view mirror and a Puccini sound system.
Performance figures remain impressive with the top speed rated at 407km/h (matching the coupe) when the roof is on whilst this figure drops down to 360km/h when it is removed.
Source: Pebble Beach
Press Release (Click to expand)
The world’s most significant celebration of theautomobile takes place annually in Monterey, California. This year, it will see some of themost elegant, exclusive, and valuable vehicles ever produced in over 100 years of motoring,with Bugatti set to play a prominent role. On the evening prior to the Pebble BeachConcours d’Elegance, the highlight of the event, the marque renowned for impeccableautomotive solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics will unveil a second model to the world – the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with a unique removable roof.
In response to customer demand, significant modifications have been made to the vehicle’s complex structure to make possible open-top driving, thereby adding a new dimension to this high-performance sports car. Incorporating a host of new and innovative safety and equipment features, it is the world’s fastest and most exciting roadster. It is immediately recognizable as a result of its slightly higher windscreen, stylized daytime running lights, and lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof.
The main challenge in developing the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with removable roof resulted from the unique structure of the fixed-roof Bugatti Veyron. An optimum combination of rigidity and lightweight engineering ensures the monocoque passenger cell of the original model is extremely strong while weighing an absolute minimum – it is a central element of the vehicle’s structure. As the roof is an integral part of this, removing it meant the load paths had to be completely redesigned to maintain the vehicle’s rigidity and crash safety, and to offer additional protection from side impacts and rolling.
As a result, the monocoque structure has been reinforced around the side skirts and the transmission tunnel. The B-pillars have been cross-stiffened using a carbon fibre support, and a central carbon plate has been positioned beneath the transmission tunnel to ensure the vehicle suffers from less torsional flexing than any other roadster.
The doors of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport are made of carbon fibre, and house an integrated longitudinal beam. In the event of an accident, this transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, thereby dissipating impact energy. Furthermore, the two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine now feature 10-centimetre wide carbon-fibre elements to offer protection should the car roll.
Along with moisture-resistant, backstitched leather, a range of new equipment features has been added to the interior, including a reversing camera with 2.7-inch monitor in the rear-view-mirror, and the “Puccini” sound system with digital signal processor.
When the roof is closed, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport can reach 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 360 km/h are possible with roof off. Should it rain, an innovative folding roof stored in the luggage compartment can be opened up like an umbrella at any time. When this folding roof is in place, the car can travel at up to 130 km/h.
Assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport will be available from March 2009 at the price of 1.4 million euros (excluding tax). Just 150 examples will be made, with the first 50 of these going exclusively to registered Bugatti customers. The first vehicle is certain to be highly sought after, and Bugatti has taken the decision to donate this specific car to charity. It will be sold to the highest bidder at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company.
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