February 19, 2015 at 6:07 pm by Robert Sorokanich | Photography by YouTube/UNDERGROUND RACING
The Bugatti Veyron is a legend.
Not only does it hold 2 current Guinness World Records for fastest street-legal production car—fixed-roof and roadster, naturally—it stands as a testament to what engineers can attain when fed unlimited amounts of cash and told not to return till they’ve built the super-est supercar.
Your little ones will don’;t forget the Veyron’s name.
Of course, that implies that any hot-rodder swinging wrenches on supercars sees the Bugatti as a target. When you’re a member of the thousand-plus-horsepower club, the Veyron isn’t just a legend.
It’s a benchmark.
Which brings us to this video, shot by Richard Fowler. Richard’s wild orange Lamborghini Gallardo LP-570 Superleggera is a supercar in its personal right: It is the most lightweight, sharpest version of Lamborghini’s angular Gallardo. The LP-570 produced 562 horsepower stock.
Richard’s Lambo is not stock.
This Superleggera boasts an Underground Racing Stage 3 twin-turbo kit, sending an astounding 1250 horses to the wheels. As you will see, that is sufficient to completely trounce a 1001-horse Bugatti.
Yes, roll-racing is sort of cheesy, and no, we’re not acquiring the YouTube poster’s claim that Richard “waits nearly 2 seconds to go following the Bugatti requires off from a roll”—from where we’re sitting, that just appears like turbo lag.
But all of that aside, you cannot argue with the details: At this specific 1/2-mile runway race, the Veyron got spanked. And as Dom Toretto taught us, winning’s winning.
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This story originally appeared on roadandtrack.comvia Jalopnik.
In his recent reporting on the Bugatti Chiron, which could pack 1500 horsepower, hit 288 mph, and have swing-up doors, Automobile Magazine’s Georg Kacher stated that the Veyron successor has been delayed until 2016, and with the Veyron’s 450-car run just about finished, a very limited run of speedsters based on the model could be built to “keep the workforce busy.” That is, of course, to say nothing of funneling millions upon millions of bucks into Bugatti’s coffers.
The report provided no hint of what sort of modifications would be made to the car to turn it into a speedster. How much might the windshield be chopped for Speedster duty? Would it have an occasional-use roof panel? Would it use the Veyron name? Will Bugatti replace all the hair lost when owners inevitably perform top-speed runs? Nor did the report give an estimate of how many millions of dollars such a thing would cost.
Predictably, when we inquired, Bugatti was mum on the topic, with spokeswoman Manuela Hoehne stating, “These are speculations we do not comment on, as we, in general, do not participate in speculation about future products.” So we’ll just have to take Kacher’s word for it.
We sure hope he’s right, as the idea of a Veyron speedster sounds like the stuff of legends—although Bugatti already has cars based on those—and perhaps the most desirable and collectible of all the variants.
Every week, our German correspondent slices and dices the newest rumblings, news, and swift-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline might say Jens Meiners, but we merely contact him . . . the Continental.
Next year, we will ultimately see the wild Bugatti Veyron 16.4‘s successor in the metal. I hear it’ll be named the Chiron, just like the eponymous 1999 Bugatti concept vehicle styled by Italdesign Giugiaro. You study it here first. In case you had been asking yourself, the Chiron notion auto appears to have taken its naming inspiration from early Bugatti racing driver Louis Chiron. Naturally, a cursory Google search returns far a lot more info for a diverse Chiron, who is apparently a notable centaur from Greek mythology.
No Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
Difficult times lay ahead for the Porsche 911. I have observed its nightmare, and it is the Mercedes-AMG GTS, Benz’s new sports automobile which is in the middle of a multi-stage launch. Beginning with prototype drives and continuing with an ever-increasing multitude of particulars on its powertrain and interior, Daimler is keeping suspense at a maximum. Full information here next week.
Inside, the GTS is beautifully executed, with a stylized NACA duct in the center console and 8 cylindrical buttons mimicking a its engine’s V-8 cylinder arrangement. The most gorgeous detail is the row of buttons positioned above the windshield. It lends a positively aeronautical appear to this currently spectacular interior.
Power will come from the new M178 twin-turbocharged 4.-liter V-8 engine. Down the road, there will be a GT3 version, which will type the basis for a buyer racing series. But there will not be a V-6 engine option. And if Porsche ever decides to do a 4-banger 911, I am confident that the boys from Stuttgart will have that market all to themselves.
A roadster version of the AMG GTS is practically complete, and at this point it wants small a lot more than an executive yes/no choice. But a choice in the affirmative is unlikely to come, given that the topless GT would undermine the position of the a lot more prestigious SL. Already below stress from the upcoming S-class cabriolet that Daimler R&D board member Thomas Weber confirmed is on its way, an open-top GT is the final factor the ailing SL would need standing beside it in the showroom.
Volkswagen to Empower the U.S.
The U.S. may possibly be Volkswagen’s most challenging marketplace of late: Sales are effectively beneath expectations, and the cars are not in tune with the expectations of the average American purchaser. The design and style is perceived as cold and generic, and there is as well tiny “news” or pizazz in the brand’s portfolio.
Now top management has given the U.S.-marketplace operations a lot much more clout. Item cycles will be shortened to 5 years, in a 3–2 pattern: Following a model’s redesign, its first major facelift will come after 3 years 2 years later, an totally new solution will be prepared. The initial car to which this life cycle will apply is the upcoming B-segment SUV, followed by the next-generation Passat. Even prior to that, in time for the 2016 model year, the existing Passat will obtain a significant face lift. This update will give it a far much more aggressive and contemporary appearance.
To be clear, the new American-market place life-cycle strategy will not be applied to the brand globally, but they have implications for markets where U.S.-made models are sold, such as China.
I have received more intel on the next-gen VW Phaeton, which “is developed and finished” as these words are published. Based on the “MLB Evo” platform, the new Phaeton will be offered with numerous higher-powered engines, including a V-8 TDI with around 450 horsepower, a gasoline plug-in hybrid, and a W-12 (!).
Audi News, Electrically Supercharged Edition
Audi has just face-lifted its A6 and A7 models for the European market place, and now I’ve spent some time behind the wheel of the new A7 at the vehicle’s launch in Copenhagen. The updated A7 will come to the U.S. for the 2016 model year. The modifications, which consist of new headlights and taillights, bring the vehicle visually closer to the 2009 Sportback concept, which is a very good point.
The most fascinating model, apart from the ultra-potent RS7, is the A7 Competition (pictured above), a prime-of-the-line diesel model with a twin-turbocharged V-6 TDI. Thanks to a lot more aggressive timing, optimized turbocharger bearings, and a certain exhaust downpipe, it makes 326 horsepower (up to 346 horsepower below overboost circumstances). The sprint to 62 mph now takes merely a claimed 5.1 seconds, and best speed is governed someplace north of 155 mph. (Audi is normally a bit much more generous with its limiters than the competition, so raise your expectations.)
But Audi has yet a much better concept: Electric supercharging, which we have described in detail soon after Audi let us attempt out an RS5 TDI with a twin-turbocharged, 385-horsepower diesel equipped with such a device. In Copenhagen, Audi had a pre-facelift A6 prototype with an electric supercharger for us to try, as well. With its engine based on a 3.-liter V-6 TDI with a single turbocharger plus the e-superchargerr, it is rated at a healthy 326 horsepower. The motor does not match the twin-turbo RS5 TDI concept’s sheer upper-rev energy, but it performed just as beautifully at step-off and at low rpm. I can not wait to see this technologies on the road.
A Cool Lada—No, Seriously!
Pretty considerably every person missed out on the Moscow auto show, which is a pity. Lada unveiled the Vesta, a new compact sedan of unprecedented good quality (for the brand) and style. I like Ladas they are truthful vehicles with character. And the Vesta confident has lots of character.
Each and every week, our German correspondent slices and dices the most current rumblings, news, and fast-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we basically call him . . . the Continental.
Subsequent year, we will ultimately see the wild Bugatti Veyron 16.4‘s successor in the metal. I hear it’ll be named the Chiron, just like the eponymous 1999 Bugatti idea vehicle styled by Italdesign Giugiaro. You read it here first. In case you had been wondering, the Chiron idea car seems to have taken its naming inspiration from early Bugatti racing driver Louis Chiron. Naturally, a cursory Google search returns far a lot more data for a different Chiron, who is apparently a notable centaur from Greek mythology.
No Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
Hard occasions lay ahead for the Porsche 911. I have observed its nightmare, and it is the Mercedes-AMG GTS, Benz’s new sports automobile which is in the middle of a multi-stage launch. Starting with prototype drives and continuing with an ever-rising multitude of particulars on its powertrain and interior, Daimler is keeping suspense at a maximum. Full information here next week.
Inside, the GTS is beautifully executed, with a stylized NACA duct in the center console and 8 cylindrical buttons mimicking a its engine’s V-8 cylinder arrangement. The most spectacular detail is the row of buttons positioned above the windshield. It lends a positively aeronautical look to this currently spectacular interior.
Energy will come from the new M178 twin-turbocharged 4.-liter V-8 engine. Down the road, there will be a GT3 version, which will kind the basis for a customer racing series. But there will not be a V-6 engine selection. And if Porsche ever decides to do a 4-banger 911, I am confident that the boys from Stuttgart will have that market place all to themselves.
A roadster version of the AMG GTS is practically complete, and at this point it requirements small much more than an executive yes/no choice. But a selection in the affirmative is unlikely to come, given that the topless GT would undermine the position of the much more prestigious SL. Already beneath stress from the upcoming S-class cabriolet that Daimler R&D board member Thomas Weber confirmed is on its way, an open-leading GT is the last point the ailing SL would require standing beside it in the showroom.
Volkswagen to Empower the U.S.
The U.S. may be Volkswagen’s most challenging market place of late: Sales are well under expectations, and the cars are not in tune with the expectations of the average American buyer. The design and style is perceived as cold and generic, and there is as well tiny “news” or pizazz in the brand’s portfolio.
Now best management has offered the U.S.-market place operations a lot much more clout. Product cycles will be shortened to 5 years, in a 3–2 pattern: Following a model’s redesign, its 1st major facelift will come following 3 years 2 years later, an totally new product will be prepared. The first vehicle to which this life cycle will apply is the upcoming B-segment SUV, followed by the next-generation Passat. Even just before that, in time for the 2016 model year, the existing Passat will acquire a main face lift. This update will give it a far a lot more aggressive and modern appearance.
To be clear, the new American-industry life-cycle approach will not be applied to the brand globally, but they have implications for markets exactly where U.S.-developed models are sold, such as China.
I have received much more intel on the subsequent-gen VW Phaeton, which “is created and finished” as these words are published. Primarily based on the “MLB Evo” platform, the new Phaeton will be presented with numerous high-powered engines, like a V-8 TDI with around 450 horsepower, a gasoline plug-in hybrid, and a W-12 (!).
Audi News, Electrically Supercharged Edition
Audi has just face-lifted its A6 and A7 models for the European market place, and now I’ve spent some time behind the wheel of the new A7 at the vehicle’s launch in Copenhagen. The updated A7 will come to the U.S. for the 2016 model year. The modifications, which include new headlights and taillights, bring the auto visually closer to the 2009 Sportback idea, which is a excellent point.
The most fascinating model, apart from the ultra-effective RS7, is the A7 Competition (pictured above), a leading-of-the-line diesel model with a twin-turbocharged V-6 TDI. Thanks to far more aggressive timing, optimized turbocharger bearings, and a particular exhaust downpipe, it makes 326 horsepower (up to 346 horsepower below overboost situations). The sprint to 62 mph now requires merely a claimed 5.1 seconds, and prime speed is governed somewhere north of 155 mph. (Audi is generally a bit a lot more generous with its limiters than the competitors, so raise your expectations.)
But Audi has but a greater thought: Electric supercharging, which we have described in detail following Audi let us try out an RS5 TDI with a twin-turbocharged, 385-horsepower diesel equipped with such a device. In Copenhagen, Audi had a pre-facelift A6 prototype with an electric supercharger for us to try, as nicely. With its engine primarily based on a 3.-liter V-6 TDI with a single turbocharger plus the e-superchargerr, it is rated at a healthful 326 horsepower. The motor doesn’t match the twin-turbo RS5 TDI concept’s sheer upper-rev energy, but it performed just as beautifully at step-off and at low rpm. I cannot wait to see this technologies on the road.
A Cool Lada—No, Seriously!
Quite much everybody missed out on the Moscow auto show, which is a pity. Lada unveiled the Vesta, a new compact sedan of unprecedented high quality (for the brand) and style. I like Ladas they are truthful vehicles with character. And the Vesta positive has lots of character.
Each and every week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and rapid-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline might say Jens Meiners, but we basically contact him . . . the Continental.
Next year, we will lastly see the wild Bugatti Veyron 16.4‘s successor in the metal. I hear it’ll be known as the Chiron, just like the eponymous 1999 Bugatti idea automobile styled by Italdesign Giugiaro. You study it right here 1st. In case you had been asking yourself, the Chiron idea automobile appears to have taken its naming inspiration from early Bugatti racing driver Louis Chiron. Naturally, a cursory Google search returns far much more data for a various Chiron, who is apparently a notable centaur from Greek mythology.
No Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
Challenging instances lay ahead for the Porsche 911. I have observed its nightmare, and it is the Mercedes-AMG GTS, Benz’s new sports automobile which is in the middle of a multi-stage launch. Starting with prototype drives and continuing with an ever-rising multitude of details on its powertrain and interior, Daimler is keeping suspense at a maximum. Complete info right here subsequent week.
Inside, the GTS is beautifully executed, with a stylized NACA duct in the center console and 8 cylindrical buttons mimicking a its engine’s V-8 cylinder arrangement. The most spectacular detail is the row of buttons positioned above the windshield. It lends a positively aeronautical look to this currently spectacular interior.
Power will come from the new M178 twin-turbocharged 4.-liter V-8 engine. Down the road, there will be a GT3 version, which will kind the basis for a customer racing series. But there won’t be a V-6 engine selection. And if Porsche ever decides to do a 4-banger 911, I am confident that the boys from Stuttgart will have that market all to themselves.
A roadster version of the AMG GTS is practically total, and at this point it demands small more than an executive yes/no selection. But a decision in the affirmative is unlikely to come, provided that the topless GT would undermine the position of the more prestigious SL. Currently under pressure from the upcoming S-class cabriolet that Daimler R&D board member Thomas Weber confirmed is on its way, an open-leading GT is the final thing the ailing SL would need to have standing beside it in the showroom.
Volkswagen to Empower the U.S.
The U.S. may possibly be Volkswagen’s most hard marketplace of late: Sales are effectively under expectations, and the vehicles are not in tune with the expectations of the typical American buyer. The design is perceived as cold and generic, and there is too little “news” or pizazz in the brand’s portfolio.
Now best management has given the U.S.-market operations a lot a lot more clout. Product cycles will be shortened to 5 years, in a 3–2 pattern: Following a model’s redesign, its very first key facelift will come following 3 years 2 years later, an totally new product will be ready. The 1st vehicle to which this life cycle will apply is the upcoming B-segment SUV, followed by the subsequent-generation Passat. Even just before that, in time for the 2016 model year, the current Passat will get a significant face lift. This update will give it a far far more aggressive and contemporary appearance.
To be clear, the new American-market life-cycle technique won’t be applied to the brand globally, but they have implications for markets exactly where U.S.-developed models are sold, such as China.
I have received more intel on the subsequent-gen VW Phaeton, which “is created and finished” as these words are published. Primarily based on the “MLB Evo” platform, the new Phaeton will be provided with several higher-powered engines, including a V-8 TDI with around 450 horsepower, a gasoline plug-in hybrid, and a W-12 (!).
Audi News, Electrically Supercharged Edition
Audi has just face-lifted its A6 and A7 models for the European industry, and now I’ve spent some time behind the wheel of the new A7 at the vehicle’s launch in Copenhagen. The updated A7 will come to the U.S. for the 2016 model year. The modifications, which include new headlights and taillights, bring the auto visually closer to the 2009 Sportback idea, which is a good factor.
The most fascinating model, apart from the ultra-effective RS7, is the A7 Competitors (pictured above), a leading-of-the-line diesel model with a twin-turbocharged V-6 TDI. Thanks to far more aggressive timing, optimized turbocharger bearings, and a distinct exhaust downpipe, it tends to make 326 horsepower (up to 346 horsepower beneath overboost situations). The sprint to 62 mph now requires merely a claimed 5.1 seconds, and top speed is governed somewhere north of 155 mph. (Audi is usually a bit more generous with its limiters than the competitors, so raise your expectations.)
But Audi has but a greater thought: Electric supercharging, which we have described in detail right after Audi let us attempt out an RS5 TDI with a twin-turbocharged, 385-horsepower diesel equipped with such a device. In Copenhagen, Audi had a pre-facelift A6 prototype with an electric supercharger for us to try, as nicely. With its engine primarily based on a 3.-liter V-6 TDI with a single turbocharger plus the e-superchargerr, it is rated at a healthful 326 horsepower. The motor doesn’t match the twin-turbo RS5 TDI concept’s sheer upper-rev energy, but it performed just as beautifully at step-off and at low rpm. I can’t wait to see this technology on the road.
A Cool Lada—No, Seriously!
Fairly significantly absolutely everyone missed out on the Moscow auto show, which is a pity. Lada unveiled the Vesta, a new compact sedan of unprecedented high quality (for the brand) and style. I like Ladas they are sincere vehicles with character. And the Vesta positive has lots of character.
