Update: All five versions of the hugely expensive Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang have been sold. And all 300 were spoken for within 24 hours of the cars unveiling. Build some more!
The Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang (Pur Sang means 'thoroughbred' or 'pure blood') originated in the Bugatti factory in Molsheim says the company. "When some of our designers were looking at production and once again became aware of the technical beauty of the structure they came up with the idea of finishing the car in its pure material configuration. And that means without a coating of paint," said Achim Anscheidt, who is the head of Bugatti Design.
"Interestingly, the pure materials used to underscore even more clearly the unified extremes of this car. Power combined with comfort, technical structure and organic bodies, light and dark. A closer look at the details reveals the technical logic behind the stylish appearance," explained Mr Anscheidt.
Powered by an 8.0-litre engine, the 1888kg Veyron Pur Sang has a top speed of 407km/h. At top speed a full fuel tank will be emptied in only 12 minutes. The 16-cylinder engine has four turbochargers and delivers an amazing 1001 horsepower to all four wheels. That's about 736kW @ 6000rpm.
The huge W16 engine belts out 1250Nm @ 2200rpm.
Apart from the shiny new body shell (which lowers weight somewhat and will probably increase performance slightly) there's not much new with the Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang. But it does look very cool, and will probably attract more attention than any other car when it cruises along the streets of Europe.
"The innovatively designed monocoque carries all main structural components, including the W16 engine, the passenger compartment, the crumple zone and the suspension," continued Anscheidt. "It's precisely this foundation determined by function, made of carbon fibre coated with clear paint, that lies open in view at the heart of the Veyron."
Priced at €1.4 million, it's expected to be slightly cheaper than the limited edition jet fighter Lamborghini Reventon, of which only 20 will be built. Car collectors are going to have dilemmas this Christmas...
Achim Anscheidt, the head of Bugatti Design, talked about the shiny new body shell in great detail, clearly pleased with the design: "Through the bold and muscular coverings of the wheels as a perfectly designed wing they lend the car its stature and the unique body sculpture. Polished to a mirror finish, these perfectly curved shapes make the fascinating surface reflections visible that characterise the Veyron."
Another dream car for the Frankfurt Motor Show, another car we'll never drive...
Related Links:
- Bugatti 16.4 Veyron (2006)
- Bugatti Veyron 16/4 (2004)
Power for the Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang comes
from an 8.0-litre engine developing 1250Nm
Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang
The body is carbon fibre and polished aluminium
