Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport (Targa)

Hmm ... $2 million ... why not?

If you’ve been asking yourself, “what sort of convertible or targa-roof car can I get for this $2 million burning a hole in my wallet?” Have we got the car for you! It’ll do 224 MPH, and it probably won’t suck your face off at that velocity with the roof off. (Probably.) Bugatti’s long awaited (by the 2 people on earth who can afford it) targa is finally here, as the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport enters production in July.

Looks pretty nice. Fourth mortgage time?

But act now, as only 150 of the beauts will be produced … so head on over to Crazy Dan’s Auto Emporium for a low low low financing and the best deals in town, or my name ain’t Crazy Dan! (Press release from Bugatti below.)

PRESS RELEASE

Production start for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
Media and customers complete first test drives

Cannes, May 2009 - Last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California was the setting for the very first public presentation of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. The response was extremely positive and now production of this roadster – limited to 150 units – is to begin at Molsheim. At the same time, the media and customers are taking their first test drives.

The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport confronted the marque renowned for impeccable automotive solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics with a whole new set of challenges. In response to customer demand, significant modifications have been made to the vehicle’s complex structure so as to enable 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 its 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 . As the roof is an integral part of the vehicle’s structure, 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 in the event of a 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 integrated 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 the roof off. Should it rain, an innovative soft-top roof, like an umbrella, stored in the luggage compartment, can be opened up at any time. With this soft top in place, the car can
travel at up to 160 km/h.

More than just an open Veyron

“When I had the chance to test-drive the new Grand Sport for the first time myself, I was filled with excitement”, said Pierre Henri Raphanel, Bugatti’s Pilot official, “as soon I shifted into second gear, I knew this was a completely different car. I could immediately feel the difference. Even with the roof still on, in the tips of my fingers and at the base of my spine everything was more present, more intimate. More precise with less understeer, almost as if you had taken away some filters from the suspension and the steering.” The former Le Mans winner has probably driven more kilometres in a Veyron than anyone else, presenting the car to numerous customers and the press. Taking off the roof “the excitement comes directly from the engine – giving you the feeling that you had a horsepower factory just thirty centimetres behind your head, trying to suck you up and swallow you,” he raves.

Assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace, the Grand Sport will be delivered from July 2009 onwards at a price of 1.4 million euros (excluding taxes and transportation). Just 150 units will be made, with the first 50 of these going exclusively to registered Bugatti customers. So far 30 Grand
Sports have been ordered. The Chassis Number one auctioned at the Pebble Beach Auction by Gooding and Company last summer and sold for 3.19 million Dollar. The additional revenues of 900.000 Dollar were donated by Bugatti to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation Charity.

[Source: Autoblog]

Supercar Features Air Force-Tuned Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger

Recruitment is at an all time low for the Air Force. But what to do? How do you embellish a job that involves flying multi-million dollar crater-makers for a living? Answer: You bring it down a notch, and put cockpits in muscle cars!

The USAF hired Galpin Auto Sports to transform a Mustang and a Challenger into two serious supercars in hopes of attracting gearheads to Air Force recruiting events. And boy did Galpin deliver. The “X-1″ Mustang and the “Vapor” Challenger are totally unique interpretations of two of the most widely popular tuner cars in the world.

The X-1 comes decked out with an ejection seat and a full instrument panel with enough gizmos to make the GT-R’s readouts seem restrained. We are curious about the joystick. I mean, we know it works on Gran Turismo but how does it work on the way to Costco? And the Vapor sports a two seat layout-a pilot and copilot sort of arrangement–complete with two steering wheels. We’re not sure we like the idea of our girlfriend’s or mom’s having potential control of the vehicle, but it would probably be ideal for Driver Training courses.

Which brings up the biggest issue: while these rides are totally sick, the Air Force isn’t any closer to getting me in a pilot’s seat than they were the last time I faked colorblindness. That is, unless I could obtain the keys to one of these sterling beauties. (Hint, hint: you hear that USAF? I can be bought!)

For those of you who have been swayed and intend on in enlisting, the Air Force would appreciate you showing your patriotism and reading the entire press release:

Galpin Auto Sports PARTNERS WITH U.S. Air Force TO CREATE

Two “SUPERCARS”

Built for the 2009 Recruiting Tour: the ‘X-1’ Ford Mustang and ‘Vapor’ Dodge Challenger Feature Hyper-Advanced Technology and Design

NORTH HILLS, Calif. (June 1, 2009) – Galpin Auto Sports collaborated with the United States Air Force to create two customized vehicles for its 2009 Super Car Tour – a new U.S. Air Force recruiting initiative that kicked off in May. The white Ford Mustang ‘X-1’ and black Dodge Challenger ‘VAPOR’ are Air Force-inspired designs that will travel across the country this year as part of a mobile marketing campaign to educate young people on the mechanical and technical career opportunities available within the Air Force.

Southern California based Galpin Auto Sports is widely known for its corporate and one-off vehicle designs, through its involvement with various movies and TV projects, including the 2008 “Knight Rider” series’ KITT car, the upcoming movie car in the thriller “The Red Mist” and the acting-home base of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride”.

“For Galpin Auto Sports to be commissioned by the most technologically advanced organization on Earth is truly an honor” said Beau Boeckmann, Chief Designer for Galpin Auto Sports. “This is one of the most extraordinary and important projects that we have ever done.”

The Air Force looked to Galpin Auto Sports to create two unique hyper-styled vehicles with the most technologically advanced features available. The vehicles are a combination of form, function and futuristic entertainment all fueled together. To see the entire build of the X-1 and Vapor, please visit: http://www.airforce.com/supercar/.

Representing the muscle of the Air Force, the ‘X-1’ Mustang is a heavenly matte-pearlescent painted supercar with a jet cockpit that includes a single-driver ejection seat in center of vehicle, short shifter, flight stick, and advanced instrumentation panel. The ‘X-1’ also has a concealed motorized steering wheel, custom foot pedals, GPS transponder and the innovative dash is equipped with a touch screen monitor and sensor pack that displays night and thermal vision. The 4.6 liter engine includes 3-valve Ford Racing heads, cold air intake, hot rod cams, and long tube headers creating 500hp and is maintained by a custom Ford Racing Tuning Program. The Vertical doors feature interior panel fabrication to complete the ‘jet-like’ feel of the ‘X-1’, which will appear on the East Coast portion of the Air Force recruiting tour.

The stealth-black Air Force Challenger ‘Vapor’ features a biometric access to open the Vertical doors, a custom Stealth body kit with Jet enhancements and a carbon fiber exterior trim. Other exterior components include one-off carbon fiber wheels, a custom stealth exhaust mode that allows the vehicle to run in complete silence or you can open up the headers to facilitate the aggressive sound of the engine, shaker hood, radar-absorbing paint, proximity sensors, and a 360-degree camera with ¼ mile range. The interior of the ‘Vapor’ is complete with aircraft style controls, a passenger side steering wheel, GPS tracking, night and thermal vision via a film on the front windshield, and the most technologically-advanced computer system with remote control UAV-type access from anywhere in the world utilizing the internet. The ‘Vapor’ also comes with two custom flight helmets in line with the Air Force theme of the vehicle.

The vehicles recently debuted in Austin, Texas under Brigadier General AJ Stewart, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service as well as 60 U.S. Air Force marketers and GSD&M Idea City. Galpin Auto Sport’s Lead Customizer, Mad Mike, was present for the unveiling and felt a personal connection to this project having started his career in the Air Force. “If it was not for the U.S. Air Force, I would not have the knowledge and skills that enables me to stand where I am today.” said Mad Mike.

“We’re looking for hands-on people to serve in critical Air Force jobs and we’re fortunate to be working with exactly those kinds of professionals at Galpin,” said Daniel Elkins, U.S. Air Force Recruiting Services. “The Super Car Tour is illustrative of the kinds of opportunities available in the Air Force where technology knows no limit.”

The 2009 Super Car Tour will primarily visit high schools and a variety of Air Force sponsored events including the DUB magazine auto show, Hot Import Nights, Battle of the Imports, Formula Drift, International Hot Rod Association and local community events.

About Galpin Auto Sports

Galpin Auto Sports, located at 15600 Roscoe Blvd. in Van Nuys offers customizing and personalizing services on all new and pre-owned vehicles including collector and classic cars and is the official garage for MTV’s Pimp My Ride. For more information on Galpin Auto Sports’ unique products and services, please contact G.A.S. General Manager, Steve McCord (smccord@galpin.com), at (877)-GO-GAS-GO or visit the website at www.galpinautosports.com.

About Galpin Motors

With over 60 years in business, Galpin Motors is the world’s largest volume Ford dealership for the 19th consecutive year. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, Galpin is comprised of a family of quality automobile brands including Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Honda, Saturn and Volvo.

About the U.S. Air Force

The mission of the U.S. Air Force is to fly, fight and win … in air, space and cyberspace. This is achieved through a vision of Global Vigilance, Reach and Power accomplished by extraordinary men and women coming together to make a difference in the world. To learn more about Air Force opportunities, visit www.airforce.com.

Porsche to post operating profit, will produce more than 100,000 units next fiscal year

Claus Schmiedel, a member of parliament in Porsche’s home-state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, told the Stuttgarter Nachrichten that Porsche will sell around 80,000 units in the current fiscal year and expects to post a full-year operating profit of between 700 million euros ($979.5 million) and 800 million.

Schmiedel, who said he had spoken to Porsche’s finance chief and taken a look at the sports car maker’s books, says that Porsche is having no problem at an operating level. He said that “the company will achieve an operating margin of 12 percent.”

Schmiedel says that Porsche is looking to sell more than 100,000 cars in the next fiscal year and is aiming at more than 1 billion euros. We’re guessing the new target increase is due to the introduction of the Porsche Panamera, of which Porsche hopes to sell 20,000 units of annually.

Separately, Porsche board of management said yesterday that they still favor a merger with Volkswagen and don’t want to limit the deal to a specific time frame.

As statement release by the board said: ”We are convinced that the targeted integrated car-manufacturing group is the best industrial solution for all stakeholders involved. That is the case for the companies as well as for the respective workforce. Thus we do not want to put anybody under time pressure.”

Source: Reuters

Tesla’s next sports car will have rear-seating, all-wheel-drive

While Tesla’s new Model S sedan will be built on the company’s own platform, the Tesla Roadster shares its underpinnings with the Lotus Elise. However, now it’s time to work on the next Roadster, and like all future Teslas, the next-generation roadster will ride on a variation of the Model S platform.

While that will help Tesla cut back on cost rather than producing another platform, the move will also help make the next Roadster roomier - in fact it may not be a roadster at all. You can probably think of it as a Tesla Model S convertible.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk tells WebRidesTV that the next Tesla sports car will have 2+2 seating, a “roomier Porsche.” It will have 10 percent bigger rear seating and 50 percent more trunk space. Musk said that the next Tesla sports car will also come with all-wheel-drive. He said that there will be a base model to a GT version.

No word on when this will all happen but WebRidesTV says that 2012, 2013 isn’t a bad guess.

2009 Gemballa Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R gets a facelift

The Avalanche name is very much connected to the success of tuning firm Gemballa Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG. It was the first Avalanche in the mid 80s that set the foundation for the success of the Gemballa brand. Ever since, the name has been reserved for the Porsche 911 tuning program.

Gemballa has now unveiled the new facelifted Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R. Besides the visual upgrades, Gemballa continue to offer its performance upgrade that takes output to 650-hp with peak torque of 701 lb-ft. That allows the 4WD Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 206 mph.

And if that’s not enough for you, Gemballa offers further engine upgrades that taking output up to 800-hp.

Press Release:

The AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R

The GEMBALLA masterpiece based on the Porsche 911 Turbo

The history of GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG is inseparably connected with the AVALANCHE. It was the first AVALANCHE generation in the mid 80s with its trendsetting body- and interior design which became a world-wide bestseller and laid the foundations of success for the Leonberg-based company. And ever since, this name is exclusively reserved for the masterpiece of the extensive GEMBALLA refining programme for Porsche 911 models.

With the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R the chairman and founder Uwe Gemballa follows this success story and presents the face-lifted version of the current AVALANCHE-generation. Equipped with a spectacular automobile design and an auto body which has been broadened with Thyssen steel, the super sports car sets benchmarks for production quality and design vocabulary. But that is not enough: the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R offers elaborate, supreme technology and with 650 hp it delivers an enormous top speed of 332 km/h. Driving pleasure for highest demands.

Fresh design for the super sports car

Already at first glance, the AVALANCHE explicitly underlines its ties with the supreme sports car league. Especially designed gull wing doors and the new front headlights from the Carrera GT, leave significant visual accents. The same applies for the powerful metal extensions which were specially produced in a Thyssen Group subsidiary and then directly welded to the body shell. The GEMBALLA technicians developed a custom-made bonnet and side skirts as well. The front wings are replaced by a carbon version. Following the facelift of the current Porsche 911 induction engine models, GEMBALLA gives the AVALANCHE a visual refreshment as well. A part of this modernisation is the entirely re-designed front skirt. The integrated carbon front lip conveys the air to the large cooling slits and gives the car an even more lowered look.

Also the rear section of the AVALANCHE contains a makeover: the most striking feature is the use of LED tail lamps from the current Porsche 911. Moreover, this is additionally enhanced by a new rear skirt. The integrated rear diffuser can either be selected with a varnish or in carbon fibre and offers space for the four end pipes of the sport exhaust system. Together with the carbon rear wing, it renders additional downthrust at the rear axle.

When engineering the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R also great emphasis was put on the aerodynamic efficiency. Therefore, the body components were perfectly adjusted to each other. The result: An individual design in perfect surface quality which also reduces the lifting forces.

Sensational performance due to elaborate technology

In addition to the breath-taking shape of the AVALACHE, the GEMBALLA engine department developed a powerful performance enhancement for the serial gearing. The engine makeover includes a racing crankshaft, a titanium connecting rod, forged pistons and racing turbo chargers. Camshafts and cylinder heads are mechanically fabricated in precision work. The aluminium induction pipe and a carbon air box with sports air filter provide the optimal air supply. A further makeover feature and responsible for the sporty and powerful sound of the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R is the stainless steel - high-performance exhaust system with the optimised racing headers.

After the extensive modifications, the super sports car has 650 hp / 478 kW at 6.200 rpm and 950 NM at 4.600 rpm. Thereby, the 4WD automobile accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 332 km/h.

And when this is not enough, the GEMBALLA-specialists offer even further engine types with performance enhancements up to 800 hp.

Wheels and running gear - the combination for best road handling and a striking appearance

The wheel/tyre combination of the AVALANCHE offers the optimal compromise between comfort and control. The multi-part and especially light aluminium wheels are delivered in size 9.0Jx20 with tyres measuring 245/30 ZR 20 for the front axle and 1.5Jx20 with 325/25 ZR 20 tyres at the rear axle.

The high-performance braking system which was especially devised for the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R can be easily recognised by its red-painted brake callipers. The optimal deceleration and perfect gas pedal response is rendered by enlarged 6-piston brake callipers in connection with discs measuring 405 millimetres at the front axle and 4-piston brake callipers with 380mm-discs at the rear axle.
Also, the running gear has been thoroughly modified. The new coilover kit was especially adjusted to these increased requirements. Four individually adjustable rebound dampers allow an individual fine tuning. Sport stabilisers and strut braces render additional torsional stiffness and therefore improve road handling.

VIP lounge with motor sports atmosphere

GEMBALLA completely re-designs the interior of the AVALANCHE and turns it into a VIP lounge with motor sports atmosphere. The serial lining is replaced by most precious leather. The GEMBALLA aluminium pedals splendidly shine in the foot well and perfectly go with the carbon fibre components of the interior set. The technical highlight is the full-size airbag sports steering wheel measuring 340 millimetres in diameter. The sports seats type POLE POSITION offer extra seating stability.

GEMBALLA - the specialist for high end refinement and innovative interior design offers the AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R from 350,000 € (net, including basic automobile Porsche 997 Turbo).

Source: Gemballa (via WCF)

Car and Driver: 2009 Porsche Boxster S vs. BMW Z4 sDrive35i, Audi TTS, Chevrolet Corvette

Shortly afterAutobild compared some of the most popular roadsters out there, the Michigan based felows at Car and Driver took this challenge a bit further. While the BMW Z4 is clearly a competitor to the Porsche Boxter S or the Audi TTS, we find intriguing the fact that the Chevrolet Corvette gets “thrown” in this comparison as well.

Are you still debating which roadster to choose? Having a difficult time comparing all the specs? How about pricing with options? Well, C&D has done a great job analyzing these beautiful roadsters, so let’s see what they had to say.

The idea was to round up a group of 50-something-thousand-dollar roadsters, but like the TARP plan, we blew through that ceiling almost immediately. The most egregious example is the Boxster S, which Porsche sent loaded with almost $20,000 worth of options—including the automaker’s new $3420 PDK dual-clutch transmission—for an overindulged as-tested price of $76,625. For 2009, the Boxster S comes with a revised 3.4-liter flat-six engine and freshened front and rear styling. It’s mostly direct injection that boosts the output 15 horsepower, for a total of 310.

Our second-most-pricey car is the new BMW Z4. The 300-hp sDrive35i starts at a not unreasonable $52,475, but a Sport package (which includes an adjustable suspension), a premium stereo, and a navigation system catapulted the sticker price to $65,345.

McLaren F1 meets maker in California

It's the little things in life that make all the difference. Flames shooting out the exhaust of a supercar? Awesome. Flames billowing out of the entire engine bay? Uh-oh. So seeing a McLaren F1 - in the United States, no less - going up in smoke is a real tear-jerker.
We have to admit that with so many drivers exhibiting more flash than talent, reporting on the endless barrage of destroyed supercars got a little tiresome, if not downright depressing. The McLaren F1 made even the Ferrari Enzo seem dime-a-dozen common - 100 examples were made in all, and only a tiny fraction of those squeaked through DOT regs to make it Stateside.
Reportedly valued at $2 million, this toasted Mac was spotted on Airport Boulevard in Santa Rosa, California, its BMW V12 on fire after its owner reportedly took it for a ride after leaving it dormant for six months. If that's the case, this is proof positive that cars need to be driven, not mothballed.
[Source: Wrecked Exotics]

Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Gemballa doesn't strike us as a company that would be easily deterred by minor details. Things like the end of a production run, for example. So while the Porsche Carrera GT may have finished its run, that doesn't mean the German exotic tuning house is about to stop having fun.
We initially reported on the latest Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition back in February, when details and images were scarce, but both have now emerged. As you'd expect from the name, the modified Carrera GT features a lot of carbon fiber trim, but unlike some other weave-clad tuner cars, the carbon on the latest Mirage isn't just for show: the aerodynamic elements aim to improve the car's performance by channeling airflow in and around the supercar's svelte shape to keep it breathing free and stuck to the tarmac.
Of course, Gemballa hasn't stopped there. Porsche's free-revving V10 has been tuned to produce 670 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the rocket-sled up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 208 mph. There's also an electro-hydraulic adjustable suspension to keep that carbon fiber lip spoiler clear of curbs and speed bumps. The package costs just shy of 300,000 euros ($425k), which doesn't include the cost of the donor car, and production will be limited to just five examples, which may keep moneyed Porschephiles satiated until the rumored roadgoing RS Spyder hits the road. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-resolution image gallery below.

First free 2010 Camaro lowering kit already distributed

This is a real heart breaker. The guys and gals over at the Camaro5 forums are about as dedicated a group as you'll ever run into, and a number of the members have already picked up their hotly anticipated 2010 Chevrolet Camaros. One forum member received a rude awakening as his pride and joy 1LT Camaro was relieved of its 18-inch wheels and tires during the night. The criminals had the audacity to use the Camaro's jack, along with the jack of a Land Rover that was also relieved of its rollers, to commit this heinous crime.
Forum member Number 3 thinks he may have accidentally left the car unlocked, which is obviously a bad idea. For now, the Camaro is resting on three car jacks, and the hope is that the oil pan and exhaust were undamaged during the incident. Bummer. You can bet Number 3 will be scouring the Internet for anyone trying to hock a set of 18s on eBay Motors or Craigslist.
[Source: Camaro5]