Bugatti

Bugatti is one of the most celebrated marques of automobile and the one of the most exclusive Italian/French/German car producers of all time. The company is legendary for producing some of the best sports cars in the world. The original Bugatti failed with the advent of World War II, but has been resurrected twice, most recently under the Volkswagen Group.

Bugatti Automobiles SAS

:See also the main article, Bugatti Automobiles SAS

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Volkswagen AG purchased the rights to produce cars under the Bugatti marque in 1998. They commissioned ItalDesign to produce the Bugatti EB 118 concept, a touring sedan which featured a 555 bhp DIN (408 kW) output and the first W-configuration 18-cylinder engine on any passenger vehicle, at the Paris Auto Show.

Related Topics:
Volkswagen AG - 1998 - ItalDesign - Bugatti EB 118 - DIN - W-configuration - 18-cylinder engine - Paris Auto Show

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In 1999 the Bugatti EB 218 concept was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show; later that year the Bugatti 18/3 Chiron was introduced at the IAA in Frankfurt. At the Tokyo Motor Show the EB 218 reappeared and the Bugatti EB 18/4 Veyron was presented as the first incarnation of what was to be a production road car. All had eighteen cylinders.

Related Topics:
1999 - Bugatti EB 218 - Geneva Auto Show - Bugatti 18/3 Chiron - IAA - Tokyo Motor Show - Bugatti EB 18/4 Veyron

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In 2000 Volkswagen founded Bugatti Automobiles SAS and introduced the EB 16/4 Veyron concept, a 16 cylinder car producing 1001 bhp DIN (736 kW), at the Paris, Geneva, and Detroit auto shows. Development continued throughout 2001 and the EB 16/4 Veyron was promoted to "advanced concept" status. In late 2001 Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. announced that the car, officially called the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, would go into production in 2003.

Related Topics:
2000 - Paris - Geneva - Detroit - 2001 - Bugatti Veyron 16.4 - 2003

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As of April 2005, Veyron production is underway and the car is expected to be released in the second half of the year. It will be produced in a new facility, the Atelier located near the historical roots of the brand, the Château Saint-Jean in Dorlisheim, near Molsheim. This mansion served as the guest house for visitors to the original Bugatti factory in Molsheim.

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When released, the car will have over 1000 bhp, cost well over $1 million (US), and be capable of 250 miles an hour, surpassing the McLaren F1 as the fastest-ever street-legal production vehicle (which managed 241 mph).

Related Topics:
McLaren - F1 - Fastest-ever

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It is expected that, following the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, Bugatti will produce a four-seat car with front engine, and its own unique chassis, and based on the Veyron engine and drivetrain.

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