Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

The world's most significant celebration of the automobile takes place annually in Monterey, California. In 2009, it saw some of the most elegant, exclusive, and valuable vehicles ever produced in over 100 years of motoring, with Bugatti playing a prominent role. On the evening prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the highlight of the event, the marque renowned for impeccable automotive solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics unveiled a second model to the world - the new Bugatti Veyron 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 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.
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport (2009)
2009 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

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 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 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 Bugatti Veyron 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.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Specifications

    Dimensions
        Length: 4,462 mm
        Width: 1,998 mm
        Height, Normal Position: 1,204 mm
        Wheel base: 2,710 mm
        Curb Weight: 1,968 kg
        Max. permitted laden weight: 2,280 kg
        Tank capacity: 100 l
    Engine
        Motor Type/Number of Cylinders: W16
        Cylinder Capacity: 7 993 cm3
        Power output: 736 KW (1,001 hp) @ 6,000 rpm
        Max. torque: 1,250 Nm @ 2,200-5,500 rpm
        Gearbox: 7 Gear DSG
        Drive: 4WD
        Power distribution: Front axle differential with Haldex clutch; rear axle with with transverse differential lock
    Suspension
        Wheel suspension: Double wishbone front / rear
        Tyre, front: 265-680 ZR 500A Michelin Pilot Sport Pax
        Tyres, rear: 365-710 ZR 540A Michelin Pilot Sport Pax
        Tyre pressure: 3.1 bar front, 3.1 bar rear
    Suspension Heights (front / rear)
        Standard: 125 mm / 125 mm - For town traffic and speeds up to 220 km/h. From 220 km/h, automatic configuration switches from Standard to Handling
        Handling: 80 mm / 95 mm - For fast driving on country roads or motorways, or manually selectable for race tracks
        Top Speed: 65 mm / 70 mm - For V-max driving (over 375 km/h), manually selectable with separate key
    Brakes
        Brake disk diameter: 400 mm front, 380 mm rear
        Brake disk material: Carbon / ceramic front / rear
        Number of wheel brake cylinders: 8 front, 6 rear
        Number of brake pads: 4 front, 2 rear
    Aerodynamics
        CW Values
            Standard: 0.39
            Handling: 0.42
            Top Speed: 0.36
            Airbrake: 0.68
        Wing/Spoiler Angle
            Standard: Retracted / 2° cool-down position
            Handling with roof: 6°/27°
            Handling without roof: 20°/27°
            Top Speed: 2°
            Brake setting: 55°/27°
            Special features: Central hydraulics
    Fuel Consumption
        In town: 41,9 l/100km
        Out of town: 15,6 l/100km
        Combined: 24,9 l/100km
        Fuel type: Super lead free 98 RON / ROZ
    CO2-Emission
        In town: 999 g/km
        Out of town: 373 g/km
        Combined: 596 g/km
    Performance
        Top speed: 407 km/h
        Acceleration
            0-100 km/h: < 2.7sec
            0-200 km/h: 7.3 sec
            0-300 km/h: 16.7 sec
        Braking distance (100-0 km/h): 31.4 m
        Gearbox shift time: < 150 ms