Launch of new Roadster Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
08/16/2008
Bugatti
On the eve of the legendary Concours d'Elegance, the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport will make its world premiere in Pebble Beach, California.
This highly traditional company is releasing the car in response to strong customer demand for a roadster in the supercar class. What's surprising is the removable glass roof and how the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport successfully combines the aesthetics of a convertible with the driving dynamics and safety of an enclosed car. With the roof on, the top speed is still 253 m.p.h. - with the roof open, the limit is 224 m.p.h. This makes it the world's fastest convertible available on the market.
In comparison to other models, the most noticeable differences are its higher windshield, newly designed state-of-the-art LED headlights, new horseshoe-style wheels, new feature details, extended safety characteristics and the lightweight transparent polycarbonate roof.
Based on the classic Bugatti Veyron 16.4, considerable changes were required in the complex vehicle structure. The central element of the car, the carbon fibre monocoque, has been completely redefined by Bugatti. As a result, the high performance roadster is able to retain its extreme rigidity and ensure maximum security even when the roof is removed. The two newly designed air inlets not only supply sufficient ventilation to the 16-cylinder engine beneath them, but the ten centimeter wide carbon fiber elements also provide the essential rollover protection.
The innovative soft top, which can be stowed in the trunk like an umbrella, protects driver and passenger from sudden rainfall. Other features include a reverse camera with 2.7 inch monitor integrated in the rearview mirror and the "Puccini" sound system, specifically design for convertibles.
Each Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport is hand-built at the Bugatti headquarters in Molsheim (Alsace), France. The delivery of the planned 150 vehicles is scheduled from March 2009. The first 40 cars are reserved exclusively for current Bugatti customers. With one exception: the coveted first car will be auctioned off at the renowned Gooding Auction on 17 August 2008. Bugatti Automobiles will donate the profits to a charitable foundation.