1999 Bugatti EB 18/4 Veyron - AllCarIndex

The Bugatti EB 18 / 4 "Veyron" - a spirited, dynamic sports car design study

At this year's Tokyo Motor Show the Volkswagen Group is displaying a new Bugatti sports car design study, closely linked to the Bugatti EB 18/3 "Chiron" that was exhibited at the German Motor Show in Frankfurt. This new study, known as the EB 18/4 "Veyron", is a modern high-performance sports car of striking design, using the mid-engined layout with no technological compromises.

The Bugatti tradition of successful sports cars is reflected in the name chosen for this design study, which commemorates the former Bugatti factory driver Pierre Veyron. A Frenchman, he achieved numerous racing successes for this historic marque, culminating in victory in the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1939.

The Bugatti EB 18/4 "Veyron" has impressively dynamic outlines. The team headed by Hartmut Warkuss, the manager of the "Center of Excellence Design" at Volkswagen, has succeeded in finding a new interpretation of traditional Bugatti values and creating a sports car with looks that emphasise its high performance potential at the very first glance. The designers have also displayed their sincere appreciation of the character of the Bugatti. Warkuss regards it as a very special challenge to be allowed to interpret the mystic of the Bugatti make afresh in this way.

Of all the models that have appeared in the new Bugatti era, the EB 18/4 "Veyron" is surely the most audacious. Its advanced, sporting design is an indicator that a great future awaits this make of car.

4380 millimetres long and extremely low, with an overall height of no more than 1206 millimetres, this sports car's outlines can surely be described as sensual; from every angle, they emphasise the dynamic body styling. The three-colour paintwork is a stylistic link between the past and future of a make of car that is already rich in tradition. The short body overhangs and emphatic curves add to the impression of sheer power that the design study creates.

This impression is confirmed when the mechanical elements of the EB 18/4 "Veyron" are examined. This mid-engined Bugatti is driven by a 408 kW (555 bhp) 18-cylinder engine located ahead of the rear axle. This engine, with a swept volume of 6.3 litres, has direct fuel injection and - another eye-catching feature - consists of three banks of six cylinders. It is exposed to view behind the seats and topped by two striking, silver-coloured air intake ducts which add a notable visual accept to the "Veyron", in much the same way as the two pairs of circular rear-light clusters of classic sports-car design.

The exceptional character of the EB 18 / 4 "Veyron" is maintained inside, where sporting and luxury elements blend well together to create an inspiring ambience. The design and location of the controls recalls the high technical and optical precision that is a feature of historic Bugatti racing cars.

The Bugatti EB 18 / 4 "Veyron" - no-compromise interpretation of a high-performance sports car

At this year's Tokyo Motor Show the Volkswagen Group is displaying a new Bugatti sports-car design study, similar in character to the EB 18/3 "Chiron" exhibited at the German Motor Show in Frankfurt. Known as the EB 18/4 "Veyron", this exceptional supersport design emphasises the mid¬engined technical concept in a manner that tolerates no compromises. Made from carbon fibre, the compact body emphasises the new model's clear design concept.

Bugatti's long tradition of successful sports and racing cars is reflected in the name chosen for the EB 18/4. Pierre Veyron was a French driver who gained numerous racing successes for the marque in the nineteen-thirties, culminating in victory in the 1939 Le Mans 24-hour Race, in which he shared the wheel of a Bugatti 57C "Tank" with his fellow-countryman Jean-Pierre Wimille.

The unceasing search for innovation and perfection allied to character and aesthetic quality led Bugatti to explore new paths and discard all forms of prejudiced thinking. The wide variety of models and styling achievements which emerged from the Bugatti factory during its eventful history is now joined by yet another convincing interpretation of the qualities associated with this immortal marque.

The EB 18/4 "Veyron" is renewed evidence of the strength and tradition inherent in the Bugatti concept - an abundant reservoir of stimulating designs, timeless topics and inspiring motifs capable of effective re-interpretation in modern terms. The Bugatti mystique is an almost inexhaustible source of inspiration for the modern designer's enthusiasm and creativity.

Design - dynamic with traditional values

The EB 18/4 "Veyron" design study is immediately and unmistakably recognisable as a Bugatti, despite distinct differences from the related EB 18/3 "Chiron". The team headed by Hartmut Warkuss has here demonstrated its ability to identify with the essence of the Bugatti marque but at the same time to create a vehicle with a character all its own. As Manager of the Volkswagen Group's "Center of Excellence Design, Warkuss regards this close involvement with the Bugatti legend as a very special challenge. He is aiming for a thoroughly personal interpretation that will bring out the innovative element inherent in the Bugatti make in design terms as well, to a greater extent than in previous models.

The EB 18/4 "Veyron" is a modern high-performance sports car with proportions that clearly illustrate the no-compromise manner in which the modern racing car's mid-engine technology has been adopted; the central element in this concept is clearly the supremely powerful, compact 18- cylinder engine. This study invites many associations with formal elements and outlines from the marque's history, either quoted directly or re-interpreted in a contemporary way.

The strong emphasis on the three-dimensional is a notable feature of the styling. The tension created by alternating surfaces and lines breaks up and sub-divides the car's compact body in an unmistakable way, giving rise to fresh visual impressions of this dynamic form according to the onlooker's momentary position. The restrained three-colour paint finish adds to this effect.

Of all the Bugatti models from the new era of the company, the EB 18/4 "Veyron" is possibly the most audacious. Its advanced, sporting design is an unexpected variation on the Bugatti theme, and if only for this reason can be understood as a determined desire to revive the marque's fortunes.

4380 millimetres long and with an overall height of only 1206 millimetres exceptionally low, the new sports car is identifiable by its exceptionally sensual formal language, which acquires fresh dynamic emphasis from every perspective. The three-colour paint finish can be regarded as a stylistic link between the past and the future of this marque, which is so rich in tradition. The "blue in blue pearl effect" colour scheme evokes memories of classic models from Bugatti's earlier history. A direct and evocative reminiscence of the styling practised then is the central "spine" running along the body.

Another instantly recognisable Bugatti styling element is the noble chromium-plated radiator grille, the classic shape of which has now been integrated to perfection into the aerodynamically shaped body. Additional air inlets are needed as well as this traditional radiator grille, but do not conflict with it visually. Together with the broad headlight units, the front end acquires a clear graphic style with characteristic, individual elements acting together to create the desired visual excitement.

Short body overhangs and bold curves add to the aesthetic appeal of this design study, particularly at the rear end of the EB 18 / 4 "Veyron", with its voluminous rear side panels, the way in which the side window appears to extend rearwards is another effective styling accent.

Viewed from the rear, the EB 18/4 "Veyron" is notably impressive. The two pairs of circular rear lights are a classic sports-car styling element. Form and function are satisfied equally by the two large air intake in gleaming silver above the sides of the engine, the tops of which extend up even beyond the roof of this low-slung sports car. They conduct the intake air to the engine's 18 cylinders and also delight the eye as a successful, expressive styling feature.

The immense care devoted to details when designing the EB 18/4 "Veyron" sports car is confirmed indirectly by the initials of company founder Ettore Bugatti himself, which appear on the tail panel. The three rectangular-section exhaust tailpipes are arranged unconventionally in a central, vertical layout.

The interior - reduced to essentials

The exceptional quality of the EB 18/4 "Veyron" also manifests itself inside the car, where sporting and luxury elements combine to create an evocative ambience. Driver and passenger will both sense the consistently fine character of the interior, with high-grade nubuk leather used for the fascia, door trims, seats and roof lining, accompanied by active-breathing natural leather where suitable. Brushed and polished aluminium surfaces make a stimulating contrast to the gleaming reddish-brown "Havana" colour of the leather upholstery and trim.

The instruments used in the EB 18 / 4 "Veyron" are also in a class all their own. One large circular dial is flanked by four smaller ones. They too demonstrate how the designers have concentrated on essentials, just as in the classic Bugatti competition cars of yesteryear.

The same philosophy continues on the large centre console, with controls in three rows: time (a chronometer), audio system and automatic air conditioning. In their technical and optical precision these control elements recall those in historic Bugatti racing cars. The stylish, distinctive rocker switches are to be found on the fascia, the centre console and a module in the roof lining. Their traditional visual effect underlines the sporting character of the interior.

As symbols for its weight-saving construction, the Bugatti EB 18/4 "Veyron" has an aluminium steering wheel and pedals made from the same material.

The luggage compartment under the front hood panel is lined with durable leather, and shaped to accommodate a high- quality luggage set bearing the Bugatti name.

Technical features - living up to historic standards

The great tradition of the Bugatti marque lives on in the EB 18 / 4 "Veyron" and in its entire technical conception as a high- performance sports car. With an overall length of 4380 millimetres and an overall width of 1994 millimetres, this 18- cylinder car is compact externally, with technical specification and road behaviour occupying centre stage.

The long 2650-millimetre wheelbase and the notably broad track of 1712 millimetres at the front and 1640 millimetres at the rear add to the crouched, powerful impression created by this mid-engined model, which has an overall height of only 1206 millimetres. Big 20-inch wheels shod with 265/30 R 20 tyres at the front and 335/30 R 20 tyres at the rear are another visible sign that the "Veyron" is a car with exceptional sporting ambitions.

Four-wheel drive is installed to convey the impressive flow of power from the 18-cylinder engine to the road - a concept that ensures optimum traction. The body is made of carbon fibre, is of low weight and has good aerodynamic properties.

The engine - supreme level of propulsion

The Bugatti EB 18/4 "Veyron" is powered by an 18-cylinder mid-engine located ahead of the rear axle; it was already featured in the recent EB 18/3 "Chiron" design study.

Despite the large number of cylinders, this Volkswagen- developed engine is extremely compact. Length is saved by arranging the cylinders in three banks of six, with 60-degree included angles between them. In addition to its compact overall size, this "W" engine layout makes for extremely smooth running.

The 18 cylinders have a total swept volume of 6.3 litres. Each combustion chamber contains four valves, making no fewer than 72 in all. Direct fuel injection has been adopted, and the engine's maximum power output is 408 kW (555 bhp) at 6800/min. An equally significant performance factor is this engine's monumental torque, reaching its peak of 650 Newton-metres at an engine speed of 4000/min.

Power is transmitted directly through a hydraulically actuated clutch to the manual-shift gearbox. The gearbox housing at the rear axle is in unit with the engine block. The engine has dry sump lubrication with an oil capacity of 15 litres.

The engine is maintained at the ideal operating temperature by a high-performance cooling system incorporating two three-stage water pumps. Electronic engine management uses a master-slave principle with separate control systems for each bank of six cylinders, co-ordinated by a master control unit.