The world's most significant celebration of the automobile takes place annually in Monterey, California. This year, it will see some of the most elegant, exclusive, and valuable vehicles ever produced in over 100 years of motoring, with Bugatti set to play 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 will unveil a second model to the world – the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 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.

 

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The main challenge in developing the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 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.

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 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 16.4 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 Veyron 16.4 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.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL
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
PERFORMANCE
Top speed 407 km/h
Acceleration < 2.7sec 0–100 km/h
7.3 sec 0–200 km/h
16.7 sec 0–300 km/h
Braking distance 31.4 m 100–0 km/h
Gearbox shift time < 150 ms
DRIVE TRAIN
Motor Type/Number of Cylinders W16
Cylinder Capacity 7 993 cm3
Power output 736 KW (1 001 hp) at 6 000 rpm
Max. torque 1 250 Nm from 2 200–5 500 rpm
Gearbox 7 Gear DSG
Drive All Wheels
Power distribution Front axle differential with Haldex
clutch; rear axle with with transverse
differential lock
FUEL CONSUMPTION
In town 41,9 L/100km
Out of town 15,6 L/100km
Combined 24,9 L/100km
CO2-EMISSION (GRAM/KILOMETRE)
In town 999 g/km
Out of town 373 g/km
Combined 596 g/km
Fuel type Super lead free 98 RON / ROZ
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
Standard 125 / 125 front / rear (mm)
Handling 80 / 95 front / rear (mm)
Top Speed 65 / 70 front / rear (mm)
AERODYNAMICS
CW VALUE
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
Brake setting 55°/27°
Special features Central hydraulics
THREE SUSPENSION HEIGHTS
STANDARD_ For town traffic and speeds up to 220 km/h. From 220 km/h, automatic configuration switches from Standard to Handling
HANDLING_ For fast driving on country roads or motorways, or manually selectable for race tracks
TOP SPEED_ 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

DIMENSIONS

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Dimensions