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2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport is all about top speed

With its digital unveiling of the Chiron Super Sport recently, Bugatti continues its development of elegant, comfortable, and ultra high-performance hyper sportscars. The new member of the Chiron family is the essence of what the engineers have learned and developed in recent years to create the ultimate Grand Tourer.

The Chiron Super Sport embodies a part of Bugatti’s broad spectrum of performance – a counterpart to the Chiron Pur Sport, which was made for cornering and lateral agility. It has been designed for speed, adopting a new vehicle design with optimized aerodynamics for the streamlined bodywork. From the front splitter to the rear diffuser, every centimetre of its skin is designed for top speed.

Superlative aerodynamic performance
At speeds over 420 km/h, a vehicle must offer sufficient downforce alongside minimal drag. “Our aim was to give the vehicle a neutral set-up at its top speed while also giving it as streamlined a shape as possible.” explained Frank Heyl, Deputy Design Director at Bugatti. “The uplift forces exerted on the bodywork at 440 km/h are immense. The body of the Chiron Super Sport generates massive downforce to counter this uplift and perfectly balance the forces.”

“The design process was therefore in particular about achieving aerodynamic efficiency,” Heyl continued. “The Chiron Super Sport’s extended rear, which is known as a long tail, gives it new proportions and very distinctive aesthetics.”

For aerodynamic performance, the rear has grown by approximately 25 cm to hold the laminar flow to the bodywork for as long as possible. Bugatti designers also enlarged the diffuser cross-section, pushing the diffuser’s trailing edge higher and thereby reducing the rear’s trailing surface by 44%. As a result, the slipstream and wind resistance generated are significantly reduced – factors which otherwise decelerate the vehicle.

Even from afar, the Chiron Super Sport is unmistakable due to its repositioned tailpipe configuration. To boost the effect of the diffuser and give it more space, Bugatti has shifted the otherwise central exhaust system to the side, with the pipes aligned vertically.

The 9 exhaust air holes on each fender are more than just a nod to the EB 110 Super Sport – they also serve to release the air pressure from the front wheel wells, thereby generating streamlined downforce at the front axle. Additional outlets behind the front wheel arches likewise help to balance out the aerodynamic loads.

For even greater exclusivity, new aluminium wheels in a 5Y-spoke design are available only for the Chiron Super Sport. These new Super Sport wheels are also available in a diamond-cut option. The Chiron Pur Sport’s iconic magnesium wheels, which further reduce the weight of the unsprung mass, are also available as an option.

Greater performance, higher revs
Bugatti thoroughly overhauled the 8.0-litre W16 engine for the Chiron Super Sport, boosting its performance by 100 ps to 1,600 ps. Maximum torque of 1,500 Nm is accessible from between 2,000 and 7,000 rpm, rather than up to 6,000 rpm. The extra engine speed (300 rpm) allows for even greater longitudinal acceleration and an even more emotive driving experience. The overall weight is also lowered by 23 kgs.

With the improved performance created by larger turbochargers with more efficient compressor wheels, the 7-gear dual-clutch transmission at full load and full speed transitions from sixth to seventh gear at 403 km/h. The claimed 0 to 200 km/h is 5.8 seconds and to 300 km/h is 12.1 seconds.

Chassis set-up for top speed
The new chassis has been developed specifically for the Chiron Super Sport’s high speeds and new aerodynamics. The steering systems and dampers create a firmer and more rigid connection to the vehicle from the driving feel, resulting in tighter steering for smoother steering movements. Harder springs stabilize the entire vehicle at top speed, and the engineers additionally also retuned the electronically controlled chassis.

Tyres with 500 km/h speed capability
Newly developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres which have been optimized for top speed offer greater rigidity and smoothness than grip-optimized tyres fitted to the Chiron Pur Sport. What’s more, it is said that these are the only tyres that can consistently be used at up to 500 km/h. This is made possible by reinforced belts that can cope with immense forces – verified on the test bench originally built for the Space Shuttle.

Bugatti will soon begin with the manufacture of the Chiron Super Sport, with only 9 units planned for sale. Delivery of the hyper sportscars, each priced from 3.2 million euros (almost RM16 million) will start in early 2022.

Bugatti Chiron Sport versus Dassault Rafale Marine (w/VIDEO)

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Track-only Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 with full carbon chassis meets FIA Hypercar safety standards

With 30 years of experience in using composite materials in the automotive field, it’s not surprising that Lamborghini is the first carmaker to have a car on the market with a carbonfibre roll-cage homologated according to the FIA Hypercar safety standards. The model is the Essenza SCV12 which was developed by Lamborghini Squadra Corse and designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile as the direct descendant of cars such as the Miura Jota and Diablo GTR.

‘Laboratory of ideas’
“The Essenza SCV12 was born as a ‘laboratory of ideas’. This allowed us to use technical solutions usually found in racing prototypes, such as the suspension installed directly on the load-bearing gearbox, which is an innovative solution for a GT car. In addition, it features the new carbonfibre monocoque chassis without steel roll- cage, resulting from technical collaboration with the FIA, thanks to which we’ve started a process that will lead to an exponential improvement in safety for GT racing drivers in the future,” said Giorgio Sanna, Lamborghini’s Head of Motorsport.

Rigorous testing to meet standards
The carbonfibre chassis has been subjected to the testing required by the FIA for chassis homologation. This testing is extremely rigorous, involving both static and dynamic tests, and required Lamborghini Squadra Corse technicians to extensively modify the structure of the production chassis from which the Essenza SCV12 chassis is derived.

The carbonfibre monocoque was reinforced in several points, having to withstand forces of over 12 tons during the FIA homologation tests without presenting significant deformations. There are more than 20 static tests which, in addition to the chassis, involve the pedals, seatbelts and fuel tank. The dynamic crash tests, on the other hand, involve impacts at speeds of up to 14 metres/second. In this type of test, the chassis must not be subjected to any intrusion of external elements that could come into contact with the driver, and the fuel tank must not leak.

Saving weight and space
The decision of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse technicians to maintain the carbonfibre structure, ie not mounting a steel roll-cage, was a benefit in terms of overall weight, along with the use of innovative laminated foams inside the chassis (ROHACELL 71 XT). This also provided a significant increase in cockpit space for optimal driving comfort.

In the Essenza SCV12, the driver sits on an OMP FIA 8862 homologated seat, mounted on carbonfibre cradles designed by Squadra Corse and produced in Lamborghini’s CFK laboratories. The seat has been lowered compared to the road models and the driver and passenger are protected on the door side by two side impact guards, also made of composite material, which replace the classic steel tubes found in racing cars.

Another new solution is the cradle situated in the rear part of the monocoque, which houses the engine perfectly positioned on the longitudinal axis, while the gearbox has a load-bearing and structural function. This characteristic also made it possible to achieve torsional stiffness values 20% higher than those of the Huracan GT3 EVO.

“Along with the aerodynamic load of over 1,200 kgs at top speed, the torsional stiffness of the car contributes to ensuring extraordinary driving precision,” explained Marco Mapelli. “This makes it possible for the driver to tackle curves at speed without any appreciable correction of the steering angle. Essenza SCV12 is a very fast car, thanks to the extraordinary thrust of the 830 bhp engine, and it’s relatively easy to drive.”

Only for track use
The track-only hypercar, limited to 40 units, has the most powerful V12 naturally-aspirated engine ever developed by Lamborghini, combined with aerodynamics inspired by racing prototypes and new technical solutions designed for the ultimate driving experience.

The first units of Essenza SCV12 were delivered to customers about 2 months ago and the dedicated program of track events will start at the end of this month. Essenza SCV12 owners will become part of an exclusive club that will give them access to special programs to drive their hypercar on the most prestigious circuits in the world. The program includes storage service in a new hangar built in Sant’Agata Bolognese for the Essenza SCV12 club. Each car will have a personalized garage and dedicated services, including webcams to allow customers to monitor their cars 24 hours a day using an app.

Are you good enough to be a Lamborghini Official Sim driver?

2021 Rimac Nevera – the 412 km/h hypercar from Croatia

Croatia, a country across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, is not a particularly large country. Its population of 4.13 million is less than Singapore’s 5 million+ and annual sales volume has been around 63,000 units (apart from last year when new vehicle sales contracted worldwide due to the pandemic). It has a fairly active auto industry with many factories producing autoparts for export as well as a few domestic carmakers.

Notable among these is 11-year old Rimac Automobil, an ambitious carmaker which specialises in high-performance electric cars. Its earlier Concept One gained global exposure as an official track car during the first season of the all-electric Formula E championship in 2014. Since then, the company has continued to develop models with new technology and its latest is the Nevera hypercar. The Nevera is the production-ready iteration of the Rimac C_Two concept car, which was revealed at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2018. Since then, Rimac’s engineers have refined their new flagship through an extensive development program.

A 10-year ‘impossible’ journey
“This is it. This is the car I had in mind when I embarked on the ‘impossible’ journey ten years ago. All our hard work has resulted in the Nevera – our record-breaking hypercar. This car was born to outperform, and to raise the bar, redefining the norm for performance cars. And not only in performance – but as an all-around package,” said Mate Rimac, founder and CEO of the company.

“The Nevera proves what is possible when there are no restraints placed on technology, development, or ambition. We have now unveiled a car that pushes the hypercar market to a higher level, we have utilized the full potential of the electric powertrain today, proving what we’ve always been saying – that electric hypercar, in the form of the Nevera, is beyond exciting, and that is as thrilling on the track, as it is crossing continents,” he said.

Signature ‘cravat’ feature
Rimac favours lean and effective engineering at every stage, and that philosophy is exemplified in the form-follows-function nature of the Nevera’s design. It is applied to every single detail, including the car’s signature ‘cravat’ feature, which is incorporated into its flanks. It is functional too, serving as an air intake for the rear cooling systems.

As the design evolved, many changes were made to the Nevera’s bodywork; for example, the redesigned air diffusers and intakes deliver a 34% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency over the early prototypes. The profile of the bonnet, the shape of the pillars and the design of the diffusers, splitters and radiators have all been intensively analysed and refined to improve airflow and downforce. Inlets and cooling channels have been painstakingly developed to increase the cooling efficiency of both the brake and powertrain systems, resulting in a 30% improvement at low speeds and a 7% enhancement at high speeds.

Rimac has also created many new innovative active aerodynamic elements for better cooling, performance, stability, and efficiency. The front bonnet profile, underbody flap, rear diffuser and rear wing can each move independently, driven by complex algorithms that provided the optimum aerodynamic configuration for every driving situation. Switching from ‘high downforce’ to ‘low drag’ mode reduces aerodynamic drag by 17.5% to create a drag value of 0.3 Cd. Changing back into ‘high downforce’ mode increases downforce by 326%.

World’s most advanced monocoque construction
The hypercar’s groundbreaking monocoque incorporates a bonded carbonfibre roof, integrated structural battery pack and rear carbonfibre subframe. This is believed to be the largest single carbonfibre piece in the entire automotive industry. Weighing less than 200 kgs and utilising 2,200 carbon fibre plies with 222 aluminium inserts, the monocoque encases the car’s battery to form a compact yet incredibly strong structure.

Powertrain developed in-house
The key to the Nevera’s high performance is Rimac’s pioneering electric powertrain. The unique H-shaped, liquid-cooled, 120kWh, 6960-cell battery pack was designed from scratch by. Capable of producing 1.4MW of power, the lithium-manganese-nickel battery pack also forms an integral part of the car’s core, adding 37% structural stiffness to the carbonfibre monocoque.

The battery pack’s optimum positioning low and central within the car’s floor contributes to an ultra-low centre of gravity. This helps create an excellent 48:52 front/rear weight distribution and the best possible handling balance. High-power recharging can ‘refuel’ an empty battery pack to 80% in 19 minutes, it is claimed, and the range is 550 kms.

Four bespoke surface-mounted permanent magnet motors drive the four wheels individually. Together, they generate 1,914 hp and 2,360Nm of torque, which is triple the output of a ‘conventional–engined’ supercar. The front and rear wheels are each connected to a pair of single-speed gearboxes. The electric motors are 97% efficient and completely maintenance-free throughout their operating life. The Nevera is claimed to take 1.85 seconds from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) and if there is a road which is long enough – and no speedtraps – it should be able to reach a maximum speed of 412 km/h.

An experienced person will find the available driving modes useful for a more engaging drive. The SPORT mode sharpens the response of the throttle, brakes, suspension and steering, while DRIFT mode sends more torque to the rear wheels to accentuate oversteer and help hold the car in a controlled power slide on the track. In expert hands, TRACK mode sets the Nevera to full, unrestrained configuration to allow drivers to exploit the car’s full potential.

Minimalist design cabin
The Nevera is as much a capable grand tourer as it is a performance hypercar with space for two occupants and their luggage. Configured for both track driving and comfort, the layout of the cockpit is divided into two zones. Digital screens eliminate switchgear, with only essential tactile controls present, thereby freeing up space.

The cockpit features a trio of high-definition TFT screens, which present as much, or as little, information as the user requires. The focus of the top segment is entirely placed on driving pleasure and performance, while the lower part houses the infotainment system, comfort controls and driving data. From the cockpit, the driver can monitor every aspect of the car’s performance with real-time telemetry – downloadable to a laptop or smartphone for later review.

World’s first AI Driving Coach
To enable drivers to extract maximum performance and help them further develop their track driving skills, Rimac has developed the world’s first AI (Artificial Intelligence) Driver Coach. Using 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 cameras, 6 radars, and the very latest NVIDIA Pegasus operating system, the Rimac Driving Coach adds an additional, immersive experience behind the wheel. The system overlays selected race circuits in real-time, offering clear and precise audio and visual guidance, to enable drivers to perfect their racing lines, braking and acceleration points and steering inputs.

Only 150 units will be available and no two Neveras will leave the factory looking the same or bearing the same specification. The customer will have the ability to choose from a comprehensive range of bespoke trims and material options. In addition to the company’s premium individual personalisation program, Rimac will offer its flagship in various editions: GT, Signature, Timeless or Bespoke. The price of a Nevera starts at 2 million euros (around RM10 million) but after all the personalisation, the final amount will obviously be more.

Aspark Owl – first Japanese electric hypercar – claims acceleration record

Bugatti’s RM55.1 million La Voiture Noire ready for delivery to only customer

For the 0.003% of the world’s population who are classified as ‘ultra-rich’, buying cars is no longer just about personalization to the highest degree. That may make the car unique but there may still be many of the same model that others can own. These days, some manufacturers are selling cars so exclusive that they are true ‘one-offs’ which no one else can own.

The Bugatti La Voiture Noire is an example, and claimed to be the most exclusive model in the world. The design for a customer was first presented 2 years ago and now, the hypercar has been completed and can soon be delivered.

“With the completed La Voiture Noire, we are demonstrating once again that we develop the world’s most sophisticated hyper sportscars,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “With its use of visible carbonfibre in jet black, the coupe’s breathtaking sculpture looks especially elegant. It’s a veritable grand tourer that went from being a vision to a reality – a unique project which stands for Bugatti’s full creativity and artistry.”

Historically significant name
The name ‘La Voiture Noire’ will be familiar to Bugatti enthusiasts. Ettore Bugatti’s son, Jean, developed and drove one of just four Type 57 SC Atlantics produced, a car which was described as the ‘most perfect’ and the fastest automobile of its time. Jean named his model ‘La Voiture Noire’ – the black car. Jean Bugatti had a real flair for shapes and developed saloons and coupes of dramatic beauty. With the Atlantic, he had created a masterpiece.

That car disappeared without a trace shortly before the Second World War. It is now considered the automotive equivalent of the Amber Room, one of the greatest mysteries of the automotive world, and as a vehicle of indescribable value.

Reinterpreting the Atlantic
The idea for this homage came to Design Director Achim Anscheidt more than 20 years ago but years passed until it became possible to realize this unusual project. “We were rather in awe of the idea of developing the La Voiture Noire. No other vehicle in the long history of Bugatti has acquired the same legendary status as the Type 57 SC Atlantic and has become so synonymous with the brand. We had a great deal of respect for this historical responsibility as well as for the customer,” explained Anscheidt.

For the reinterpretation, the designers had to cast their minds back and seek to understand the automobile, the bygone times, the technology, the materials, and the creators – and then update this work to the 21st century.

Minimalist coupe
The 21^st century La Voiture Noire is a minimalist coupe, much like the Atlantic back then, thanks to reducing the essentials, reduced lines, and the absence of a large and dominant rear wing. The designers reinterpreted the spirit of the historical car and developed a specific shape stylistically and technically speaking. This includes the dorsal seam down the centerline, the extended front section, the clear lines, and the romanticism of the rear.

With great attention to detail, they created a bodywork with a unique surface finish – visible carbon fiber with a clearcoat known as ‘Black Carbon Glossy’ which generates virtually no reflections. The bumpers are integrated gently into the bodywork while the windscreen appears to merge with the side windows like a helmet visor.

The lack of disruptive lines means the surface appears to have been cast in one piece – nothing interrupts the visual flow. This transforms the vehicle’s attitude from a hyper sportscar to a grand tourer. A unique sense of drama is generated by reducing the essentials and the teasing out of this essence of beauty and elegance from the surfaces.

Extraordinary details
In addition, it boasts some extraordinary details. There are more than 25 individually milled lighting elements per side in the headlamps – an immense amount of work, even for a one-off. Each and every cell of the 3D-printed front grille has been refined and examined to ensure they all look perfect together.

The rear is dominated by an elegant rear light which, for the first time, features a single-piece surround with no joints. Six individual tailpipes serve as a nod to the car’s well-known template. A newly developed parametric design at the front and rear means the body parts appear to be sealed, but they are actually air-permeable.

The interior is entirely with grain leather in Havana Brown, basing its choice on the historical model. This natural material contrasts with specially polished and turned aluminium inlays in various locations on the centre console, the centre spine, and the doors. The driving modes can be changed by means of a sophisticated rosewood switch.

During development, every new part had to pass strict Bugatti testing and quality procedures, was measured, and was put through its paces time and again. Extensive simulations were followed by testing in the wind tunnel and on test benches, and then on test tracks and proving grounds covering the entire range of speeds. Modifications to the bodywork, cooling, thermodynamics, wheels, and wheelbase result in new balance which requires perfect coordination.

And what’s the price of having the only car of its type in the world? Bugatti says that it cost the customer 11 million euros (about RM55.1 million). Yes, you would have to be among that 0.003%…

Click here for more articles about Bugatti.

Czinger 21C hypercar ready to go into production with final spec confirmed

Czinger (actually pronounced ‘zinger’), the company that uses an in-house invented Human-AI (Artificial Intelligence) production system to build its vehicles, has unveiled the final production spec of its 21C hypercar. This is the first model in a series of exclusive performance vehicles – only 80 units – created in part using additive manufacturing technologies. Each component manufactured using this technology is computationally engineered using AI, optimized for weight and performance, and is beautifully finished by hand.

1:1 power-to-weight ratio
The latest version has significant updates since its first public introduction in March 2020 just before the cancelled Geneva International Motor Show. The changes include a revised width of 2050 mm. With 1,250 bhp and a dry weight under 1240 kgs, the 21C is said to achieve a true 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. All the power generated by the hybrid powertrain goes to the road via an all-wheel drive system and ultra-light, sequential 7-speed automated manual gearbox.

The hybrid powertrain, developed in-house, incorporates a 2.88-litre V8 petrol engine with twin turbochargers positioned mid-vehicle. It is supplemented by 2 high-output electric motors, each powering a front wheel with torque vectoring. The redline is at 11,000 rpm, and customers can also opt for an upgrade which will add another 100 bhp.

The 21C V8 is designed to use a range of fuels, including carbon-recycled methanol and other e-fuels. This will enable it to be run as a zero-emission vehicle.

Top speed of 450 km/h
The hypercar has a top speed claimed to be up to 450 km/h in optional low-drag vmax configuration. Putting the driver and passenger in the centre position for ultimate weight distribution, aero and driver engagement, its claimed 0 to 100 km/h is 1.9 seconds, with 0 to 400 km/h in 21.3 seconds. At 160 km/h, its aerodynamic features and design can generate 615 kgs of downforce, increasing to 2,500 kgs at 320 km/h.

Patented production system
The hypercar is designed, built, and manufactured in Los Angeles using advanced technology tools that are integrated into a patented production system. This system includes automated AI-based design and optimization software, patented additive manufacturing driven processes, high accuracy automated assembly and novel performance materials. This revolutionary technology enables Czinger’s design and engineering team to unlock performance and styling not before seen in the automotive industry.

Computationally engineered, printed and assembled, each component is at the frontier of theoretical performance. For example, the front upper control arm is hollow with internal structures allowing it to achieve significant mass savings compared to a traditional tooled variant, thereby greatly reducing unsprung mass and further driving the 21C’s dominating performance.

Both of the fully homologated specifications of the 21C can be highly customized, and it is unlikely that anyone will pay the base price of US$1.7 million (about RM7.01 million) for a standard model. When the prototype was unveiled over a year ago, the plan was to deliver the first cars in early 2021. However, the pandemic would have upset the development and production timetable and Czinger is not giving saying when it can complete the cars.

Czinger 21C hybrid hypercar – 1,233 bhp and 0 to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds! (w/VIDEOS)

Bugatti Chiron Sport versus Dassault Rafale Marine (w/VIDEO)

Drag races between supercars and aircraft are rare and do not take place very often as it would not be easy to get permission, especially if such an exercise which uses military equipment like a fighter jet. But once in a while, a publication or manufacturer can get the permission to organise and Bugatti was able to do so recently.

The French carmaker was able to arrange for its Chiron Sport – which has a top speed of over 400 km/h – to challenge the Dassault Rafale Marine, a French fighter jet that can fly at more than Mach 1.6 or around 1,975 km/h.

Second duel with a jet fighter
The high-octane rendezvous between the two super machines took place at a naval base in the north-west of France. It was not the first time a Bugatti challenged a jet before; in 2007, a Veyron 16.4 took on a Eurofighter Typhoon in a drag race. In the latest duel, the Chiron Sport and the Rafale Marine would be measured up against one another in acceleration, torque and even braking behaviour.

It wasn’t a matter of turning up on the runway and taking off. There was an elaborate process taking many weeks of planning to even the most minute detail. “Precision and preparation are everything. Everything happens very quickly in the Rafale Marine and every move you make has to be right. And the same goes for the Chiron Sport at high speeds,” explained French Navy pilot Etienne. “At high speeds, everything has to go perfectly both in the Chiron Sport and the Rafale Marine. The runway isn’t all that long or terribly wide for the both of us. This comparison will be a challenge for everyone,” added Pierre-Henri Raphanel, who drove the hypercar.

This encounter with a jet was a first for Raphanel, a racing driver. “We may only be driving straight ahead on a runway but setting off alongside a jet demands a great deal of attention and concentration, especially at high speeds,” he explained. With the Chiron Sport, it is the combination of seemingly never-ending power output and torque – 1,500 ps and 1,600 Nm – that delivers incredible thrust.

The hypercar takes the lead
It wasn’t surprising that the 8-litre Chiron Sport had the lead soon after taking off. The hypercar accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.4 seconds and then reached 200 km/h after just 3.7 seconds. 13.1 seconds after leaving the start line, it was already at a speed of 300 km/h and the total time it took to reach 400 km/h was 32.6 seconds.

“I pulled away from the Rafale over the first few hundred metres, but after a few hundred metres more, it was around 20 metres above and alongside me in the air. An incredible and fantastic sight!” recalled Raphanel later.

For the aircraft, it was a different measurement: it passed 165 km/h after 150 metres and 210 km/h after 250 metres, and lifted off the runway after 450 metres at around 260 km/h.

Stopping from high speed
To be able to decelerate stably at high speeds, both machines use extra-special brakes. The Bugatti driver initiated his braking manoeuvre after approximately 1.5 kms, at which time it was doing over 350 km/h. The stopping power was provided by a powerful brake system with disks with a diameter of 420 mm at the front (with 8 pistons) and 400 mm at the back (with 7 pistons).

It takes the Chiron Sport 491 metres to come to a standstill from 400 km/h. It covers 114 metres when decelerating from 200 to 0 km/h. Due to the shortness of the runway and the safety regulations, the Chiron Sport braked at just 210 km/h and the Rafale Marine at 250 km/h.

To compare its braking performance with that of the Chiron Sport, the Rafale Marine approaches the runway at approximately 280 km/h, makes contact with the ground, and catches the arresting gear with its tailhook on the rear, just like on an aircraft carrier. The plane comes to a standstill within 150 metres. “It’s a very extreme sensation, as if you were driving into a wall or like a controlled fall,” said Etienne. The Chiron Sport brakes powerfully but with less abruptness. “With the air brake at the rear, the Bugatti remains incredibly directionally stable, even during abrupt braking manoeuvres down from high speeds,” explained Raphanel.

A Bugatti engine on your wrist

A matching watch for owners of the McLaren Speedtail hyper GT

McLaren Automotive and Richard Mille, the Swiss watchmaking brand, have had a partnership since 2017 and to mark the beginning of the fifth year of that relationship, they have revealed their latest and most ambitious collaboration to date – the RM 40-01 Automatic Tourbillon McLaren Speedtail.

As the name suggests, this watch is associated with the futuristic looking Speedtail model – the fastest, most advanced and most exotic road car McLaren has yet produced. Only 106 cars will be produced, and mirroring this, only 106 RM 40-01 Automatic Tourbillon McLaren Speedtail watches are planned.

Based on the form of a teardrop, the most aerodynamically efficient shape found in nature, the 3-seat Speedtail is the ideal form for a streamlined hypercar. With its 1,070-bhp hybrid powertrain, the Speedtail can cover 112 metres per second when travelling at its top speed of 403 km/h, making it the fastest McLaren road car to date.

2,800 hours over 18 months to create
The aerodynamic efficiency of the hypercar provided the starting point for the design of the RM 40-01 Automatic Tourbillon McLaren Speedtail. It took Richard Mille’s casing department an unprecedented 2,800 hours over 18 months to perfect the lines.

“When it came to the RM 40-01, we had considerable input in sharing the highlights of the car and the philosophy behind it. With the Speedtail, we set out to produce a car that had an artistic quality to it. That has certainly come through in the watch, which beautifully mirrors the many various details of the Speedtail in its finish, materials and its uncompromising design,” said Rob Melville, McLaren Automotive’s Design Director.

“There are many similarities between the way that Richard Mille and McLaren approach common design and engineering challenges, such as saving weight, reducing vibrational impact and minimizing resistance,“ he added.

Like the Speedtail on which its based, the watch’s lines mimic the form of a water droplet while bezel indentations evoke the bonnet openings, and pushers that recall the air outlets behind the front wheels.

Extreme attention to detail
“The watch has one of the highest levels of finishing ever executed at Richard Mille. There has also been a lot of development with our anglers and polishers. The attention to detail is extreme, with mirror polished, plain and satinised effects in different areas and the combined use of titanium and Carbon TPT. The case itself is made from 69 individual parts,” explained Technical Director Julien Boillat.

Due to the unprecedented complexity of the design, 5 prototypes were created before the optimum shape was achieved. The challenge lay in the fact that the case is significantly wider at 12 o’clock than at 6 o’clock, with a further taper between the titanium bezel and case back, which are separated by a caseband made from Carbon TPT and unequal length titanium pillars.

Unique strap design
To protect the RM 40-01’s state-of-the-art movement, Richard Mille developed a unique upper crystal featuring a ‘triple contour’ to account for the decreasing taper and thickness of the bezel. It alone took 18 months to perfect. The strap is also a unique design, being asymmetrical and with the rubber version using Vulculor technology from Biwi SA. This has a special process that enables coloured rubber to be over-moulded – so allowing the iconic McLaren orange accent coloured stripe seen at 6 o’clock on the movement to extend to the wrist.

Despite the extraordinary anatomy of the case, a horological ‘engine’ was created that seamlessly occupies all the available space and introduces a level of mechanical sophistication that makes the RM 40-01 Automatic Tourbillon an appropriately extraordinary companion to the Speedtail. Grade 5 titanium has been used for key components such as the bridges, the bridge screws, the baseplate and the rotor core. The CRMT4 movement that drives the RM 40-01 introduces the mechanism’s first power reserve display as well as the oversize date and function selector complications, all of which are firsts at Richard Mille for an in-house tourbillon.

In the pursuit of perfection, three power reserve systems were developed before the definitive version was arrived at which is integrated into the watch. The entirely new movement architecture demanded a remarkable 8,600 hours of development, much of which went into finalising the extreme level of detail.

An often-forgotten detail, the finishing is applied not only to visible parts but also to parts that are hidden, such as the lower component surfaces. Some wheels are machined with the famous iconic McLaren logo that adorns the bonnet of the Speedtail, while the domed parts usher in new surface profiles that were required to translate the car’s curves.

Design elements from hypercar
The platinum and red gold winding rotor is inspired by the Speedtail’s bonnet and the barrel-setting by its roof line. The gentle, downward curve that the mechanism follows from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock recalls the brushed metal divider between the car’s cockpit and its bodywork. An orange line running from the lower part of the movement and on to the strap mimics the vertical stoplight mounted in the Speedtail’s rear screen.

The price of the latest watch has not been announced but the McLaren watch range has prices which start from around US$100,000 (about RM412,000) and the most expensive model is believed to cost around US$2.81 million (around RM11.6 million). Of course, that sort of price won’t bother someone who has a Speedtail which has a price starting from US$2.46 million (about RM10.2 million).

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TOYOTA GAZOO Racing takes first win of the new Hypercar era of the World Endurance Championship

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The signs were good when TOYOTA GAZOO Racing earned a historic first-ever Hypercar pole position as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) began its new era. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, an early entrant in the Hypercar category, had its new GR010 HYBRID ready to go and locked out the front row in qualifying for the first round of the ninth season – the Total 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

Almost 15 hours of testing and free practice sessions had taken place earlier in the week when the #7 Hypercar of World Champions Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose María Lopez led the field away, trailed by the #8 car of the team which had Sebastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley.

Close challenge from Alpine team
After a dramatic and tense battle at the front, overcoming a close challenge from the #36 Alpine in second and their own team-mates in the #7 car, it would be the #8 car that won the race, getting place in the motorsport record books.

The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the first of six in a revised 2021 WEC calendar, was an incident-packed race. The Hypercars fought relentlessly from the moment the race started. The #7 Toyota was in the lead but by lap 11, #8 took over and the pair of GR010 HYBRIDs were hotly pursued by the #36 Alpine.

As the first pit stops approached, the race took its first dramatic turn when the #7 car was in the pits. Time was lost when the car did not leave cleanly, before Sebastien visited the pits a lap later. At the end of that stop, the fuel nozzle was removed from the #8 before the 35-seconds minimum refuelling time had elapsed, breaking a new regulation. This resulted in a 30-second penalty, taken at the car’s next pit stop, when Brendon took the wheel.

Drama in closing hour
With the #7 requiring a fluid refill when Mike handed over to Jose, the #36 Alpine took over at the front. At half distance, Jose was closing in and just a few seconds behind, with Brendon further back in the third-placed #8 car.

The battle showed no sign of easing off, and neither did the drama. Jose made contact with a GT car, slightly damaging the front bodywork. Then with just under 2 hours remaining, the #7 slid off the track and got stuck in the gravel, requiring a rescue vehicle to recover it before he resumed in third. It was the position that would remain till the end of the race, with the Alpine splitting the two Toyotas.

*A United Autosports Oreca 07 finished among the top five in the first race of the 2021 WEC season.*

“What a dramatic and unpredictable start to this new era for our team. Today was a strong start for our next generation of Racing Hybrid technology but we are still learning and improving with our GR010 HYBRID. It has not been the smoothest week for the team at Spa but this has highlighted areas to improve so we will work hard to do this before the next race, and particularly before Le Mans,” said Hisatake Murata, Team President.

The competitiveness of the Alpine A480 (above) was clear, and will be a force to be reckoned with throughout the season. “We had the satisfaction of battling with the Toyotas even though the strategies are obviously different because of the different technologies we use,” said Philippe Sinault, Team Principal of the Alpine Elf Matmut Endurance Team Principal. “Our first target was to reach the finish, and we did so. Although the podium was predicted by many, we managed to finish second by pushing the Toyotas. The assessment of this first race is positive, and we will work hard to aim higher at the next round in Portugal.”

Toyota GAZOO Racing reveals GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar for 2021 WEC

New dawn for Lotus as Vision80 plan progresses

Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering, under the ownership of the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group since mid-2017 (although a Malaysian shareholder still has 49%), is changing gears to accelerate its business forward. Broadcasting a new dawn for the company via Driving Tomorrow, a global virtual conference, the British carmaker has revealed four new vehicle architectures, a technology roadmap, a fresh global retail identity and the name of an all-new car.

Its strategic direction was actually formulated with Vision80, launched in 2018 soon after the company’s 70th anniversary. Based on three key pillars – transforming the business, revolutionising the product range and delivering results every year – Vision80 commits Lotus to meet its transformational targets by the time of its 80th birthday in 2028.

2021 begins the fourth year of that plans and the transformation remains on track in spite of the challenging period during 2020. “This year is a pivotal one for Lotus, particularly with our sportscars; we reach the end of one era and begin another. The spirit and passion that gave the world the Elise, Exige and Evora will live on in the next generation of cars – cars like the all-new Lotus Emira,” said Matt Windle, MD of Lotus Cars.

Emira world debut on July 6
Lotus has confirmed more details of its all-new sportscar, to date known only by its codename ‘Type 131’. Firstly, its name is now confirmed to be Emira – pronounced ‘E-meer-a’, a word which features in numerous ancient languages and often translates as ‘commander’ or ‘leader’.

The Emira will be unveiled on July 6 at the Lotus Advanced Performance Centre in England, adjacent to the factory where it will be made. Contrary to media speculation, the car will not be a hybrid. In contrast to almost every company talking about new cars with electrified powertrains, Lotus has confirmed that the Emira will be powered by a choice of internal combustion engines – the last time Lotus will launch a car with a combustion engine – with a new powertrain partnership. The additional powertrain option will be new to Lotus, highly efficient, use cutting-edge technology and be tuned to help deliver that distinctive Lotus experience.

With a distinctive new sports car design influenced by the Evija hypercar, the Emira marks the acceleration of the brand’s product-led offensive into a new era of contemporary design, highly efficient powertrains, and everyday usability coupled with explosive performance.

New Lotus architectures
The Emira is being built on one of four new Lotus architectures. Working collaboratively with colleagues in Europe and China, Lotus engineers have developed a dedicated family of structural platforms for the brand. Exclusive to Lotus within the Geely group but available to other companies through the Lotus Engineering consultancy, these four architectures will underpin the next generation of Lotus performance cars.

The first is the Sports Car Architecture, referred to internally as the Elemental architecture. This is the platform on which the Emira will be built. Flexible, lightweight and featuring the signature Lotus extruded aluminium technology, this sportscar platform is a massive step-change technically. Every dimension is different to previous generations of Lotus sportscars.

The second one is Hypercar Architecture, which the Evija will be the first car to use. Despite travel restrictions limiting testing opportunities around the world, progress on the hypercar has not stopped. Several thousand kilometres of engineering development and validation testing have already taken place in the UK. Lotus is also working with an advanced simulator company, allowing the Evija team to run endless simulations in the virtual world. This enhances confidence in passing project milestones with real-world development vehicles and creates programme efficiencies.

Evija owners will be the first Lotus customers to benefit from ‘what3words (W3W) technology’ available on the car. W3W divides the world into 3 metre x 3 metre squares and gives each a unique combination of three words: a W3W address. For example, ‘hotspots.punters.race’ is the W3W address for the entrance to Lotus HQ. The Lotus Emira will also benefit from this system, which is a far more accurate location system than the traditional postcode.

Premium Architecture is the third of the four architectures and is described as the first ever truly global automotive architecture from Lotus. This will complement the Evolution platform which will be the basis for an all-new range of lifestyle vehicles from the company. The architecture has been defined and designed in the UK, supported by collaborative work with teams in China, Sweden and Germany. It is ‘born British, raised globally’.

For the future is Electric Sportscar Architecture which will see a new vehicle platform coming from a collaborative effort between Lotus and Group Renault’s Alpine brand. The Lotus Engineering consultancy is leading development work on the new platform – known internally as ‘E-Sports’, from which will come new products for Lotus and Alpine.

“The E-Sports architecture will be flexible and modular, and will generate an exciting new sportscar for the Lotus brand, with contemporary styling, class-leading ride and handling, explosive performance and that unmistakable Lotus character – a pure dynamic experience that is ‘For The Drivers’. I have challenged our teams to target the same weight as our latest combustion engine sports cars,” Mr Windle said.

Core values driving the business forward
In 2021, there are three core values driving the business forward – Performance, Intelligent Technology and Sustainability. Thanks to Vision80 and the progress made since its launch, and the support of its shareholders, the long-term foundation and sustainability of the Lotus business is taking shape. The growth of Lotus is already sparking a new generation of Lotus cars, which will lead to an increase in vehicle sales worldwide.

Being part of the Geely group of companies gives Lotus access to a vast range of skills and expertise, something which it previously did not have. Hubs spread across the globe create the new Lotus map of the world, allowing the company to draw upon deep resources and skill bases as part of the Geely Group, in the same way its former owner, Proton.

Final Edition models of Lotus Elise and Exige to mark end of an era

Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 makes first public appearance at Auto Shanghai 2021

For this year’s Auto Shanghai motorshow, Lamborghini had three models on display, with the Essenza SCV12 hypercar making it global debut. The Essenza was accompanied by the road-homologated track car Huracan STO which makes its China debut along with the Huracan Fluo Capsule, the latest collection of the vibrant colours for V10 super sports cars (showcased in Asia Pacific for the first time on a Huracán EVO).

Stephan Winkelmann, who returned to the helm of the Italian sportscar company Lamborghini after being away for 5 years, was on hand to speak proudly of the past’s year’s achievement. “Automobili Lamborghini closed 2020 with its highest-ever profitability and its second highest-ever in terms of turnover and sales despite a factory closure of about two months due to COVID-19. This growing momentum has continued into 2021: the year opened with a very positive outlook, with deliveries in the first 3 months reaching the highest level on record. Orders placed thus far already cover 9 months of production,” he said.

“At this pivotal point in the company’s history, we are working very hard and preparing Lamborghini for a new era. The new development plans to be announced soon will outline how Lamborghini is going to become an even stronger brand, both here in China and around the world,” he said, adding that volumes in the Chinese market are expected to rise to second place in terms of sales, remaining one of the most significant markets for Lamborghini globally.

The Essenza SCV12
Following its virtual launch in 2020, the display at in Shanghai this week is the first public one of the Essenza SCV12. This track-only hypercar is finished in the exclusive Verde Selvans, Grigio Linx, Nero Aldebaran Gloss and Arancio California launch livery.

The limited-edition car – only 40 units will be available – was inspired by the Squadra Corse’s years of experience in competition. The innovative solutions found in this unique car create the new ultimate experience for the driver, with a futuristic design that fully inherits brand’s iconic elements, while balancing lightweight construction, functionality and design aesthetics.

The Essenza SCV12 is a direct descendant of cars such as the Miura Jota and Diablo GTR, with the most powerful V12 naturally-aspirated engine ever developed by Lamborghini. The 830 bhp engine receives a significant power boost from the RAM effect at high speeds. This high output is transferred to the wheels by a new X-trac sequential 6-speed gearbox designed as a structural element mounted within the chassis, combined with a rear-wheel drive system.

The large rear wing, side fins and front splitter are elements inspired by the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO. They promise greater efficiency and create higher downforce levels than a GT3 car, with up to 1,200 kgs on the rear end at 250 km/h.

As the first GT car developed to stringent FIA prototype safety standards, the Essenza SCV12 features an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 1.66 bhp/kg. This is made possible by its new-generation carbonfibre monocoque chassis without an internal rollcage.

Born for life on the track and to race, there is the promise of the purest track experience that Lamborghini can offer. Every Essenza SCV12 customer will become a member of an exclusive club with access to special programs to drive their hypercar on the most prestigious circuits in the world. In addition to premium track facilities, the program also gives access to exclusive training programmes similar to those followed by the official racers.

China debut for Huracan STO
The Huracan STO is a street-homologated super sportscar with the soul and characteristics of a real racing car. It is considered to be the purest incarnation of Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s motorsports prowess and heritage, possessing the technologies derived from the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO racing cars. These cars have scored many victories, including the 24 Hours of Daytona on three occasions and the 12 Hours of Sebring twice.

With a powerful V10 naturally-aspirated engine delivering 640 bhp/565 Nm, the rear-wheel Huracan STO can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.0 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in 9.0 seconds, and reach a top speed of 310 km/h, it is claimed.

To further reduce weight, over 75% of the exterior panels are of carbonfibre. Extensive applications of lightweight technology give the Huracan STO a weight-to-power ratio of 2.09 kgs/bhp with a dry weight of only 1,339 kgs.

Three new driving modes are available to the driver – STO, Trofeo and Pioggia. The default STO mode is for road driving and fun on curvy roads while the Trofeo and Pioggia (rain) modes optimise all systems for dry and wet surfaces, respectively.

The new Brembo CCM-R braking units use materials and expertise derived from F1 applications, ensuring superior heat resistance, performance and consistency.

Lamborghini Huracan EVO Fluo Capsule
In the exclusive Ad Personam room at the Lamborghini stand, visitors can view the Huracan EVO Fluo Capsule. Launched in November 2020, this is its first appearance in the Asia Pacific region, bringing to the super sportscar a daring yet elegant collection of bright and bold colours in a matte paint exterior with complementary interior colour and trim options.

The display unit is being presented in matte Verde Shock (green) colour with another four exterior and interior configurations – Arancio Livrea (orange), Celeste Fedra (blue), Arancio Dac (orange) and Giallo Clarus (yellow), combined with matte black details and coloured accent lines. The Capsule offers an additional layer of variety and personalization to the already near-infinite possibilities that the Ad Personam program offers.

Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini unveiled, priced from RM130,000

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