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  • New Images Of 2009 Bugatti Galibier 16C Concept

    New Images Of 2009 Bugatti Galibier 16C Concept September 22nd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 22nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 26 Comments

    New Images Of 2009 Bugatti Galibier 16C Concept

    This year is an important one for Bugatti. Not only does 2009 represent the centenary of the legendary marque but it also now marks the unveiling of a super sedan that may constitute the future plans of the company. One hundred years to the month since the company was founded by Ettore Bugatti, we now have our first look at Bugatti’s latest concept: the 2009 Bugatti Galibier 16C.

    Speaking previously, Bugatti chief Franz-Josef Paefgen revealed that there are in fact three proposed designs for the next-gen Bugatti. This news mates well with what Bugatti officials told TheCarConnection in July, which is that the Galibier 16C is in fact a...

    This year is an important one for Bugatti. Not only does 2009 represent the centenary of the legendary marque but it also now marks the unveiling of a super sedan that may constitute the future plans of the company. One hundred years to the month since the company was founded by Ettore Bugatti, we now have our first look at Bugatti’s latest concept: the 2009 Bugatti Galibier 16C. Speaking previously, Bugatti chief Franz-Josef Paefgen revealed that there are in fact three proposed designs for the next-gen Bugatti. This news mates well with what Bugatti officials told TheCarConnection in July, which is that the Galibier 16C is in fact a design model being shown to clients and dealers. According to a new report, the concept may go into production once the run of Veyron’s have come to an end, expected to be sometime in 2012. The Galibier 16C is constructed from a mix of aluminum and carbon-fiber, which will ensure that it is the lightest car in its class. The body itself is made of polished aluminum and dark blue carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and LED lights flank each end. Styling is borrowed from the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantique, including the historic model’s hatchback and spine design elements. Inside, there’s space for four and a large wooden dash that is dominated by two centrally mounted dials showing available power and speed. A removable clock manufactured by Switzerland’s Parmigiani also features. Although no technical details have been revealed, the Galibier 16C is thought to feature the Veyron’s 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine and an output of around 800 horsepower, though it does away with the four turbos and replaces them with a two-stage supercharging system. Another key difference is the installation of an 8-speed automatic transmission rather than the Veyron’s advanced dual-clutch unit. A final decision on possible production plans of the Galibier 16C is expected by the spring of 2010. In the meantime, Bugatti has its hands full filling current order lists. The company only has 50 spots left for the Veyron, of which the total build will be 300 units. The Grand Sport model, which is limited to just 150 models, has already received several dozen orders. Read More

  • Mini sells 1.5 millionth new generation model

    Mini sells 1.5 millionth new generation model July 6th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 6th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Mini sells 1.5 millionth new generation model Just weeks after celebrating Mini’s 50th birthday, another milestone was reached today as the 1.5 millionth car rolled off the Oxford production line, since the launch of the new generation Mini back in 2001. BMW CEO Ian Robertson as well as British politician Ian Lucas were on hand to see the 1.5th millionth model roll off the line, the particular car being a Chili Red Mini Clubman that’s destined to go to a customer in the UK.

    Since production of the new generation model started in 2001, Mini has become a global phenomenon, winning awards all over the world and is now sold in more than 80 countries, with its most recent... Just weeks after celebrating Mini’s 50th birthday, another milestone was reached today as the 1.5 millionth car rolled off the Oxford production line, since the launch of the new generation Mini back in 2001. BMW CEO Ian Robertson as well as British politician Ian Lucas were on hand to see the 1.5th millionth model roll off the line, the particular car being a Chili Red Mini Clubman that’s destined to go to a customer in the UK. Since production of the new generation model started in 2001, Mini has become a global phenomenon, winning awards all over the world and is now sold in more than 80 countries, with its most recent launch in Brazil. Furthermore, in the 41 years between 1959 and 2000 5.3 million classic Minis were built, so the total when combined with new generation Mini volume is 6.8 million cars. Mini’s parent company BMW has invested more than £380 million ($614 million) in its Oxford plant since 2001 and a further £100 million ($161 million) in the Hams Hall and Swindon plants, which make up the Mini production triangle in the UK. The operation employs more than 7,000 people and its activities account for an impressive 1% of the UK’s entire GDP. Read More

  • BMW unveils four new M3 Edition Models

    BMW unveils four new M3 Edition Models May 29th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, May 29th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    BMW unveils four new M3 Edition Models BMW's M3 has undergone a huge evolution since its birth with the E30 3-series. Growing in size, power and cylinder count, the latest M3 hardly bears any resemblance to its forbears. And now BMW is set to push the envelope even further with four new appearance and suspension packages dubbed the M3 Edition Models, available only on the Coupe variant.

    Knowing to leave well enough alone, the powertrain of the M3 is untouched in the Edition Models, with only cosmetic enhancements and a slight lowering job on the table. The primary aesthetic changes are focused on wheels, paintwork and interior design. Dark chrome and black accents trim the... BMW's M3 has undergone a huge evolution since its birth with the E30 3-series. Growing in size, power and cylinder count, the latest M3 hardly bears any resemblance to its forbears. And now BMW is set to push the envelope even further with four new appearance and suspension packages dubbed the M3 Edition Models, available only on the Coupe variant. Knowing to leave well enough alone, the powertrain of the M3 is untouched in the Edition Models, with only cosmetic enhancements and a slight lowering job on the table. The primary aesthetic changes are focused on wheels, paintwork and interior design. Dark chrome and black accents trim the kidney grille, side gills and dual tailpipes, while the side mirrors also get a black paint job. Each of the four models comes in its own exterior color, including Alpine White non-metallic, Black non-metallic, Dakar yellow non-metallic, and Monte Carlo Blue metallic - all classic choices for the M3. Borrowing some high-gloss satin chrome trim from BMW's Individual program gives the cars a unique touch. Inside, the cars get contrasting insert colors, 'Carbon Structure' leather trim with contrasting seams, Black Novillo leather seats, all with unique trim and stitching. Armrests and even door handles also get custom treatment with color-matched contrasting seams on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo blue models. Finally, the door entry bar gets a checkered flag design and the M3 logo. The suspension drop is the only significant mechanical change, with all of the M3 Edition Models riding 10mm lower than their standard counterparts. Each model also gets a unique 19in alloy wheel with a double-spoke design. Finish can be either standard alloy or black, while on all but the Dakar Yellow model the rims can also be had in a special white color with polished spokes. The M3 Edition models go on sale in July, and will only be available for six months. The release of the special editions and the limited time frame tip BMW's hand to the motivation for this unexpected batch of early special editions: pumping up slumping sales.BMW M3 Edition Model in Alpine White Read More

  • Mini celebrates 50 years with special Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour' Cooper S

    Mini celebrates 50 years with special Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour' Cooper S May 15th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, May 15th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 1 Comment

    Mini celebrates 50 years with special Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour' Cooper S Mini is resurrecting one of its most famous models, a car that once belonged to Beatles member George Harrison. Decked out in psychedelic paintings, the legendary Beatle Mini Cooper appeared in the rock group’s 'Magical Mystery Tour', and now Mini is dedicating a reinterpretation of Harrison's vehicle to the man himself.

    The latest car is being produced strictly as a one-off for the brand's 50th birthday and will be given to Harrison's widow, Olivia Harrison. The ceremony will take place at the world's biggest Mini fan event, Mini United, in the UK later this month and the car will then be auctioned off to aid a foundation that... Mini is resurrecting one of its most famous models, a car that once belonged to Beatles member George Harrison. Decked out in psychedelic paintings, the legendary Beatle Mini Cooper appeared in the rock group’s 'Magical Mystery Tour', and now Mini is dedicating a reinterpretation of Harrison's vehicle to the man himself. The latest car is being produced strictly as a one-off for the brand's 50th birthday and will be given to Harrison's widow, Olivia Harrison. The ceremony will take place at the world's biggest Mini fan event, Mini United, in the UK later this month and the car will then be auctioned off to aid a foundation that Harrison started back in 1973. “George was a huge Mini fan and he would have enjoyed creating this new version. The fact that Mini’s anniversary celebrations will also benefit our foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration.” said Olivia Harrison. According to Mini, Harrison's original Mini Cooper S was a gift from Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who gave each of the four members of the band one of the cars. Other sources claim that his Mini was the first place he and his friends took LSD in the 1960s after a 'friend' slipped it in their tea without telling them.Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour' Cooper S Read More

  • Mini celebrates 50 years of production at UK's Oxford plant

    Mini celebrates 50 years of production at UK's Oxford plant May 7th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 7th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 1 Comment

    Mini celebrates 50 years of production at UK's Oxford plant Tomorrow, May 8, 2009, marks 50 years to the day since the first Mini rolled off the production line at Plant Oxford, formerly known as Cowley. It's been a long and winding road for the British icon, but the Mini has made it through half a century of nearly continuous production despite passing through many different hands.

    Surviving the current sales and economic maelstrom may yet prove to be a difficult task indeed with some of the industry's giants all but disappearing. But this isn't the first time the world has faced such a situation, and it's certainly not the first time the UK has, either. The British Motor Corporation - original... Tomorrow, May 8, 2009, marks 50 years to the day since the first Mini rolled off the production line at Plant Oxford, formerly known as Cowley. It's been a long and winding road for the British icon, but the Mini has made it through half a century of nearly continuous production despite passing through many different hands. Surviving the current sales and economic maelstrom may yet prove to be a difficult task indeed with some of the industry's giants all but disappearing. But this isn't the first time the world has faced such a situation, and it's certainly not the first time the UK has, either. The British Motor Corporation - original producers of the Mini - was enveloped in, and ultimate overtaken by, the malaise of the late 1960s and early 1970s, eventually becoming a part of British Leyland. Dr Jürgen Hedrich, Plant Oxford’s managing director, said it well: "Little did anyone know just how popular Sir Alec Issigonis’s car for the people would be – or that half a century later it would be reborn as the MINI and once again be built in Oxford. "This is a momentous day in the plant and car’s history. Everyone at the plant is proud to be part of both the heritage and the future of this car." BMW Group member of the Board of Management for Production, Frank-Peter Arndt had a valid counterpoint to offer, however. "Anniversaries are always a wonderful opportunity to look back at the past," said Arndt. "But on days like today, it’s also good to look to the future. Therefore, our objective is absolutely clear: We are going to continue the success story of MINI and continue to strengthen it. "Where is MINI going? Where will it be in 10, 20 or even another 50 years’ time? Perhaps it’s rather ambitious to look that far ahead, but one thing is certain, MINI is a brand not only with a great tradition, but also a fantastic future." Plant Oxford built 602,817 Minis from 1959 to 1968, before production was moved to Longbridge. Since 2001 more than 1.4 million new MINIs have been built at the production facility and in total, more than six million classic and new MINIs have been sold since the car first went on sale in 1959. Mini is also working on a special-edition F1 JCW car to celebrate the 50th anniversary of John Cooper's first F1 car this year. For more on that vehicle, read the story here. Read More

  • Bugatti unveils more ‘Centenaire’ special edition Veyrons

    Bugatti unveils more ‘Centenaire’ special edition Veyrons April 27th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, April 27th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 2 Comments

    Bugatti unveils more ‘Centenaire’ special edition Veyrons Early last month we revealed details about Bugatti's new special edition variant of the Veyron, the 'Bleu Centenaire'. Designed to mark the company's 100th anniversary, we thought that there could not possibly be any more special editions of the Veyron on the horizon, but at this past weekend’s Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Bugatti unveiled four new special edition Centenaire Veyrons.

    The four new cars are part of the Bugatti's centenary celebrations, and pay tribute to four legendary Bugatti drivers who drove the Type 35 racing car prior to World War II. These include French driver Jean-Pierre Wimille, Italian driver Achille... Early last month we revealed details about Bugatti's new special edition variant of the Veyron, the 'Bleu Centenaire'. Designed to mark the company's 100th anniversary, we thought that there could not possibly be any more special editions of the Veyron on the horizon, but at this past weekend’s Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Bugatti unveiled four new special edition Centenaire Veyrons. The four new cars are part of the Bugatti's centenary celebrations, and pay tribute to four legendary Bugatti drivers who drove the Type 35 racing car prior to World War II. These include French driver Jean-Pierre Wimille, Italian driver Achille Varzi, English driver Malcolm Campbell and German driver Hermann Zu Leininger. The Bugatti brand is almost inextricably linked to the Type 35. The Type 35 Grand Prix was by far one of Bugatti’s most successful racing models, and its unmistakable radiator grille and eight-spoke aluminum wheels have become defining features of the carmaker’s latest efforts. Each of the four new Veyron Centenaire Editions get their own specially mixed color scheme, and these colors consist of blue, red, beige and green. Additionally, other exclusive aesthetic details include the grille, front wings, and doors being made of polished aluminum to give off a mirror effect. Inside, the headrests bear one of the signatures of the four legendary drivers, and there is also a special commemorative plate detailing the significance of the cars.Bugatti Veyron CentenaireBugatti Veyron Centenaire Edition Read More

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