We all know that Ettore was working for the Gasmotoren Fabrik Deutz in Cologne, for which he designed a few automobile types. Also, Ettore copied the Deutz red-oval logo for his own brand when he started building cars under his own name in 1910. (Yes, I know that officially the brand started in 1909, but that were only a few weeks when during Christmas time Ettore and Friderich painted the inside of the building. All machinery came in 1910, and just a few cars were built that year, 1910).

The Gasmotoren Fabrik Deutz has extensive archives, also about this period, and publishes about it's history regularly. Ettore Bugatti is mentioned as being part of this history.

1908 was a successful year, both for Deutz as well as Bugatti. Several dozen of chassis were completed and many of them delivered to the coachwork company Utermöhle. Meanwhile, Ettore had time to design more than just cars, there were Race boats, Trucks and of course the tractor pictured above. All of these were powered by the same 7 litre engine of approximately 50 - 60 horsepower.

The boats were tested in the harbour of Mülheim, the Trucks each had a capacity of 5 tons. However, it is believed that the Tractor was in fact the first one in the world. It had four-wheel drive, and could move in both directions at the same speed of 5 km/h. It could for example be equipped by a four-bladed plow at the front and the rear, the mechanisme to raise and lower these was patented by the engineer Brey, who worked for a company named Müller, famous for agricultural equipment. Of course, other uses were also possible, like using it as a tow-vehicle. There was a separate drive shaft for the plow, with a conical leather lined coupling. This, as well as the engine, gearbox, differentials, thus the complete drive train was designed by Ettore Arco Isidoro Bugatti.

This Tractor was in use untile the mid-twenties on the Langen family manor in Oberelvenich near Zülpich. Arnold Langen junior told this to Josef Pohl.

Thus: as we can see here: still new discoveries can be made, if one only looks for them, and has a broader mind than just the automobiles from the 1920's and 30's!

Only recently we watched the new new model Bugatti Divo built on the basis of the famous Chiron hypercar. But now there is evidence that the company is preparing three versions – each with its own characteristics, according to the Chronicle.

If You thought that Bugatti Divo’s would be it's last reinvention of the Chiron hypercar, then you were wrong. According to the magazine Automobile Magazine, the Bugatti works at least on three models: Superlight, Super Sport Roadster. And they are all intended for the construction of certain features of the car to a new level.

One of the next models will be a model Chiron Superlight – car is aimed at maximum reduction of mass. In addition will be significantly improved aerodynamics. After that will be released a track version Chiron Super Sport, which will apply all developments in aerodynamics and weight reduction, but with additional emphasis on sports use.

But the most interesting option would be the Bugatti Chiron Roadster. As the name implies the car will receive the open top, but will be the most slow and heavy in the line (maybe). Although the company had previously stated that such a version will never be released.

It remains to be seen how customers will react to these additional models, especially because all three will be produced in very limited series. Although it is not surprising that the company strives to earn as much money as possible in the fast growing market of premium cars. Already closely approached by Pagani Huayras and Koenigseggs.

Of course now details are sketchy, but there is a good probability that it will be powered by the quad-turbo 8.0 liter W16 engine. But don’t be surprised if Bugatti does tweak to further increase the power and torque for each variant.

Perfectly recreating the organic design lines of the world’s fastest production car – the iconic Bugatti Chiron1 – the LEGO Technic life-size model pushes the boundaries of what LEGO builders imagined was possible to build in LEGO elements.

The model is the first large scale movable construction developed using over 1,000,000 LEGO Technic elements and powered exclusively using motors from the LEGO Power Function platform. Packed with 2,304 motors and 4,032 LEGO Technic gear wheels, the engine of this 1.5 tonnes car is generating 5.3 horse power and an estimated torque of 92 Nm.

Lena Dixen, Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing at the LEGO Group said:
“This life-size model is a first of its kind in so many ways and with it, we wanted to push the boundaries of our own imagination. For over 40 years, LEGO Technic has allowed fans of all ages to test their creativity with a building system that challenges them to go beyond just creating new designs, to also engineering new functions. Our Technic designers and the engineers from the Kladno factory in the Czech Republic, the place which also builds the impressive models for LEGO Stores and LEGOLAND parks, have done an amazing job both at recreating the Chiron’s iconic shapes and making it possible to drive this model. It’s a fascinating example of the LEGO Technic building system in action and its potential for creative reinvention.”

A fascinating feat of design and engineering

Seen from a distance side by side, the resemblance of the two cars is striking. Get closer and you will find a fascinating and complex outer ‘skin’ structure, built of interconnected triangular segments made into a LEGO Technic ‘fabric’ designed to mimic the iconic shapes of the original Chiron. Peek inside and discover that every single detail of the original car has been carefully and precisely recreated in LEGO Technic elements – from seats, to dashboard and the steering wheel.

Equipped with a rear spoiler, speedometer, front and back-lights, detachable steering wheel and brake pedal, all fully functional and built of LEGO Technic elements, the model is a dream come true for any LEGO fan. Building it required the use of 339 types of LEGO Technic elements, and over 13,000 work hours of development and construction.

A test drive like no other

Building a one of a kind LEGO Technic life-size car is one part of the task. Testing if it can drive is another. And what better location than the same place where the real Chiron was first tested – Ehra Lessien proving ground in Germany – a unique facility built to handle speed.

One weekend afternoon, the LEGO model took off and accelerated to everyone’s joy and amazement. And while it may not match the original Bugatti Chiron’s mindboggling 420 km/h speed, the LEGO Technic’s power function motors have managed the impressive performance to propel it to a little over 20km/h – ultimately making the ‘Build for Real’ idea truly complete.

Andy Wallace – the driver behind the LEGO Technic Chiron – former racing driver with multiple wins of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona, as well as many other races, and today official Bugatti pilot, said:
"When I first saw the LEGO Chiron, I was immediately impressed by the accuracy of the model and the minute attention to detail. In fact, from about 20 metres away it’s not obvious that you are looking at a LEGO car. I can only imagine how much time and effort went into making this model."

"Driving the LEGO Chiron was a great experience, which I thoroughly enjoyed. All those years ago I could never have imagined that one day I would actually drive a LEGO car!"

The Chiron is the ultimate super sports car and the latest interpretation of Bugatti’s brand values ‚Art Forme Technique‘. With a power output of 1,500 HP, unprecedented for production vehicles, an exceptionally high torque value of 1,600 Nm between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm and a wide variety of technical innovations, the Chiron sets new standards in every respect. The Chiron is not only designed for maximum speed, but also meets the highest possible demands in terms of luxury, comfort, everyday drivability and durability. The Chiron combines the best in all these areas which makes it the world’s most complete super sports car.

The LEGO Technic life-size Bugatti Chiron will be unveiled for the first time at the Grand Prix Formula 1 event in Monza, Italy, in August 30.

The model is a first of its kind in many ways:

• first fully-functional self-propelled life-size LEGO TECHNIC car
• first non-glued LEGO TECHNIC model of such complexity
• first large model powered using LEGO TECHNIC power function motors
• first large-scale moving model using LEGO TECHNIC bricks & elements
• first time to create new types of transparent LEGO TECHNIC bricks
• first time to create load bearing parts build purely out of LEGO TECHNIC bricks & elements. …using 58 types of TECHNIC custom-made elements

Facts and numbers:

• Over 1,000,000 LEGO elements in total
• 339 types of LEGO TECHNIC elements used
• No glue used in the assembly - Total weight: 1500 kg
• Engine contains:
  2,304 LEGO Power Function Motors
  4,032 LEGO TECHNIC gear wheels
  2,016 LEGO TECHNIC cross axles
  
• Theoretical performance of 5.3 HP
• Estimated Torque of 92 Nm
• Functional rear spoiler (using both LEGO Power Functions and Pneumatics)
• Functional speedometer built entirely from LEGO TECHNIC elements
• 13,438-man hours used on development and construction
• The model comes with real Bugatti Chiron wheels and emblem

And finally, in case you are interested: All 40 Divo's that will be produced, were already sold at earlier demonstrations to Veyron and Chiron owners.

World premiere for the Divo
Bugatti unveils its latest model in California at the exclusive event “The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering”

Watch the unveiling here! (skip the first few minutes, the real start is at 2.30 minutes.

• Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann: “The Divo has significantly higher performance in terms of lateral acceleration, agility and cornering. The Divo is made for corners.”
• Sophisticated aerodynamics programme, modifications to chassis and suspension as well as weight reduction make the Divo a star performer on corners
• 35 kg (77 lbs) lighter than the Chiron
• Higher lateral acceleration of 1.6 g
• 90 kg (198 lbs) more downforce than the Chiron
• Maximum speed limited to 380 km/h (236 mph)
• 8 seconds faster lap time on the Nardò handling circuit
• New progressive design language underlines the inner values of the Divo
• Divo is the modern interpretation of Bugatti’s coachbuilding tradition
• Divo to be homologated as a road vehicle
• Strictly limited small series of 40 vehicles already sold out
• Net unit price: €5 million

The French newspaper "Journal d'Alsace" wrote an article about this on August 8, which you can read here. In French

A stunning short film, free to view and based on unprecedented interviews with the former President of Bugatti, Romano Artioli, along with test driver and developer Loris Bicocchi, designer Giampaolo Benedini and many more, tells the inside story of what really happened when Bugatti Automobili decided to build two EB110s for endurance racing. The film is now available to view on YouTube – see https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u5B1jTaqXqc. With subtitles, click on the icon below the video.

Today, the name Bugatti brings to mind the Veyron, the Chiron, and the new ‘Divo’ to be unveiled in Monterey on 24 August. But in the late 1980s, everyone was talking about the extravagant new supercar, the EB110, brainchild of wealthy businessman Romano Artioli – and the vast, state-of-the-art factory being built to produce it.

In the mid-1990s, when Romano Artioli’s glorious but ill-fated Bugatti EB110 adventure was sadly drawing to an untimely close, just two cars were built for endurance racing: the EB110 LM and the EB110 SC GTS-1, for Le Mans and the American IMSA GT championship, respectively.

As with the EB110 road car, the racers were a shockingly bold attempt to create something extraordinary, and their story has never before been told in such detail by the very men behind it.

Davide Cironi, the film’s director, explains how it came about. “The owner of the two racing cars contacted me a year ago, inviting me to visit him to make this film, and we were picked up at the airport by what I assumed was a lowly assistant. But no, it was the owner himself driving the van, one of the world’s most passionate collectors.

“Within a few hours, an astonishing series of guests began to arrive on various flights from across Italy: there was Loris Bicocchi, Romano Artioli and Giampaolo Benedini, plus Giampaolo Simonini, Fabio Baroni and Vittorio Filippini – the latter a technician so in love with his work that it was almost poetic.

“What a gift for a film-maker. We learnt so much, and laughed so much, especially the mechanic Fabio Baroni who, when recalling the challenge of working with Bicocchi to test the cars, doubled over with laughter at the colourful and compelling memories. Even after 20 years, there is a team spirit among these men that gives a powerful flavour of the atmosphere as it must have been in Bugatti Automobili at Campogalliano.

“We had two short days with these wonderful men, telling their unprecedented story of that magical, never-to-be-repeated time, and now the documentary is ready and we want to share it with as many enthusiasts as possible.” The film can be seen at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u5B1jTaqXqc.

Read also the article at https://www.driveexperience.it/speciale-bugatti-corse-le-uniche-due-eb110-da-gara-mai-esistite/.

Amongst a lot of other interesting parts, I especially like the racing footage of both EB110's!

There are two separate glass panels to be mounted in the roof (I wonder, would it be possible to order only one?) Each part being 65 centimeter long and 44 centimeters wide. As there are two panels, this would not reduce the stiffness of the Chiron.

The panel is built up from 4 layers of glass, but still very thin.

Each layer meets individual requirements. Firstly, undesirable wind noise is reduced and secondly infrared radiation is reflected away from the vehicle to ensure maximum thermal comfort. In addition, the glass is tinted to prevent dazzle effects and to protect occupants’ privacy.

Finally, harmful ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation is filtered out. As a side-effect, the laminated design improves the stiffness of the roof panels. The outstanding structural properties of the Chiron, including the stiffness of the overall vehicle and crash safety, are maintained.

Bugatti is to launch a strictly limited new model under the name of Divo

Beaussant Lefèvre sold this model of an Indian elephant for a hammer price of €610,000 (£ 539,825), getting on for double the €300,000-400,000 estimate, in a sale on June 20.

Bugatti created many of his models from life, studying the animals in Antwerp Zoo.

The 18.5in (45cm) high patinated bronze, a model known as Eléphant en Repos, is one of 11 examples cast by the Hébrard Foundry between 1909-10 and is signed and numbered 1.

It came with a primary provenance, having been acquired in 1911 by the comte Gérard de Ganay and passed down by direct descent.

Developed in partnership with one of the world’s most prestigious car manufacturers, Bugatti, the model encapsulates the magic and elegance of the iconic supercar brought to life in LEGO Technic form, offering a unique, authentic build experience for car and LEGO fans alike.

The Bugatti Chiron’s place in history is assured. Not because of speed records – we’re still waiting for a de-limited, v-max run. We refer instead to today’s news, in which the Chiron has joined the exclusive club of cars immortalised in Lego Technic. And it’s big.

The exclusive 1:8 scale LEGO® Technic Bugatti Chiron replica model – measuring over 5” (14cm) high, 22” (56cm) long and 9” (25cm) wide and featuring 3,600 pieces – is packed full of intricate details and immersive touches. These include aerodynamic bodywork with an active rear wing, spoked rims with low-profile tires, detailed cockpit with movable paddle gearshift, and detailed W16 engine with moving pistons. For your nerd-tastic reference, the Lego Porsche 911 GT3 RS model only contained a measly 2,704 pieces to tread on in agony during a midnight toilet stumble, though its dimensions match the Bugatti’s.

Each individual model comes personalised with its own unique serial number, carefully stored under the hood and accessible only with a speed key – the tool unique to Bugatti cars that allow their owners to reach top speeds. The key also enables you to switch the active rear wing from handling to top speed position.

Hidden discreetly under the hood, you will also discover an additional authentic Bugatti Chiron element – the stylish Bugatti overnight bag.

Staying true to Bugatti’s heritage, the model also features the classic duo-tone blue color scheme which reflects the brand’s signature colour, and a set of identifiable stickers for additional detailing adds to the authenticity of the build.

Delivering a final exclusive touch, the set comes enclosed in a luxurious display box and includes a ’coffee table’ collectors booklet with comprehensive building instructions – and fans picking up the set can also go in-depth behind its design with series of nine exclusive podcasts featuring Bugatti and LEGO experts discussing its creation.

Remembering from way back in 2005, when I presented the Bugatti Speedster by EBM of south Africa, see the 2005 News page, July 16 ?

Well, in that very article, I mentioned that there were in fact three prototypes, two speedsters and a Coupé, and that one of the speedsters did not exist anymore. Well, in fact that very car is now on offer, and yours to bid on!

Remember the article from April 18? Well, the judge has spoken the verdict.

At the hearing in mid-April, the defendants argued that the ten delivered vehicles were composed of authentic parts of old, disassembled Bugatti's. Thus, the constructed cars were real old-timers. However, the judge considered the fraud proven.

The pair was arrested already in 2013, but were now brought to court, sentence will be in two weeks from now. The main question in the court in Arnhem was, if the cars were produced using 100 year old parts, or if they were completely new replica's.

Justice is convinced that the second scenario is valid, and that the two was fooling around with the tax department.

This of course beacuse the import taxes for oldtimers is considerably lower than for new automobiles. By marking the replica's as oldtimers, the two paid at least 180,000 euro less taxes. The District Attorney demands jail time of 14 months for the older of the two, and 10 months for the younger suspect.

Gray area

The two of course claimed their innocence. "If you take a piece of fabric from the 1930's to make a dress, what do you call it?", said the youngest one in court, "tell me, madame Judge, I think it is a gray area. We never intended to avoid paying taxes".

The criminal acts were committed between 2008 and 2013. The two men worked with an Argentinian car builder (we know who they are), who delivered them a dozen classic Bugatti's. The suspects stated that the cars were built using authentic parts of old, dismantled Bugatti's. Thus, they were oldtimers, they say.

The justice department comes to a different conclusion. According to them, it has been proven that all parts of these imported Bugatti's are in fact new.

Replica's

"The Argentinian firm the two did business with, make replica's of old automobiles", according to the DA. Where an authentic Bugatti from early last century will be worth about 2 million euro, the imported cars were sold for a fraction of that, in a single case as low as 60,000 euro. "also for the buyers it was absolutely clear that the cars were replica's, and the suspects did not know? I absolutely believe nothing of that."

Strangely, the customs department did not see anything strange over those years, "and that while they do a thorough inspection of each car", said one of the lawyers. "They knew of all the details, and never made any objection to importing those Bugatti's at the oldtimers tax rate".

As I said, the verdict will be in two weeks from now.

“This award for the Atlantic is a great honour for us,” said Julius Kruta, Head of Tradition at Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., at the award ceremony. “It is great to see that people are still so thrilled by this incredibly beautiful car. We would like to thank the readers of Motor Klassik for this fantastic result.” The supercar was once again the clear winner against five competitors in its class, with 37.3 percent of the votes cast.

In 1936 to 1938, only four examples of the 57SC Atlantic were built. Nowadays, only two of these cars still exist in entirely original condition. The Atlantic is the most famous variant of the Type 57. With the SC model (“SC” stands for “supercharger”), Jean Bugatti, son of company founder Ettore, wanted to offer a sports racing variant in addition to the standard version. The sports coupe was equipped with an in-line 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3,257 cm³ which developed about 200 PS. The vehicle could reach speeds in excess of 200 km/h.

Jean Bugatti, who had already proved his talent for special body designs with the Type 41 Royale, the Type 55 Roadster and the Type 50, designed an extremely lightweight, aerodynamic body for the Atlantic. Aluminium was used for the body panels. The result was the distinctive design feature of the Atlantic, a clearly accentuated dorsal seam running from the windscreen to the rear bumper. This is a riveted joint that holds the two halves of the aluminium body together and is today a characteristic design element of the brand. The wheels stand out from the body and are accentuated by huge wings. Viewed from above, the beautiful, elegant shape of the Atlantic becomes especially clear, with the extremely long bonnet running into the round rear, forming an oval.

During the annual survey held by Motor Klassik, a motoring magazine published by Motor Presse of Stuttgart, readers are asked which classic cars they especially appreciate and which modern vehicles could become coveted classics or recent classics in a few decades. There are six categories based on the year of production and six special categories.

Editor's comments (same as last year!):

Of course I agree 100% with the T57SC Atlantic winning this survey, but they did a few things wrong:

Of course a photograph of an original Atlantic should have been displayed with the article, not a replica. A better one was shown during the award ceremony!

The prize should not have been given to VW-Bugatti, who just bought the name. It should have been given to members of the Bugatti family, like one of Ettore's living children Therèse and Michel or his granddaughter Caroline, who seems to be most involved with the family tradition nowadays.

There were several significant supercar and hypercar debuts at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. One of them was the surprise reveal of the track-focused Bugatti Chiron Sport. While it isn’t more powerful than the regular Chiron, packing the same 16 cylinder 8.0-liter engine with 1,479 hp on tap, it’s lighter and faster around corners, making it more suited to the track than the standard Chiron. Inevitably, we will eventually see a successor to the Chiron, but Autocar reports that Bugatti has already started conceptual work on several new models.

“I can confirm we have a team working on future projects,” Bugatti’s new boss Stephan Winkelmann said at the Geneva Motor Show. “I will not say more now, but keep an eye on what we are doing in Molsheim - there will be more.” Winkelmann refused to elaborate on his statement. What’s interesting here is that the CEO didn’t just say Bugatti is working on its next car – it’s working on multiple projects, when the automaker normally only develops a single car at a time. This could be hinting at a companion car for the Chiron, or a more powerful Chiron Super Sport for Bugatti’s planned top speed record attempt this year to reclaim the crown from the Koenigsseg Agera RS.

Former CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer has also previously declared that “the four-door car is not dead,” raising the possibility of Bugatti producing a four-door super sedan as a production version of the Galibier concept unveiled back in 2009. A final decision on what form Bugatti’s next car will take will be decided before the end of the year. Dürheimer also confirmed that Bugatti’s next hypercar will most likely adopt a hybrid powertrain. A second model line is also being considered to join the Chiron’s successor, which might be built while Bugatti continues to develop hybrid technology for its next hypercar to ensure it meets the performance standards the automaker is renowned for.

Source: Carbuzz.com

ccording to Octane magazine, automotive museum mogul Peter Mullin plans to open a new museum in England. The all-new facility will house examples of Mullin’s extensive collection of pre- and post-war cars, primarily of French origin. The $200 million development is tentatively called The Mullin at Great Tew, located in the Cotswolds region of south England. Approximately 160-acres are set aside for the elaborate structure, set to draw 200,000 visitors a year when it opens in 2020.

Specifically, the proposed museum will break ground on a portion of the Enstone airfield, some 20 miles north of Oxford. The building features 60,000 sq. ft of display space over four floors, accompanied by 50,000 sq. ft of storage space. On the museum grounds, a demonstration track and workshop complex will serve visitors. For patrons of the museum and well-heeled visitors, a series of 28 lodges are planned with various layouts and sizes.

At the moment, there’s no word on the future of the original Mullin museum located in Oxnard, California. The 50,000 sq. ft. facility houses some of the greatest Art Deco-era cars the industry has ever seen, ranging from a perfect 1936 Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic to a 1925 Bugatti Type 22 pulled from the depths of an Italian lake.

Peter Mullin posing with a "Flying" Citroën DS at his recent Citroën exhibition in Oxnard.

Don’t expect to only see Mullin’s collection at the new facility. “‘I know from my experience with the Mullin museum at Oxnard [California] and the Petersen that there’s a tradition of lending vehicles to other museums for exhibitions, and I’m sure there’ll be opportunities for that here,” he told Octane. “It won’t just be about classics, however. We want to celebrate not just where we’ve been but where we’re going.”

Considering the reasonably quiet nature of the area, not everyone is pleased with the plans. Some residents, including actor Sir Patrick Stewart, are vocal in their dissent against the proposal with some calling it “elitist.” Project director Kieran Hedigan told Octane that “One of the key objectives of The Mullin is to serve audiences of all ages, rich and poor, young and old,” he said. “This project will transform an overgrown brownfield site into a destination for grandparents and grandchildren and everyone in between.”