Prototype Baby II test driven by customers at the brand’s 110th anniversary in Molsheim    Molsheim, 18 September 2019. For the celebration of the 110th anniversary of Bugatti, a very special surprise was prepared for the enthusiasts of La Marque: the unveiling of the first Bugatti Baby II prototype. Earlier this year, the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, Bugatti had revealed the reimagining of the iconic Bugatti Baby as a 3D printed model. It captured the imagination of automotive enthusiasts around the world, and the limited edition run of 500 cars sold out completely within three weeks. 

“When a company with such a colourful and proud history as Bugatti turns 110, you can allow yourself to look into the rear view mirror a little bit more than you usually would. Thus, it is only fitting for our anniversary year to revive the Bugatti Baby”, explained Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “The Bugatti Baby II has grown up to be more of a teenager now, and I must say I’m very excited to see it drive around on the Bugatti premises in Molsheim.” A 110th birthday present to ourselves 

To create the Baby II, Bugatti has partnered with The Little Car Company to produce the greatest junior car ever created. After months of development, the Bugatti Baby II has now reached the point where the first prototype, named XP1 was ready for test drives by VIPs at La Grande Fête in Molsheim.  
Based on the iconic Bugatti Type 35, the Baby II combines the playfulness of the original Baby, reimagined with 21st century technology. To allow the Baby II to be driven by both adults and children, it has grown from the 50% scale of the original to a 75% scale replica of the Type 35 and includes a sliding pedal box for drivers young and old. So, while the original 500 Babys could be a tight squeeze for even the smallest children, the Baby II allows parents and grandparents to share the love of driving with their children and grandchildren. 

Ben Hedley, CEO of the Little Car Company said: “It’s been a huge honour to be involved in this project with Bugatti. The Baby is a key part of Bugatti’s heritage, and we wanted to create something which is deserving of the name. We set out to create something which was respectful of the original but also great fun to drive, and the early feedback from customers tells us we’ve achieved that.” 

Engineering a masterpiece  
The first stage for the Baby II engineering team was to digitally scan every single component of a 1924 Type 35 Lyon Grand Prix car. From there the designers adapted Ettore Bugatti’s masterpiece, introducing a modern electric powertrain with lithium ion batteries and regenerative braking. 
Other elements were gently redesigned for the modern age. The ground-breaking eight-spoke alloy wheels were replicated, but are now wearing modern Michelin tyres. The innovative 
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lightweight hollow front axle has been reproduced, as has the elegant suspension and signature steering mechanism from the original. 

In the cockpit, the classic four spoke steering wheel sits in front of a turned aluminium dash with custom Bugatti instruments. While the original cars had a tachometer with oil and fuel pressure gauges, these have been replaced with a speedometer, battery level indicator and power gauge (first seen on the Veyron). The clock used for measuring race performance in the Type 35 remains.  

The fuel pressure pump from the Type 35 has been digitally replicated and repurposed as a forward / reverse control, and all cars will come with a horn, rear view mirror, handbrake, headlights and a remote control to disable the car from up to 50 meters should an inexperienced driver get carried away. Sat proudly in the centre of the dashboard is a plaque giving the unique chassis number of the Baby II, and displayed on the nose of every car will be Bugatti’s famous ‘Macaron’ badge, made of 50g of solid silver, just like the Chiron1.  

Designed for fun 
The Baby II has been designed to be fun to drive from the start. The rear wheel drive powertrain comes with two selectable power modes for drivers of different experience: a 1kW ‘child mode’ with the top speed limited to 20 km/h, and a 4kW ‘adult mode’ with the top speed limited to 45 km/h. In addition, for those enthusiasts who crave even more pace, some versions come with a ‘Speed Key’ just like its big brother, the Chiron, which allows power of up to 10kW and disengages the speed limiter. Fortunately there is a Limited Slip Differential to help drivers make the most of the torque available at the rear wheels.  
As standard the car will be painted in French Racing Blue with a black leather interior, but other colour options will be available for both the exterior and interior. These include the opportunity to have your Baby II painted in the same solid contemporary colours as the Chiron, or alternatively there is a selection of vintage colours, each dedicated to a famous driver or event from the history of Bugatti.  

The car will come with two sizes of removable battery, a standard 1.4 kWh pack and a longrange 2.8 kWh version. While exact range will depend on driving style, the larger pack is expected to give a range of more than 30km. 

In addition, all owners of Baby IIs will receive membership of The Little Car Club, and be able to attend events where they, their children and their grandchildren can drive their cars at famous motor racing circuits.  

Dimensions & Range 
The Baby II will come in three specifications:  
• Baby II with a composite body 
• Baby II Vitesse with a carbon fibre body and ‘Speed Key’  
• Baby II Pur Sang with a hand crafted aluminium body and ‘Speed Key’ 
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Each Baby II is 2.8m long and 1.0m wide. The exact weight of the car will depend on the version, but starts at around 230kg without driver.  
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Reserve list 
Whilst all 500 Bugatti Baby IIs sold out within three weeks of the Geneva Motor Show announcement, it is still possible for customers to join the reserve list should a prospective buyer pull out, or to get the first notification of any future models. For more details, please visit www.bugattibaby.com  
Prices start at 30,000 euros (plus taxes and delivery) and production starts at the beginning of 2020. The car will be manufactured by the Little Car Company in the UK, and all 500 cars will be produced over the course of 2020 and 2021.  

Courtesy of Bugatti Motors: Click Here

12 September 2019, Goodwood

• All-new March Motor Works replicates period Rolls-Royce motor show stand
• Display features 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I convertible, together with rare examples of other models launched at the event
• 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II LWB to lead Course Director’s entourage on the famous Goodwood Circuit throughout the weekend

 
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marks the 21st edition of the Goodwood Revival this weekend with a display that takes visitors on a journey back in time to the glamorous world of the 1950s. For the 2019 Goodwood Revival, the March Motor Works will be painstakingly transformed into a replica of the marque’s motor show stand of the period.
 
The centrepiece will be an example of the company’s pinnacle product of the Revival period, the 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I two-door drophead coupé. Finished in Black and Red with a matching hood, the car is one of just a handful crafted by coachbuilder H. J. Mulliner.
 
Rolls-Royce will be represented on the legendary motor circuit throughout the event by a magnificent 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II long wheelbase saloon. Finished in Sage Green over Smoke Green, this imposing four-door limousine, which has recorded just 9,500 miles in its 58 years, will form part of the Course Director’s entourage.
 
Invited guests will have the opportunity to experience the marque’s defining ‘magic carpet ride’ in surroundings where the only audible sound is, famously, the ticking of the mechanical dashboard clock.
 
Throughout the weekend, visitors will also be able to see cars from today’s Rolls-Royce model families, as a specially-selected fleet conveys invited VIPs to the Revival from the nearby Home of Rolls-Royce in the height of modern luxury.
 
 

• Iconic V12 engine and groundbreaking hybrid technologies combine in super sports car of the future with a visionary design
• World-first use of supercapacitor in hybrid solution and unique materials-science application
• Producing combined thermal and electric power of 819 hp (602 kW): the most powerful Lamborghini ever produced
• Lowest weight-to-power ratio of the Lamborghini V12 family ever, accelerating 0-100 km/h in under 2.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of over 350 km/h
• Sián: meaning flash or lightning in Bolognese dialect, referencing the first electric application in a Lamborghini production car
• Produced in a limited series of just 63 units, honoring the foundation year of Automobili Lamborghini: all already sold

 
Sant’Agata Bolognese, 3 September 2019 – At the Frankfurt Motor Show Automobili Lamborghini unveils the Lamborghini Sián: a hybrid super sports car delivering new technologies and unsurpassed performance in the hybrid sphere.
 
The fastest Lamborghini of all time is realized in a new futuristic design; drawing on the brand’s style DNA, but clearly a design for a new era. Taking the most iconic V12 Lamborghini power plant of today, the Sián is engineered around unique hybrid technologies, delivering the extraordinary emotion and exceptional dynamic performance of a naturally aspirated Lamborghini super sports car, while meeting a future demanding electrification.
 
“The Sián is a masterpiece in possibilities,” says Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Not only does the Sián deliver a formidable hyper-car design and engineering tour de force today, it augments the potential for Lamborghini as a super sports car brand for tomorrow and for decades to come, even as hybridization becomes more desirable and inevitably essential. The Lamborghini Sián represents the first step in Lamborghini’s route to electrification, and expedites our next-generation V12 engine. Its Sián moniker, meaning ‘flash or lightning’ in Bolognese dialect, denotes the first electrification of a Lamborghini production car and confirms our strong connection to the territory in which we operate. With the Sián, Automobili Lamborghini demonstrates its dynastic strength as a legendary super sports car brand for the future.”
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​The Sián technology: hybrid power delivering the best performance
 
“Lamborghini’s strategic heritage in one-off and very limited series cars is not only a commitment to exclusivity but a presentation of future designs and technologies. With this car, we set ourselves the challenge of creating the best hybrid solution for a Lamborghini super sports car to provide us with the first step on our electrification strategy,” says Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer. “Lamborghini is inherently a rule breaker, a challenger, always pushing what is possible to find a better solution. With the Sián we are defining our route to innovation and we are setting new rules in new technologies, instead of just following existing solutions. The result is the Lamborghini Sián, which includes the world-first application of a supercapacitor for hybridization and new materials technology.”
 
The Sián adopts the V12 as the pinnacle of today’s Lamborghini engines and develops a new super sports car powertrain: a unique new hybrid system focuses on providing the highest power possible via the lightest solution.
 
A 48 volt e-motor, delivering 34 hp, has been incorporated into the gearbox to provide immediate response and improved performance: the first time in any low-voltage hybrid that a direct connection has been made between electric motor and wheels. The e-motor also supports low-speed maneuvers such as reversing and parking with electric power.
 
The energy accumulation technology is a world first. Rather than a lithium-ion battery the Sián innovates supercapacitor application: a technology pioneered originally in the Lamborghini Aventador but dramatically developed to store ten times the power. It is three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and three times lighter than a battery producing the same power. Located in the bulkhead between cockpit and engine it ensures perfect weight distribution. The electric system with the supercapacitor and e-motor weighs only 34 kg, thus it delivers a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of 1.0 kg/hp. Symmetric power flow ensures the same efficiency in both charging and discharging cycles: the most lightweight and efficient hybrid solution.
 
This advanced technology combines with the V12 engine, which incorporates titanium intake valves and is uprated to 785 hp (577 kW) at 8,500 rpm: the highest output ever from a Lamborghini power plant. Combined with the additional 34 hp from the hybrid system, the Sián delivers a total of 819 hp (602 kW), and still produces the distinctly emotive resonance demanded from a Lamborghini engine. The Sián’s weight-to-power ratio is better than that of the Aventador SVJ, achieved through extensive use of lightweight materials. The Sián reaches a top speed of over 350 km/h.
 
The Lamborghini Sián incorporates a highly advanced regenerative braking system, especially developed by Lamborghini. Thanks to the symmetric behavior of the supercapacitor, which contrary to normal Li-Ion batteries can be charged and discharged with the same power, the Sián’s energy storage system is fully charged every time the vehicle brakes. The energy stored is an instantly-available power boost, allowing the driver to draw immediately on increased torque when accelerating away, up to 130 km/h when the e-motor automatically disconnects, improving the elasticity maneuvers and making it more than 10% faster than a car without this system.
 
The innovative system also delivers instant acceleration in low gears, with improved traction force provided by the combination of V12 engine and hybrid system. This makes the Sián the fastest-accelerating Lamborghini ever, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds. The improvement in elasticity maneuvers is even more evident. Traction force is improved by up to 10% in third gear and the 30 to 60 km/h acceleration time is improved by 0.2 seconds compared to the Aventador SVJ. In higher gears and lower speeds the electric motor increases traction force by up to 20%, reducing the 70 to 120 km/h acceleration by 1.2 seconds compared to the Aventador SVJ.
 
This new level of Lamborghini performance and driving emotion is accompanied by a heightened level of driving comfort facilitated by the hybrid system. The moment when deceleration and missing torque is felt during gear changes powered by a traditional combustion engine, is eliminated by the torque upshift fill provided by the hybrid’s e-motor: the pilot will feel only the pull backward of acceleration, eliminating any possible uncomfortable jerking movements.

​The Sián design – heading for the future 
The Lamborghini Sián’s design demonstrates its clear intent: a visionary and futuristic design in combination with outstanding aerodynamic solutions. It is a new super sports car for a new era, but still with the heart and soul of a Lamborghini, pushing the limits to fulfill the highest expectations.
 
Taking futuristic inspiration from the Countach, the Gandini line is evident in its profile, while the silhouette introduces new features such as the characteristic aero wings, giving the Sián an unmistakable profile. The iconic Lamborghini ‘Y’ shape can be seen in the NACA air inlets on the doors, glass elements are included in the engine cover, and the diagonal line features in the front hood, as in the Countach.
 
In its long, honed, sculptured contours, like the Countach, the Sián’s design is pure and uncluttered. The low front with integrated carbon fiber splitter is dominated by the ‘Y’-shape headlights, used for the first time to reflect the signature design of the night lights, originally designed for the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio.
 
The extreme and strong rear of the car incorporates the hexagonal design so linked with Lamborghini, including six hexagonal tail lights inspired by the Countach. The rear wing is integrated within the profile, and extends out only during the driving to enhance the performance.
 
In the roof, the ‘Periscopio’ tunnel that originally incorporated a rear mirror in the Countach, adds a bold feature that links with the slats of the rear engine cover and important elements contributing to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.
 
The extreme Sián design is a clear statement of the car’s optimized aerodynamic efficiency and technological prowess: airflow is directed through the front splitters and through the front bonnet, through the side air intakes and outlets and over the rear spoiler. The Lamborghini Sián utilizes unique material science for the first time in an automotive application. Active cooling vanes on the rear use Lamborghini patented technology. The operation of these vanes is triggered by the reaction of smart-material elements to the temperature generated by the exhaust system, causing them to rotate and providing an elegant and lightweight cooling solution.

​The Sián haute couture: 63 unique pieces
Not only is the Lamborghini Sián’s dynamism and intriguing technology clear in its design but it represents a new level of haute couture: all of the 63 masterpieces will be individually styled by each owner to create exclusive individuality through Lamborghini Centro Stile in conjunction with Lamborghini Ad Personam.
 
The specifically designed configuration for the car shown at the IAA in Frankfurt in Verde Gea (green) with details in Oro Electrum (electric gold) is visualizing the electrified Lamborghini of the future and underlining Lamborghini’s leadership in terms constantly striving for the highest execution of color and materials. It is painted with a very precious multilayer color containing golden flakes and golden crystals, perfectly complementing the internal design. The interior is executed with aniline leather in ‘Terra di Sant’Agata Bolognese’, specifically developed and  implementing 3D printed parts for the first time in production. “The fastest Lamborghini must be a visual and symphonic feast, as remarkable to those who see it pass by as those privileged to drive it, “says Mitja Borkert, Head of Design at Automobili Lamborghini. “It takes inspiration from the Countach, but the Sián is a futuristic icon, not retrospective. Exclusivity is enhanced by total Ad Personam personalization that every one of the 63 Sián owners has the privilege of creating, in conjunction with me and the Centro Stile team: 63 individuals worldwide will own not only the fastest, but a unique Lamborghini.”
 
The Lamborghini Sián will be unveiled to the world’s media and public at the Frankfurt IAA motor show 2019.
 
The fuel consumption and emissions data is in the type approval stage, the car is not available for sale yet.

Courtesy of Lamborghini - Click here

​The world record Chiron
For the world record, a team of engineers from various disciplines, under the direction of Bugatti’s Head of Development Stefan Ellrott prepared a pre-production vehicle of a Chiron derivative. In addition to aerodynamic improvements the specialists attached great importance to safety. Andy Wallace was held in place by six-point belts and protected by an additional safety cell.
The Bugatti team were supported by Italian race specialist Dallara as well as tyre manufacturer Michelin. “Their expertise was fed directly into the project. The record would not have been possible without our partners,” says Willmann. Michelin has been our tyre partner for many years and ensured the necessary grip and stability. The Michelin high-speed tyres already used on the Chiron were again reinforced, particularly the belts to handle the 5300 G, while still being street legal. After all, the tyres rotate up to 4,100 times in one minute. The tyres were subjected to extensive test bench trials at speeds of up to 511 km/h in the USA. Rigorous quality controls even after production: each tyre was X-rayed to optimise up to the smallest details. The world record car was only fitted with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres directly before the record run.
On the test bench, the Bugatti engineers also tested the performance of the engine and the interaction between engine, gearbox and chassis during various manoeuvres. Even the smallest changes have a huge effect in this speed range. “After all the calculations and tests, we felt sure the record was within our grasp. We had the technology under control at an early stage. But a world record attempt on an open track can have a few surprises in store. We were lucky today and everything went well,” says Head of Development Stefan Ellrott with immense satisfaction.
The record track
The Ehra-Lessien high-speed track in Lower Saxony is 50 metres above sea level. Unlike higher-altitude high-speed tracks such as in Nevada, however, this has certain drawbacks. Due to the higher air density, the vehicle has to apply more force, and at high speeds of over 400 km/h, it runs as if were driving against a wall. “Air pressure, air density and temperature are very important for high-speed driving and can make a difference of up to 25 km/h, depending on the altitude,” says Stefan Ellrott. But the team opted for the test track in Ehra-Lessien nonetheless.
“A world record attempt at such an extreme speed of over 400 km/h always involves a certain risk. Everything has to be right – the car, the weather and the track. Ehra-Lessien offers the greatest possible safety, which is why we opted for this track,” says Stefan Ellrott. It is the only place in the world where the safety standards for high-speed tests are this high. The 21-kilometre three-lane highway is lined with crash barriers, and rescue services are available at the north and south ends. The carriageway was cleaned with special mats prior the road test in order to pick up stones and grit. “Driver safety is our top priority. We did everything in advance to minimise the risk,” says Ellrott.
The record run was recorded by a sealed GPS box, the certificate was issued by SGS-TÜV Saar. So as of August 2019, Bugatti is the first manufacturer to produce a car that runs faster than 300 mph – at a speed of 304.773 mph.
It is not Bugatti's first world record on this track with a Chiron. In 2017, former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya drove a Chiron from 0 to 400 to 0 km/h on this test track in 41.96 seconds – the shortest run up to that point. With the Veyron 16.4, Bugatti set speed records for production vehicles in 2005 and 2010, and in 2013 the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse set the record as the fastest roadster.
“Now Bugatti was the first to exceed the 300-mile-per-hour mark. An incredible achievement that shows what the men and women of Bugatti are capable of.  But this was the last time for us. Bugatti was the first to exceed 300-mile-per-hour – its name will go down in the history books and it will stay that way forever,” says Stephan Winkelmann.
Contrary to popular belief, hyper sports cars are not just defined by their first-class performance. “This world record once again shows that Bugatti still builds the fastest cars in the world. But our hyper sports cars are capable of more. They offer absolute exclusivity, luxury, unmatched beauty and a high level of automotive craftsmanship. The Bugatti is the only hyper sports car that combines all of these characteristics in one vehicle. We will concentrate even more on this in the future in the context of further exciting projects,” says Stephan Winkelmann. This has been the Bugatti philosophy for 110 years.

1 Fuel consumption, l/100km: urban 35.2 / extra-urban 15.2 / combined 22.5; combined CO2 emissions, g/km: 516; efficiency class: G

Courtesy of Bugatti Motors - Click here