Bugatti and Hermes joined at the recent Geneva Motor Show to
demonstrate the "Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes," an ultra-luxurious
ultra-pricey vehicle that combines the technical performance of the
legendary Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with the expertise of Hermes designer
Gabriele Pezzini and his craftsmen. The super-exotic vehicle made
its North American Debut in New York at the beginning of April.
This
remarkable Bugatti features an array of exceptional characteristics,
including the innovative alliance of a technologically advanced engine
that delivers 1001 horsepower, with a gorgeous silhouette reflecting
the high-performance capacities of the Veyron's state-of-the-art
engineering and design. Be still my beating heart!
The official name of the highly exclusive "Bugatti Veyron Fbg par
Hermes" refers to the historic Hermes headquarters on the Rue du
Faubourg Saint-Honore, in the heart of Paris's eighth district: the
"Fbg" appellation evokes the house's "faubourg" address. With the
Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes, the exacting standards of Emile Hermes
and Ettore Bugatti come together for the first time in an exceptional
collaboration: the culmination of their extreme attention to aesthetic
and technological quality and performance. Pezzini has reinterpreted
Bugatti's traditional two-tone carriage work, fostering a
fluid-as-espresso transition between the car's exterior and interior
design. The creamy latte color of the hood extends through the interior
of the cockpit and re-emerges behind at the level of the rear wing.
As a tribute to the celebrated 1924 Bugatti Type 35 -- undoubtedly the
most famous Bugatti of all time, thanks to its many successes on the
racetrack -- the new Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes features
eight-spoked wheels in polished aluminum, central butterfly wheel locks
branded with the letter H, and air vents around the rims reproducing
the characteristic appearance of Hermes saddle-stitching. The horseshoe
radiator grille -- and the lateral ventilation grilles flanking it --
are made from lightweight alloys with a design of interlocking H's
evoking the Hermes "signature."
Animal-rights activists should turn their heads now: The inner surfaces
of the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes have been designed and sheathed in
bull calfskin by the Hermes workshops in Paris. The care and attention
to detail observe an extremely refined design that reflects the
tradition of the very first Bugattis as well as the fundamental
principles from the house of Hermes. The door handles echo the fluid
forms of those on Hermes travel bags and luggage. The dashboard --
traditionally finished in brushed aluminum -- is clad entirely in bull
calfskin. Both seats are covered in two-toned bull calfskin, and the
panel separating the cockpit from the central rear engine -
traditionally made of carbon fiber - is covered in the same fine
leather. The leather-lined trunk holds a specially-fitted "Toile H" and
leather case, hand-made by craftsmen from the Hermes workshops.
As if all that fabulous leather isn't enough to make your heart beat
faster, this incredible sports coupe, is capable of reaching speeds
above 250 mph, while combining of the very finest motor-racing
technology with comfortable handling for every day driving. The
16-cylinder "W" configuration engine is fed by four turbochargers and
features 64 valves, generating 1001 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The engine
draws on its 8-liter displacement to deliver a maximum torque of 1250
Newton-meters between 2200 and 5500 rpm. With full-time all-wheel
drive, the car's phenomenal power produces breathtaking dynamic
handling, with acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds. The
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 benefits from aeronautical and aerospace
technologies, making it the fastest production car ever made. The car
also features a braking system designed to deliver unprecedented powers
of deceleration, establishing a new industry benchmark. The
carbon-fiber discs provide brake pressure of up to 180 bars, combined
with eight-piston monobloc calipers and titanium pistons fitted with
fine steel heads and ceramic heat protectors. Apply the brakes at
speeds above 120 mph, and the rear wing acts as an airbrake,
positioning itself at an angle of 113 degrees in less than 0.4 seconds,
augmenting the Bugatti Veyron's already impressive stopping power. The
airbrake increases negative lift at the rear of the car to 300 kg,
enhancing the braking torque on the rear axle. Emergency braking can
bring the sports car from approximately 250 mph to a complete halt in
less than 10 seconds.
This fascinating car has pushed the limits of physical engineering to a
completely new level for driver and passenger alike. But it has also
adopted an approach high above any other sports cars: its features and
finish are sure to impress the most demanding and wealthiest clientele.
This exceptional model will be priced at 1.55 million Euros
(approximately $245,000,000, not including tax), when it goes on sale
at the end of 2008. Better call your stock broker now so you will have
liquidated the necessary funds in time.
by Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty.com Editor