AUTO CAR: April 2009

Bugatti Veyron 16.4: Four New 'Centenaire' Special Edition Models

Continuing its centenary celebrations, Bugatti presented four special edition Veyrons at this weekend's Concorso d'Eleganza in Italy. These one off models pay homage to Bugatti's Type 35 Grand Prix racing car that won almost 2,000 races between 1924 and 1934. Each of the four Veyron Specials is named after a Bugatti race-car driver of the 1920s and 30s, and bears the racing colors of their respective country.

The blue Veyron is dedicated to Jean-Pierre Wimille (1908-1949)from France, the red model pays tribute to Achille Varzi (1904-1948) from Italy, the green to Malcolm Campbell (1885-1949) from England and the white Veyron to Hermann zu Leiningen (1901-1971) from Germany.

Colors scheme aside, all four special edition Veyrons come with polished aluminum doors, front fenders and exterior mirrors, plus unique eight-spoke alloy wheels and aluminum front grille and air vents. Inside the 'Centenaire' Veyrons feature special materials and colors along with a commemorative plate.

"We have put a lot of effort into translating colour and material, the defining characteristics of our historic role models, into the designs of the modern-day Veyrons," said Alasdair Stewart, Director Sales & Marketing at Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. "We have taken extreme care to match the original colours of the original race cars, exterior and interior."

New Morgan Aero SuperSports with BMW V8: High-Res Photos and Details

The wraps are off Morgan's limited-run flagship model, the Aero Supersports that's destined to make its world debut at this weekend's Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este in Northern Italy. Designed and engineered in house, the Morgan Aero SuperSports is a lightweight aluminum sports car with two removable roof panels that infuses 'old-school' British styling with modern touches and technology. Like the 2008 Aeromax Coupe, upon which it is based, the Aero Supersports is powered by a 367HP 4.8 litre BMW V8 engine that comes with a choice of 6 speed automatic or manual gearboxes.

Charles Morgan, Grandson of the company's founder said "The Morgan Aero SuperSports is a luxurious flamboyant sports car which also remains true to Morgan's philosophy of lightweight minimalist simplicity. It is a celebration of our love of cars and the romance of travel and is a fitting model to announce during Morgan's Centenary year."

The new Aero Super Sports is set to enter a limited run production of about 200 units in early 2010 with an anticipated price of around £127,000 including VAT, which comes to about US$185,000 or €142,000 with the current exchange rates. Those interested to get in line for one will have to place a deposit of £25,000 or US$36,500 - €28,000.

Source: Morgan , Via: Autoblog.it

Aston Martin One-77: Live High-Res Gallery from Concorso d'Eleganza

The first complete version of Aston Martin's strikingly gorgeous One-77 supercar made its world premiere at this weekend's Concorso d'Eleganza on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, where it won the 'Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes. Aston Martin had previously shown a rolling chassis of the supercar in Geneva, but this was the first time we saw the final version that came complete with an interior and running gear.

"Embodying everything Aston Martin stands for; the One-77 has proven itself as the most desirable automotive art form at its premiere today. We have achieved a new level of design and craftsmanship which has been clearly recognised by the public here in the homeland of design at Villa d'Este," said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.

The hand-made One-77 that will be produced in a limited run of 77 units (hence the name) is Aston Martin's proposal in the cream of supercars competing with the likes of the Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari Enzo.

Even though the supercar's exterior design is clearly influenced by the firm's latest crop, the One-77 somehow manages to have its own distinct character. Same goes for the interior which features a two-tone theme and is slathered in leather and carbon fiber.

Set to be priced around US$1.45 million or €1.1 million, the One-77 is powered by an evolution of the 6.0-litre V12 engines fitted to the DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models that produces more than 700 horsepower which is transmitted to the road through the rear wheels via a new six-speed robotized gearbox with paddles shifters on the steering wheel.

With a projected weight of around 1,500kg or 3,300 lbs, the One-77 is said to have a top speed in excess of 200mph or 320km/h, with a 0-60mph (96km/h) time in approximately 3.5 seconds.