Next gen Bugatti veyron may be too powerful to register top speed !

The successor to Bugatti’s iconic Veyron hypercar could feature performance credentials so wild that its top speed will be difficult to prove, according to an exclusive report in Autocar today.

Bugatti insiders have revealed to the world’s oldest and most respected motoring magazine that the new model, slated to go on sale in 2016, could have a top speed of 286mph and a 0-62mph time of 2.3sec, if current computer simulations are to be believed.

The car will feature a hybrid powertrain based on the same quad-turbocharged 8.0-litre W16 engine featured in the Veyron, and will generate close to 1500bhp.

The nine-year-old Veyron’s top speed of 268mph was already a challenge to prove, due to the limitations of its Michelin road tyres; Autocar believes that, unless tyre technology has advanced sufficiently, the rubber could disintegrate before the new vehicle reaches maximum speed.

Autocar road test editor Matt Prior said: “Even though aerodynamic drag increases at the square of speed, if you up the power enough, it’s entirely feasible that Bugatti could find another 18mph for the taking in the Veyron’s successor.

“But we’re well into the realms of academia now. Making a road car that can do 286mph is one thing; making a road car do it on road tyres is rather more difficult.”

A full report on Bugatti’s Veyron heir can be found in today’s edition of Autocar or by visiting the website at http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bugatti-plans-new-286mph-1479bhp-veyron-successor.

The new vehicle is being built around a carbonfibre monocoque, like its predecessor. It will seat two in what is planned to be a highly luxurious cabin, complete with all the very latest in connectivity technology.

The heavily revised powertrain receives electric assistance, while drive is channelled to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and multi-plate-clutch four-wheel drive system.

Originally launched in 2005, there are only 15 Veyrons left to be sold. As with the Veyron, the new car’s production will be limited to around 450 units.

Porsche 911 GT3 wins WORLD performance car of the year, fire extinguishers were at hand !

At a ceremony at the New York Auto Show this morning, the Porsche 911 GT3 was named the 2014 World Performance Car.

The World Car Awards (WCA) are presented annually in four categories – Car Design, Green Car, Performance Car and Car of the Year. Winners are determined by an international panel of 69 automotive journalists from 22 countries. Jurors are appointed by the World Car Awards’ Steering Committee based on automotive expertise, experience, credibility and influence.

“To be chosen as the winner of the World Performance Car by this global jury is extremely rewarding,” said Detlev von Platen, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Each generation of the 911 GT3 epitomizes our vision of the ultimate pure bred, track ready sports car. And our newest iteration is no exception. To be elected against such formidable competitors by a large number of auto experts pays a huge compliment to our designers and engineers.”

Since the inception of the World Car of the Year Awards, Porsche has won World Performance Car three time; for the Boxster and Cayman 2013, 911 in 2012 and for the Cayman, again, in 2006. The fifth-generation 911 GT3 is the latest top performing naturally aspirated 911 from Porsche.  Completely redesigned, it is lighter, more powerful and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. A wider front track and advanced technology like active rear wheel steering enhance the driving experience.

  

Delivering 475 hp, the 3.8-liter horizontally opposed rear mounted 6-cylinder engine is mated to a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplingsgetriebe (PDK) transmission which drives the rear wheels. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is just 3.3 seconds and top track speed is 195 mph. The 911 GT3 MSRP in the U.S. is $130,400, not including a $995 destination charge.