Bugatti Chiron: a real Veyron succesor?

So, here it is. the long awaited successor to the car that took the world by storm and has left its mark on the automotive industry forever. It's called the Chiron, and it aims to improve on the Veyron in every way. This car promises more, in the hope that it too can make as big an impact as the Veyron.

But dont go thinking that this is a car that is a simple face-lift, or some minor improvements intended to sell a few more units. This car is completely new. Take the engine for example. It is the same W16 quad turbo as in the Veyron, and yet there is not a single part of the engine that remains the same. The introduction of more Titanium and Carbon fibre means the engine is lighter, and the revamped turbos feature two-stage activation to result in zero lag. And, thanks to improved engine parts, the Chiron manages 1479BHP, almost 500 more than the Veyron. And that's only the start of the improvements.

The body, as well as the tub, is now entirely made from carbon fibre. However, despite this the bulk of the engine and turbos mean that it will still weigh in at a podgy 1995KG. 0-124MPH takes only 6.5 seconds. For a comparison that will blow your mind, that's the same time that a Focus ST takes to get to 60!! Top speed? 261MPH. But you are only advised to remain at that speed for 6 seconds, to prevent the tyres (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2's- developed with the aerospace industry) failing and you being flung out at top speed.

And the price for all this absurdness? A mere £1.9 million. But, according to Bugatti, this is a car that promises to be more than just numbers. It promises to be more of a drivers car than the Veyron, and the styling gives the impression of a car that is more than just a miracle of physics. But I dont think it will make the same impression that the Veyron did on its launch all those years ago.

Nev

Alpine vision concept: the rebirth of Alpine?

So. After all the speculation as to whether Renault were prepared to resurrect their most nostalgic of sub-brands, here is the proof. An insight into the future of Alpine. And it looks good.

This is the first in line: a premium sports car which manages to bring the past stylings of Alpine's past (the last Alpine car was sold 21 years ago) into the present, rather like other retro companies such as Singer. this one manages to create a car which appears to take a lot of inspiration from the Alpine A110, including the bug-like fog lights. Personally I can see a lot of Porsche in the front end, along with a slight touch of Lotus Exige in the rear.

Priced at around £50,000, this car consequently places itself in the firing line of the upcoming Porsche 718 Cayman, a car that completes the transition to turbocharging in the Porsche line-up. Knowing the quality of the cars that Porsche have been coming up with recently, this looks like a tough competitor. But this won't be the only car that the Alpine will doubtlessly come across. Cars such as the Alfa Romeo 4C and the Lotus Exige spring to mind.

The car itself will probably make use of an edited Renault engine, most likely either a version of the one found in the Renaultsport Clio or the Renaultsport Megane. Although the figures are yet to be finalised, think around 250BHP and under 4.5 seconds 0-60MPH. A top speed of 160MPH isn't exactly lightning, especially compared to the 180 predicted for the new Porsche 718.

This is Brand that has not really chosen the best of times to put in a resurgence. The premium sports car market is (like most sectors nowadays) not exactly spacious. This car wil have to come out firing because in this sector a below-par product is only rescued if it has the looks of a supermodel (Cough*Alfa 4C*Cough). However, this isn't your normal brand. Alpine has sold 26,666 cars between '55 and '95, and has won numerous competitions, the most noticeable of which was their win in the Le Mans 24 hrs in '78. This experience will be crucial if Alpine are to once again dominate this sector

Nev