NYS: Hermès and Bugatti, Together Again — for $2.4 Million

New York Sun ^ | April 2, 2008 | JAY AKASIE

[OESY]

Here’s one set of wheels that is worth a trip downtown: the $2.4 million, 1001-horsepower Bugatti Veyron “Fbg par Hermès” special edition roadster.

Volkswagen AG revived the formidable Bugatti brand name three years ago with the original edition Veyron. With a carbon fiber-composite body and a top speed of 250 miles per hour, it’s the fastest production car ever built.

The Hermès edition, unveiled this morning at Battery Park Gardens and on display later today at the new Hermès boutique on Broad Street, costs more than twice the original version and recalls the early 20th-century friendship of racing legend Ettore Bugatti and saddle-and harness-maker Emile Hermès.

After World War I, Hermès created a bespoke sac pour l’auto, or “motoring bag,” for his well-heeled clients who drove what was at the time the fastest horseless carriage around: the Bugatti Type 35.

With the latest collaboration, Hermès designers use fine leather to soften an otherwise steely racecar. Instead of a brushed aluminum dashboard, this edition has one covered entirely in bull calfskin. Even the door handles are meant to resemble those on Hermès handbags, and the air vents around the rims suggest saddle stitching on the car’s exterior shell.

And though the car speaks for itself, the Hermès special edition has eight-spoked polished aluminum wheels, each with a distinctive “H” in the center. The car will be available by special order through Bugatti dealers this fall.

[OESY]

Test Drive A Bugatti Veyron

NOTE: Holtzheim, France, is located outside of Strasburg in the Alsace.

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[Red in Blue PA]

1001 hp????

Ridiculous.

I though 500 was over the top.

[bajabaja]

The article doesn’t say but I will guess that the engine is rear mounted and those air-scopes on the side and roof are real.

Unlike the “scopes” on the side of my 1965 Mustang.

Mine is a convertible though, so it makes up for that.

Thanks for the article and picture.

[UCANSEE2]

It has a W-16 cylinder engine with four turbochargers and ELEVEN RADIATORS.

[ducdriver]

Do you want this car? YES! Do you need this car? YESSSSS!

[bajabaja]

Wow, “W-16” engine (1000 hp), and I have an “I-6” (around 100 hp) on a Ford 200 cubic inch.

You’re making feel very very small.

But thanks.

[HereInTheHeartland]

“1001 hp????

Ridiculous.”

Why ridiculous?
They aren’t asking me to pay the car insurance bill so why would I care?

[EEDUDE]

“Why ridiculous?”

Well, let’s see... 1001 HP but still probably less than 200 square inches of rubber on the ground.

What are you going to do with that 1001 HP?

Make smoke, or go airborne?

(spoken by a guy who’s happy with the power of his Toyota Corolla)

[birddog]

Yeah.. watch this....

I’ve seen this about 10 times and I’m still in awe......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hEZc4JMMsk&feature=related

[birddog]

Or for those that want a better picture...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hEZc4JMMsk&feature=related&fmt=18

[Yossarian]

[Yossarian]

Funny - (after his 250 MPH run):

"I would give you a bit of a warning, which is it's a bit disorientating doing that sort of speed, because after I come off the banking, I was slowing down to stop -- you know how you get a bit impatient, and you figure 'oh, I'll just open the door -- fortunately, I looked back at the speedo, and I was still doing 70!"

[wizr]

Maaany years ago, I was passed, on the freeway, by a Cobra. Not a Cobra Mustang, not a ‘glass Cobra, but an original faaaaast Cobra roadster. I’ve dreamed of driving one of those ever since.

But now, I’m in LUST. That’s is tough to say, for a Christian. What a gorgeous piece of machinery.

Thanks.

Whew! I’m better now.

[Yossarian]

Now it's hard to tell if something is a real Shelby Cobra, or some kind of fiberglass repliCar.

We need a "Blade Runner" for cars.....

[Yossarian]

Ah, it looks like they pulled the image that you had here from the NY Sun website..... I guess I'm lucky I grabbed it for tweaking when I did....

Here are some other ones - not quite as nice as yours, but from the introduction event today:

[Yossarian]

More pictures, including a gratuitous radiator shot:

This is where you stick your friend to sneak him into the drive-in theater.

Or if you're Joe Pesci, it's where you stick your former business associates.

Or if you're not a fan of Joe Pesci, it's where you stick Joe Pesci.

[kalee]

nice car, but the boot is too small to carry the Strad cello. ;)

[ThomasPaine2000]

OK, I want one..... Now, How much can I get for the wife, kids, and grandkids?..... LOL

[Yossarian]

"How much for the little girls?"