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17 Nov 2003, 18:12 (Ref:786253) | #1 | ||
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Is Bugatti the next VAG LeMans project?
I noticed that the commentators on the Motors TV coverage of the LM 1000kms commented that the word was that Bugatti would be the next VAG brand to launch an assault on LeMans.
Also the link below gives details of the new Bugatti W16 road car due next year. Bearing in mind Bugatti has a similar history at LeMans to Bentley is this mere speculation or does it seem to make sense that a 3 year project for Bugatti may well be on the cards to coincide with the relaunch of the brand. The similarities to the Bentley strategy are obvious! http://www.autocarmagazine.com/news_...p?na_id=204679 |
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17 Nov 2003, 18:36 (Ref:786285) | #2 | ||
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I'd love to think it was more than mere speculation, Mal......
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17 Nov 2003, 18:37 (Ref:786287) | #3 | ||
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Well you know it will have nothing to do with the street car if they do.
Something about a 16cyl with 4 turbos might just be a tad illegal for competition!! |
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17 Nov 2003, 18:40 (Ref:786292) | #4 | |
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I sure hope so! A race program would really justify what is otherwise a slightly silly car, imho
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17 Nov 2003, 18:40 (Ref:786294) | #5 | ||
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Here is the Bugatti at the Lime Rock Park Vintage festival.
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17 Nov 2003, 18:52 (Ref:786316) | #6 | ||
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Well it would be nice, but I can't see it happening.......
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17 Nov 2003, 19:52 (Ref:786413) | #7 | ||
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I can see a prototype being labeled as a VW or Bugatti, but I don't think there will be a race version of the Veyron
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17 Nov 2003, 23:27 (Ref:786645) | #8 | ||
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Bring it on,did it with Bently so why not?
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18 Nov 2003, 07:19 (Ref:786780) | #9 | |||
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Whatever, lets just hope it happens. |
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18 Nov 2003, 07:46 (Ref:786795) | #10 | ||
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I'd like to see that car done as a GTS. Unfortunately I'm worried that what we'll actually see will be another R8/Bentley clone with a Bugatti badge stuck on the engine covers. I have no problem with VAG using LeMans as a marketing tool for whatever brand they wish to resurrect nesxt, but I wish they'd use a bit of variety.
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18 Nov 2003, 07:56 (Ref:786799) | #11 | |||
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Lets face it we should really salute VAG support of LeMans over the last few years, and I have no objection to it continuing, I just wish someone else would take the fight to them. |
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18 Nov 2003, 08:23 (Ref:786817) | #12 | ||
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Well I think it looks terrific and if it brought more much-needed variety to GTS, I don't have a problem with that.....
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18 Nov 2003, 10:04 (Ref:786877) | #13 | |
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i think its an ugly thing...but nicer than a bmw m3...so bring it on.
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18 Nov 2003, 12:41 (Ref:787016) | #14 | |||
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Quote:
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18 Nov 2003, 12:56 (Ref:787045) | #15 | ||
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Now you're living up to your name..........
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18 Nov 2003, 13:16 (Ref:787076) | #16 | |||
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Quote:
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18 Nov 2003, 13:39 (Ref:787113) | #17 | ||
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Just remember: BENTLEY won Le Mans - not Audi. Just because they share common parts doesn't mean they are similar cars. The fact is that most race cars today use parts that are commissioned/ built outside of the team/factory, eg gearbox.
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18 Nov 2003, 13:43 (Ref:787118) | #18 | ||
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Here here! All too easy to knock these things.......
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18 Nov 2003, 16:29 (Ref:787263) | #19 | ||
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somehow i don't think the lm-gts regulations will allow an 8.0l 64v quad-turbo w16 engined car to run in the june classic, but that's just me.
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18 Nov 2003, 16:51 (Ref:787291) | #20 | ||
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Must be something wrong with the regs then......
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18 Nov 2003, 16:56 (Ref:787296) | #21 | ||
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could be, could be...
i wonder how much power the engine will produce with restrictors on |
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18 Nov 2003, 17:05 (Ref:787305) | #22 | ||
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If Bugatti is the next VAG project that is fine with me. The sport is lacking in manufacturer support and if VAG wants to continue in that vein then that is welcomed. And if another manufacturer wants to jump in and challenge them (as Mal also said) then that would be even better.
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18 Nov 2003, 17:53 (Ref:787375) | #23 | ||
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Yes, but they won't. Because assuming that VAG base a Bugatti prototype on the XP8 (and I would point out it is an assumption), they will be building a car that effectively has 5 or 6 years R&D before they even start to screw it together. I don't think any mainstream manufacturer is going to be prepared to go up against that unless thay have a very large budget.
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18 Nov 2003, 18:15 (Ref:787421) | #24 | ||
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Well I agree that you have a point. However, the Bentley did not win its first race out and VAG did have some years of experience and R&D through the R8 program at that point. But yes, any manufacturer program will have some teething problems as Audi did in 1999. With that said though, I still would welcome more manufacturer involvement. The sport needs it. And it will generate interest, regardless if the new entrant is a winner straight away. In terms of budget, any LMP900 or LMP1 program that wishes to be competitive (be it privateer or manufacturer) will have to spend some money.
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18 Nov 2003, 19:41 (Ref:787520) | #25 | |||
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Also I am sure if someone like Porsche, Toyota or BMW chose to return thay could be competitive very quickly due to their recent knowledge of LeMans and sportscars. Remember when VAG started in 1999 they hadnt competed at LeMans for decades. |
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