M25’s Cobham Services hosts its first ever WEDDING

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July 3, 2024

Would you get married at McDonald’s? Or say “I do” outside a Starbucks? That was the case for one happy couple, who held their wedding at Cobham Services in Surrey.

The Extra MSA location is, we believe, the first motorway services to have staged a wedding reception. More than 40 guests travelled around the M25 to attend.

It helped fulfil a childhood dream for bride Stacey, who had always wanted to experience a fast-food wedding reception.

Wedding trendsetters

Stacey’s grandmother, Dawn, acted as the wedding planner for the big day, and suggested Cobham on the M25 as the perfect location.

Dawn commented “The very nice lady on the phone was quite surprised by our request, but within a day of making the enquiry, I’d had an email back from the general manager to say they’d be delighted to host us.

“They cordoned off a designated area and set up tables and chairs to suit our seating plan and guest numbers, and even arranged coach parking for the vintage bus we’d hired as transportation.”

Dawn added: “Several families at the services said to us what a great idea it was to host a wedding reception at a motorway service station, so who knows, maybe we’ve started a trend!”

They’re lovin’ it

Stacey, who is from Surrey, said of her wedding venue choice: “Back from when I was a child I’d always dreamed of wearing a pink princess dress and having my wedding reception in a fast food outlet. I’ve repeatedly stated that fact, but even just two days before my wedding, my siblings couldn’t believe I was choosing to have it in a motorway service station – but it’s what I’d always wanted!”

Tom Dobson, CEO at Extra MSA, said: “A huge congratulations to Stacey and her partner. It was a pleasure to welcome them to Cobham, and to play our part in their big day. While we’ve never had the privilege of hosting a wedding at one of our motorway service areas before, we always try to go the ‘Extra mile’ for our customers – and we’re thrilled that we could make this unique celebration a reality.”

As a wedding gift, Cobham Services presented Stacey and her partner with £300 in vouchers, which can be redeemed at the on-site food and drink venues.

Aston Martin DBX707 AMR24 Edition brings F1 style to hot SUV

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John Redfern

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July 3, 2024

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Aston Martin has revealed a new limited-edition version of its flagship DBX707 SUV, with a direct link to the marque’s Formula 1 team.

The Aston Martin DBX707 AMR24 Edition shares a name with the company’s latest F1 racer, driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

There is also a deliberate nod to the DBX707 currently supplied by Aston Martin to act as one of the Official Formula 1 Medical Cars.

From the race track to the road

The Aston Martin AMR24 Formula 1 car is the first racer to be designed and built at the state-of-the-art AMR Technology Campus at Silverstone. As such, Aston has chosen to channel the design elements from the F1 machine into the DBX707.

Customers can choose from Podium Green, Onyx Black or Neutron White paint colours, with contrasting Lime Green or Trophy Silver accents found on the exterior trim. These latter accents, placed on gloss black and carbon fibre, are a direct link from the AMR24 F1 car.

This unique colour combination extends to the choice of Aston Martin Racing Green or AMR Lime brake calipers. These are nestled behind 23-inch ‘Fortis’ alloy wheels, which can be finished in either satin or gloss black.

An exclusive AMR24 engine plaque is included as the finishing touch.

Bold interior choices encouraged

On the inside, there is a choice of two colour schemes for the ‘Inspire Sport’ cabin. Buyers can pick Onyx black with Lime stitching, or Onyx Black / Eifel Green Duotone with more Lime highlights.

Interior details can be finished in carbon fibre and dark chrome jewellery, or titanium mesh matched with satin chrome. A unique hand-stitched lime leather strap above the wireless smartphone charger.

A new sound system, created with Bowers & Wilkins, is included with the DBX707 AMR24, being combined with the recently revised multimedia touchscreen.

Bespoke AMR24 door sills are fitted to complete the interior makeover.

Ready for Silverstone action

Aston Martin has left the DBX707’s powertrain untouched, although the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is hardly short on performance. The 707hp output allows for a 0-62mph time of 3.1 seconds, with a potential top speed of 193mph.

Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin’s global chief brand and commercial officer said: “Now with a technically advanced interior to match its class leading performance, the DBX707 AMR24 Edition is a stand-out ultra-luxury SUV with incredible road presence.”

The Aston Martin DBX707 AMR24 Edition is available to order now, just ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

Ferrari ups warranty cover to 16 years for electrified supercars

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John Redfern

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July 2, 2024

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Ferrari has launched two new extended warranties for those who buy – or already own – one of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) supercars.

The cover is intended to provide extra peace of mind for those choosing a car from the famous Italian marque.

Offered for various Ferrari models, from the 296 GTS (pictured above) to the extreme SF90 XX Stradale, the extended warranties are in addition to the standard five-year cover provided on hybrid components.

Dedicated to hybrid Ferraris

The two new warranty programmes, named ‘Warranty Extension Hybrid’ and ‘Power Hybrid’, can be purchased through the Ferrari dealer network.

Owners can choose warranties in renewable two to four year packages, which can be transferred when their Ferrari is sold.

Even cars outside of the existing four-year standard factory warranty period are eligible to upgrade, following a technical inspection by a Ferrari dealer.

Opting for the Warranty Extension Hybrid programme means Ferrari will cover the electrified powertrain for up to eight years.

Choosing the maximum eight-year period also means Ferrari will replace the high-voltage battery pack (HVB) at no extra cost.

Cover for up to sixteen years

Choosing the Power Hybrid warranty lets owners extend cover to include all major elements of the car’s powertrain.

This comprehensive warranty spans from years eight to sixteen of the car’s life, and sees another HVB replacement included at no additional cost.

Ferrari has also committed to future-proofing owners against developments in battery technology. The company will guarantee that any replacement HVBs will be a brand new component, able to match the performance of the original factory item.

Both the new warranty packages are available to buy from Ferrari dealers now.

MOKE International names Bremont watch co-founder as new chairman

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Richard Aucock

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June 26, 2024

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Nick English, who co-founded luxury brand Bremont Watches with his brother Giles, has been appointed executive chairman of heritage automotive brand MOKE International.

English will spearhead a major growth phase for MOKE, which has already sold 500 vehicles to date, and is now in talks with strategic partners and investors.

His appointment is effective immediately, as current CEO Isobel Dando steps away from her role.

“Hiring Nick is a real coup for MOKE,” she said. “He is passionate about British engineering – be it flying planes, making watches or driving cars – and, as a serial entrepreneur, I believe he has exactly what we need to further develop the business.”

MOKE International owns the original 1964 European MOKE trademark; the famous Mini MOKE was conceived in the early 1960s as a military utility vehicle by Austin Mini designer Sir Alec Issigonis.

In 2023, an Electric MOKE was launched, helping the firm become the first heritage automotive brand to go 100% electric.

The cars are built in Northamptonshire – “just miles away from where the original MOKEs were built in the 1960s” – and the firm currently has a wating list of around 800 orders, which is worth $25m.

Pivotal time

English says he is joining MOKE at a “pivotal time… I look forward to working with the talented team to build on its legacy, continue and grow the manufacturing of the cars in the UK, and explore new opportunities for innovation and expansion”.

Impressively, the Electric MOKE has already been homologated for use in both Europe and the USA, and the company now plans to take it even further afield.

In 2022, MOKE attracted a bid worth $120m for the business, but remains proudly independent, and has raised $35m of investment to date.

After handing over Bremont to new management as part of a strategic investment round that valued it at £100m, English will now use his experience in manufacturing and lifestyle brands to further develop MOKE.

He will remain a board director of Bremont.

ECOBEST Challenge 2024 to discover real-world EV range

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Richard Aucock

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June 26, 2024

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The ECOBEST Challenge 2024, which rates the real-world range of electric cars, begins this week with 14 new EVs set to be tested until their batteries run flat.

The fourth running of the ECOBEST Challenge will again take place in Vairano, Italy, using a combination of public roads including motorways, national roads and city centres.

The independent test aims to reveal the true green credentials of the latest electric cars, including the real-world battery range and how far an EV will travel when the range display is showing zero.

Key cars taking part in the ECOBEST Challenge 2024 include the award-winning BYD Dolphin and Kia EV9, the new Mini Cooper, best-selling Tesla Model Y and the long-range Volkswagen ID.7. The full list of contenders is below.

Each EV will be driven until its battery is completely flat. Drivers include media from across Europe, who are instructed to apply their typical real-life driving styles.

They are also encouraged to use all onboard tech, including the climate control system and other power-munching tech.

To prevent driving style bias, drivers are rotated every 25 kilometres (15.5 miles).

The ECOBEST Challenge 2024 is organised by AUTOBEST, the largest independent motoring awards initiative in Europe, in partnership with new EV brand VinFast.

AUTOBEST chair Dan Vardie said the challenge “delivers real information on the range a customer can expect, how big the battery reserve is worth, the energy efficiency, and more”.

It is certified by official organisation Bureau Veritas, meaning “the entire driving method is consistent with the randomised ‘human factor’ defined by AUTOBEST, and based on the diversity of members coming from all around Europe”.

ECOBEST Challenge 2024 takes place between 26-28 June. Full results will be announced following final verification and approval by Bureau Veritas.

ECOBEST Challenge 2024 contenders

Audi Q4 e-tron
BMW i5 Touring
BYD Dolphin
Fiat 600e
Honda e:Ny1
Hyundai Kona
Kia EV9
Lancia Ypsilon
MINI Cooper
Opel / Vauxhall Corsa
Tesla Model Y
Smart #3
Volkswagen ID.7
Volvo EX30

New V12 Aston Martin Valiant is Fernando Alonso’s side project

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John Redfern

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June 26, 2024

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Aston Martin has released the first images of its new limited-edition supercar, created by the company’s in-house Q division.

The Valiant is based on a personal commission for Aston Martin’s very own F1 team driver, Fernando Alonso.

The Spanish star requested a more hardcore, driver-focused version of the 2023 Aston Martin Valour, with less weight and the ability to be driven hard on-track.

Alonso will demonstrate the 745hp, V12-engined Valiant at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Pinnacle of performance

A press release describes the Valiant as the ‘pinnacle of ferocious front-engined Aston Martin limited edition specials’. Its twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers, as seen on the Ford Mustang GTD, are fitted to the Valiant. With unlimited tuning potential, owners will be able to perfect their setup for specific race circuits.

Carbon ceramic brakes are included, while the distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels are made from magnesium. This has allowed Aston Martin to reduce unsprung mass by 14kg.

A new 3D-printed rear subframe also removes 3kg in weight, with a magnesium torque tube saving a further 8.6kg. A motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery is 11.5kg lighter than the item used in the Valour.

More visual aggression

Aston Martin’s design team has taken the Valour and ramped up its visual aggression. New parts include a deep front splitter, full-width carbon fibre grille and carbon aero discs for the 21-inch wheels.

The discs are inspired by the 1980 RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer, and are mounted directly to the magnesium rims. Reducing turbulence and drag, they also help channel air to cool the brakes.

At the back, a new spoiler sits above the Kamm tail, designed to balance the downforce created by the splitter. The one-piece rear clamshell has an opening panel to provide access to luggage space.

Completing the Valiant’s makeover is a functional rear diffuser, shaped by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Along with reducing lift, it also serves to highlight the quad-exit titanium exhaust system.

Inside the Aston Martin Valiant

Although designed with track use in mind, the Valiant will be fully homologated for the road. That won’t mean a traditionally luxurious interior, however.

Instead, the Valiant has a stark, race-bred feel, with satin-finish carbon fibre throughout its two-seat cabin. A cutout in the transmission tunnel allows occupants to see the workings of the six-speed manual gearbox.

Lightweight Recaro Podium bucket seats are fitted, with strategic padding to maximise ventilation. Four-point harnesses can be mounted to the standard built-in roll cage.

Furthering the motorsport theme, lightweight fabric interior door pulls save a few grams on either side

‘Born to drive at the limit’

Talking about the project, Fernando Alonso said: “Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, and stirred me to create a more extreme, race car-inspired version that was track-focused, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road.

“Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specification. I believe we have created a masterpiece.”

Alonso will drive the Valiant on demonstration runs at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place between 11 and 14 July.

Want a Valiant for yourself? Perhaps inevitably, all 38 examples have already been sold. The first lucky customers should take ownership in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Revealed: new Bentley Continental GT Speed is firm’s most powerful car yet

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John Redfern

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June 25, 2024

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Bentley has revealed the new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed. The luxurious grand tourer swaps its former W12 engine for a V8 boosted by plug-in hybrid technology.

However, while the cylinder-count in the new Continental GT Speed has decreased, power and performance have both ramped up.

In fact, the one-two punch of a 4.0-litre V8 engine and an electric motor make this the most powerful road-going Bentley ever sold.

Bentley will also launch both body styles – the Continental GT Speed coupe and GTC convertible – together for the first time.

Outgunning the old W12

Bentley has already announced the big numbers for the new hybrid powertrain, including a headline-grabbing power output of 782hp.

The 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine produces 600hp on its own, with a 25.9kWh battery pack feeding the 190hp electric motor. Still more impressive is a peak torque figure of 738lb ft, an 11 percent increase versus the W12.

With an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential, the 2024 Continental GT Speed can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds.

Top speed is a heady 208mph, and Bentley has already set an unofficial ‘underwater speed record’ in the world’s deepest tunnel.

The first hybrid Continental GT

Huge performance is only half the story with the new Continental GT Speed, as the plug-in hybrid tech also delivers major efficiency gains.

In the official WLTP test, the GT Speed returns CO2 emissions of just 29g/km, helped by its ability to cover 50 miles on battery power alone.

Multiple performance modes, including a fully electric setting, help the driver to deploy this power effectively. Replenishing the Continental GT Speed’s battery takes two hours and 45 minutes when connected to a fast-charging device.

The extra hardware does impact on the Bentley’s weight, though. The new hybrid tips the scales at 2,459kg in coupe guise, compared with 2,273kg for the outgoing W12 version.

Inspired by coachbuilt Bentleys

While its powertrain grabs much of the attention, the Continental GT Speed also debuts a new design language for Bentley’s popular coupe and convertible.

Inspiration comes from the coachbuilt Bentley Batur and Bacalar models. A single headlight is used on either side; the first time a production Bentley has featured such a setup since 1959.

A ‘horizontal eyebrow’ cuts through each headlight, featuring a deep crystal effect and 120 separate LEDs. At the rear, new tail lights are more prominent, with the boot lid now incorporating a pop-up spoiler.

Mood lighting in 30 colours, an optional 2,200W Naim audio system and a new, precision-made quilt pattern for the seats are highlights of the interior.

Green with envy yet?

To mark the launch of the new Continental GT Speed, Bentley has introduced new paint colours to the extensive range already available.

Tourmaline Green (seen here) will be the car’s signature hue, with Gravity Grey leather now available for the cabin. The latter can be chosen with matching exterior paint, said to reveal a copper effect in direct sunlight.

Delving into Bentley’s near-endless range of personalisation options will add to the Continental GT Speed’s price tag, which starts from £236,600 in the UK. Deliveries of the first completed cars are expected in the third quarter of 2024.

Ford RS200 and Escort Mk1 to make an official comeback

By

John Redfern

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June 24, 2024

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New versions of classic fast Fords are coming soon – including a restomod and a series of continuation cars.

Boreham Motorworks of County Durham has gained official permission from Ford to create a series of ‘reborn’ icons, based upon some of the blue oval’s most important vehicles.

The project kicks off with a reimagining of the Ford RS200, coinciding with the Group B rally car’s 40th anniversary. Details so far are scant, but we’re told it will deliver ‘a peak analogue driving experience’.

Singing the blues

Along with the new RS200, Boreham Motorworks has also gained permission to make ‘blueprint-accurate, period-sympathetic vehicles with continuation VIN numbers’.

These continuation cars will recreate historically significant fast Fords, beginning with the Mk1 Escort in Group 5 racing specification. Campaigned in the British Saloon Car Championship by Alan Mann Racing, the distinctive red and gold Escort claimed the overall title with Frank Gardner in 1968.

It is no coincidence, perhaps, that Boreham Motorworks is part of the DRVN Automotive Group, along with Alan Mann Racing. The latter has recently been involved in building electrified versions of the classic Ford Mustang.

Praise the Ford

Darren McDermott, executive chairman of the DRVN Automotive Group, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Ford Motor Company and kickstart a series that will redefine and remaster these icons of the past.

“We aim to redefine automotive innovation and push the boundaries in terms of driver engagement and design. Our shared commitment to this incredible project will create an outstanding analogue driving experience and leave a lasting legacy for the true petrolhead.”

Although the RS200 and Mk1 Escort are the opening salvo from Boreham Motorworks, the company plans to bring back at least five other important classic Fords.

Those keen to own one of the first ‘new’ Fords can register their interest on the Boreham Motorworks website now.

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Uber fast: Genesis launches a Nurburgring track taxi service

By

John Redfern

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June 24, 2024

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The Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit has a new track taxi service: a fleet of Genesis G70 3.3T saloons.

It marks a new initiative for the upmarket Korean brand, taking its performance model to the famous – and infamous – playground of the German car industry.

A special event at the Nürburgring marked the start of the Genesis Track Taxi programme, with motorsport legend Jacky Ickx in attendance.

Keep the meter running…

At 12.944 miles in length (20.832km), and with 73 corners, learning the racing line around the Nürburgring Nordschleife is no mean feat.

However, making use of a Ring Taxi, like the service now offered by Genesis, offers the chance to experience the ‘Green Hell’ as a passenger, with an expert driver behind the wheel.

To ensure the 373hp G70 3.3T can survive the sustained demands of the circuit, the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) has made some minor upgrades. These include additional brake cooling ducts, plus new heat shields for the transmission oil cooling lines.

A performance showcase

Michelin will supply the Genesis Track Taxi Nordschleife with bespoke Pilot Sport 4S tyres, designed to maximise grip whatever the Nürburgring’s notoriously changeable weather conditions may be.

As a finishing touch, Genesis has given each of the G70 3.3T saloons an eye-catching orange exterior wrap, inspired by the company’s Magma high-performance division.

“The launch of the Genesis Track Taxi Nordschleife programme marks an important milestone in our journey to delivering bold high-performance cars, showcasing the power, handling and performance that the brand can offer,” said Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer at Genesis.

Online bookings for the Genesis Track Taxi are open now, with the first drives starting on 6 July 2024. Three passengers are allowed per ride and prices are €120 (£102) for the first person, €40 (£34) for a second person and €20 (£17) for a third person.

New Bugatti Tourbillon has 1,800hp V16 and top speed of 276mph

By

John Redfern

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June 21, 2024

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Bugatti has unveiled the replacement for the Chiron – and the new Tourbillon hypercar packs even more power than its predecessor.

The Tourbillon is named after a Franco-Swiss watchmaking invention, created in 1801 to improve timekeeping accuracy. It’s the first modern Bugatti not to pay tribute to one of the marque’s legendary racing drivers.

Bugatti’s reason for the change of naming strategy reflects a radical change in powertrain for the car. The incredible 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine is no more, but its replacement is no less a feat of engineering…

‘Shaped by speed’

Frank Heyl, director of design at Bugatti, has channelled two decades of experience from the Veyron and Chiron into shaping the new Tourbillon.

Aerodynamics have led the overall design, although Bugatti trademarks such as the horseshoe-shaped front grille and two-tone colour split remain.

Thanks to a new diffuser, the rear wing no longer needs to be elevated for downforce at maximum speed. It still works as an airbrake, though, supporting the huge carbon ceramic brakes fitted all-round.

Bugatti has added upwards-opening dihedral doors to the Tourbillon, while its single windscreen wiper now parks in an upright position to aid aerodynamics. You may remember this approach was also used on Super Touring race cars in the 1990s.

True hypercar performance

The Tourbillon is powered by an all-new 8.3-litre naturally aspirated V16 engine, developed with assistance from Cosworth. Capable of revving all the way to 9,000rpm, it produces 1,000hp and 664lb ft of torque on its own.

However, Bugatti has gone further, adding two electric motors to the front axle, plus a further motor to the rear axle. The result is a combined output of 1,800hp, with a 25kWh battery allowing the hybrid Tourbillon to travel 37 miles on electricity alone.

Despite the addition of the hybrid powertrain, extensive use of carbon fibre and 3D-printed parts means the Tourbillon weighs less than a Chiron, at 1,995kg.

Outright performance is suitably ludicrous, with 0-62mph taking 2.0 seconds, 0-124mph in 5.0 seconds and 0-186mph in 10.0 seconds.

The standard top speed is 236mph, but using the special ‘Speed Key’ unlocks the ability to reach 276mph.

An impeccably timed interior

The cockpit of the Tourbillon is notable for numerous reasons, not least the obvious absence of digital touchscreens. Bugatti notes that such is the progress of infotainment tech, a new car could look dated in just 10 years.

To keep the Tourbillon looking fresh when it appears at a concours d’elegance in 100 years’ time, the only touchscreen is hidden away. It can pop up in portrait mode in two seconds to show the reversing camera, while revealing a landscape-oriented display takes five seconds. But if you can live without Apple CarPlay, it can stay out of sight.

Living up to its horology-inspired name, the Tourbillon features an exquisite instrument cluster, created with help from Swiss watchmakers. It is made of more than 600 parts, including sapphires, rubies and titanium.

The steering wheel has a fixed hub and rotates around the instrument panel, ensuring drivers have an unobstructed view of the dials. There are small paddles for the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, too.

Buy your lottery ticket now

Bugatti is putting the Tourbillon through an extensive test programme, with prototype models already on the road.

The company plans make 250 examples, each one built by hand at the factory in Molsheim – once the final Chirons have been completed. This first deliveries should take place in 2026.

Prices for Bugatti’s latest hypercar start from €3.8million before taxes, equating to around £3.85million when VAT is included.