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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

14/02/2012 | By: Luke Vandezande

Arizona police can do little more than throw a hissy fit over a video garnering YouTube fame where someone pilots a Bugatti Veyron to 225 mph on a public road over the course of seven runs.

Although we have to believe the video’s uploader because the speedometer isn’t shown during the runs, it’s evident from how quickly objects whip by that they’re probably hitting their stated speed.

Mind you, the Veyron’s 8.0-liter W16 engine – in all of its quad-turbo glory, is capable of higher speeds, though probably not on unmanicured pavement. Were that the case, the driver might have touched the 253-mph top speed it’s capable of in Top Speed mode.

Regardless, we’re treated to seeing one of the world’s most notorious bad boy cars shooting past the camera several times, as well as a cabin shot during their max-speed run. The video caps off on a cheeky note, with the car pulled over by a member of the Arizona highway patrol, though not during any of their eyelid-peeling runs.

Watch the video after the jump.

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26/01/2012 | By: Luke Vandezande

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Somebody ought to call Scooby Doo and the Gang because there’s something fishy going on at Bugatti.

We’re not making any accusations, but put your thinking cap on and mull this one over. Midway through last year the automotive media started reporting that Bugatti officially decided to discontinue the Veyron. Sad as we all were to see the god-among-men go, we had come to terms with the idea.

That is until this morning when Ricardo, the company contracted to make the Veyron’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), announced that they had another two year contract with the company to continue production.

Riddle us this, where would you be hiding if you were a Veyron transmission? Probably a Veyron, right? Well, not necessarily. Bugatti will be releasing a new luxury sedan called the Galibier, though the date is still a little murky. The last time we reported something on the car, it had been pushed to 2015, which makes us wonder what’s going on. A two-year contract means significant production, yet we’re three years away from the Galibier based on what CEO Wolfgang Durheimer said.

There are only a few conclusions we can see: more Veyrons, the Galibier getting a surprise debut, or Bugatti just really liking surplus transmissions. The idea of a contract that would expire before the Galibier’s supposed release date seems nebulous at best and let’s be honest and transmissions are as boring as plain milk. We’re going all-in on the world getting more Veyrons after all.

GALLERY: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

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30/11/2011 | By: Jason Siu

There was always something funny about the Bugatti Veyron that crashed into a Texas lagoon, conveniently captured on video and shared on the Internet for the world to see.

The driver, Andy House, claimed he had to swerve to avoid a pelican on the road while trying to pick up his cell phone that dropped. To make it even more suspicious, the exotic was left idling in the water for 15 minutes until it died – ensuring that it would be a totaled vehicle by the time any authorities got  to it.

And House’s explanation for not turning off the engine? He claimed he was being bitten by mosquitoes and didn’t want to return to the car to turn off the engine. While we live in a country where everyone is innocent until proven guilty, the details laid out in House’s scenario seems to really go against him. His insurance company paid out $2 million for the car, even though House only secured a $1 million interest-free loan for the vehicle.

There are also claims going around that House tried to pay a confidential informant to steal the Bugatti and set it on fire in order to claim the insurance on it, essentially doubling the initial investment from the loaner. The insurance company is now firing back, claiming fraud. A federal judge has declared that the claim must go before a jury. They’re also stating that House violated the terms of the policy, claiming that he put over 1,200 miles on the vehicle in the three weeks he owned it.

We don’t know about you, but we’re pretty sure that mosquitoes would be the last of our worries if we were trying to save our million dollar (and change) investment. Besides, no one ever saw a pelican of any sort in any of the videos. Good luck with this one Mr. House.

Check out the video of the Veyron nose-diving into the lake after the break, if you haven’t done so already.

[Source: Autoblog]

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06/10/2011 | By: Derek Kreindler

With news of a redesign coming from the mouth of CEO Wolfgang Durheimer himself, it’s only natural that the Bugatti Galibier sedan would be delayed.

But the world’s plutocrats will have to wait until 2015 to get themselves into the $1.4 million super sedan, according to a report in Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport magazine.

The delay could mean that Bugatti is left with a hole in their lineup, as the Veyron fades into the sunset without a replacement. Unless Bugatti decides to whip up another special edition to keep the factory humming.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

28/09/2011 | By: Derek Kreindler

Volkswagen is set to approve production of the Bugatti Galiber by the end of 2011, but Bugatti head Wolfgang Durheimer himself told Autocar that the concept car will bear little resemblance to what super wealthy customers will eventually be able to buy.

“The design will be different, especially from the B-pillar back, the ingress and regress to the rear seats will be improved, as will the legroom and ergonomics, the car will be a little longer, and the power of the engine will be at least four figures.”

Durheimer called the changes “…a design I can be behind 100%”, but did not comment on any mechanical details. He did say that a significant number of Veyron owners had previewed the car and that the changes came as a result of feedback from them. The Galiber is expected to cost as much as $2 million when it goes on sale in 2013.

[Source: Autocar]

31/08/2011 | By: Harry Lay

We’ve seen Jeremy Clarkson review some of the most beautiful and exotic cars ranging from the Bugatti Veyron to the classic Jaguar E-Type. We’ve also seen him review some of the most hideous cars like the Reliant Robin, but military vehicles? From a video game? This is a first.

Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson will be spicing up Forza Motorsport 4 with a featured role in the XBOX 360 game. With the game ready for release in October, this commercial has been released featuring the high tech M12 FAV Warthog from Halo, and the witty Jeremy Clarkson. Now gamers and auto enthusiasts are getting the best of both worlds. Interestingly, the Warthog won’t be the only vehicle that will receive Clarkson’s review. Apparently the game’s Autovista model will introduce players to a wide variety of unique vehicles.

In the short commercial, Jezza approaches the imaginary assault vehicle with his typical sarcasm and dry sense of humor, that we’ve come to know and love from his fantastic TV show. Check out the video after the jump to see the tank like all-terrain vehicle.

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19/08/2011 | By: Derek Kreindler

Despite being the only example in the world, the Maybach Exelero has been around the block a few times. First concieved as a concept car for Fulda Tires (who wanted to use the vehicle for tire testing), the Exelero then appeared in a Jay-Z video.

Since then, it has fallen into the hands of a private owner and stayed out of the hip-hop limelight, until earlier in the year when hip-hop mogul Birdman (aka Bryan Williams), responsible for launching the careers of music stars like Lil’ Wayne and Drake, claimed to have purchased the car.

According to a report by MotorAuthority, Birdman has yet to pay for the car, leaving its current owner high and dry. Birdman currently owns a rare Maybach Landaulet and a Bugatti Veyron, so the Exelero’s asking price of $8 million, while steep, isn’t too far removed from Birdman’s snack bracket.

Nevertheless, not paying up is still considered bad form, and we won’t really know until we see Birdman bragging about his newest acquisition online or in one of his videos.

[Source: Motor Authority]

05/08/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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Ever dreamed of owning your own exotic car collection? Well, if you recently won a hefty lottery jackpot then Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale has you covered. The allocator of fine machines has assembled six of the most exotic vehicles ever made and is offering them for a lump-sum purchase of $9 million.

So what will $9 million buy you? The list is impressive, ranging from the obligatory Veyron, to the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. The Veyron is just one of 71 models built in 2008, capable of hitting 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and a top speed of 253 mph. And if you’re in to top-speed machines, one can’t overlook the Koenigsegg CCR with its twin-supercharged V8 making 806-hp. One of only 34 ever built it has just 277 miles on it.

No supercar garage would be complete without a Ferrari – an Enzo no less. This collection includes two of the prized stallions, one more exotic than the other. The first is a 2003 Enzo and is “Ferrari Classiche certified” with just 3,413 mile on the odometer. The second is not just an FXX (of which only 35 were ever made), but an FXX Evolution, meaning it is just one of 17 and makes an astonishing 850-hp.

Rounding out the list is a one-of-20 Lamborghini Reventon. In many ways a functioning design concept for the brand, this car has just 68 miles on it. And to prove you’re a car snob with taste, there’s that Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport, a road legal version of the GT1 race car, powered by a 720-hp 7.3-liter V12. It is number 17 or 25.

In total, the collection lays down 4,500 horsepower.

At $9 million for the collection of six, pricing for each model has not been given, but they are listed individually, in case yesterday’s stock tumble means you’re a little strapped for cash.

GALLERY: 6 Supercars for $9 Million

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03/08/2011 | By: Jason Siu

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With so many color combinations that Bugatti has to offer, you’d think almost every Veyron Grand Sport out there is a one-off. But there is truly a completely unique and one-off Grand Sport in the world, called the Sang Blanc, and it features an exotic Bianco Canopus Matt exterior finish. And now the matte white pearl Grand Sport is up for sale with just 448 miles on the odometer.

The Sang Blanc was originally built for a customer in the UK, but with a left-hand drive configuration. Contrasting the matte white pearl exterior are some black detailed accessories including the front grille, brake calipers, door handles, engine covers, roof rail and exhaust tips. It’s a 2010 model and comes with the infamous 8.0L W16 powerplant with quad-turbochargers and 1001-hp.

GALLERY: 2010 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Blanc

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[Source: Tom Hartley via Motor Authority]

24/07/2011 | By: Jason Siu

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Saint-Tropez is a small town located just east of Marseille on the French Riviera and is often known for its beaches and a regatta event held every year that draws some of the world’s finest luxury yachts to its bay. In other words, it’s a little resort town that attracts some of the world’s wealthiest tourists and as a result, travelers within Europe often times show off really fancy cars.

Spotted recently in Saint-Tropez is this Bugatti Veyron sporting a matte black and blue finish. While it’s not as flashy as this chrome red Veyron, it’s pretty wild none the less. The beautiful Veyron was spotted outside Hotel La Reserve, where the AutoGuide staff always stays when we’re vacationing in Saint-Tropez. (We wish).

GALLERY: Matte Black and Blue Bugatti Veyron

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[Source: GT Spirit]