2010 Delahaye USA Bella Figura Bugnotti Type 57S

Scheduled to debut at RETRO AUTO in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Aug. 13-15 in Monterey, CA, DELAHAYE USA’s new carbon fiber bodied “BELLA FIGURA” BUGNOTTI was inspired by the classic Type 57S. This is not a real Bugatti, but our tribute to Ettore’s son Jean. In development for more than a year using digital technology from REVOLUTION DESIGN STUDIOS combined with the latest state of the art vacuum infusion process from carbon fiber specialists 3 G SERVICES INC., we will offer a “carbon fiber finish” where you can see the weave of the cloth through a clear coat. Or you can have your choice of a painted body of carbon fiber and composite, or all composite. Available as “turnkeys” or the bare body and rolling frame for the build-it-yourself enthusiast, you can order a coupe, a drophead coupe with folding convertible top mechanism or a targa-top version.

(Source: Delahaye USA Press Release)

B.R.M. ’s R50-TN Performs Like a Fined Tuned Supercar

 

The French call it Reserve de Marche. The power reserve indicator is to the mechanical watch what the fuel gauge is to the gasoline engine. Indeed, one glance at B.R.M’s stunning new timepiece, the R50-TN, should be enough to convince anyone that luxury watches and motorsports might just have a whole lot more in common than we thought. We’ve been following for some time the first steps in America of a new and exciting brand, Bernard Richards Manufacture. Featuring radical engineering and bold designs, the French timepieces have brought a breath of fresh air on a market otherwise dominated by overwhelmingly conservative Swiss competitors. The B.R.M models have always paid a heavy tribute to the world of motorsports, but the R50-T Reserve de Marche goes further by incarnating the true essence of a high performance wristwatch. Behind the raw beauty emanating from the exposed movement, a masterpiece of craftsmanship shaped like a motorcycle engine, with the cylinder on the left, lies more than just a few revolutionary innovations.

 

First and foremost, let’s come back to the Reserve de Marche. This crucial feature measures and displays the tension left in the mainspring of a watch – and therefore the amount of autonomy remaining — at any given time. While an automatic timepiece needs at least 30% of its mainspring to be wound in order to run properly, it requires to be worn between 10 and 15 hours per day to reach a full wind. A lot of people tend to think that just shaking the watch a few times is enough to give it a jump start, and realize only later that automatic watches are actually designed to be worn most of the day and be put to rest only at night, just like the rest of us. Instead of being discretely tucked on the side, the Reserve de Marche is located at 6 o’clock on the R50-T. The smaller needle indicates the amount of power reserve left, with a maximum charge of 48 hours. The whole design brings competition to mind and is clearly reminiscent of motorcycle instrumentation. And, cruel or not in these times of inflated gas prices and deepening energy shortages, what the Reserve de Marche really tells us is how much time and energy we REALLY have left.

 

Everything about the B.R.M. R50-TN seems to bring us back to the universe of finely tuned race engines. This stunning achievement, released in late 2007 by the French manufacturer after two years of work, features the most ground-breaking design built around B.R.M.’s patented Isolastic System. The first French-made movement in three decades is mounted on fiber glass or carbon fiber triangles maintained by springs to minimize any vibration inside the case. The rotor is made of aluminum and a rare, hard and heavy metal called tantalum. Every screw has been replaced with a bolt, as if to underline the dramatic engine-like mechanism, enclosed in a 50 millimeter case made of extra hard titanium grade 2. The R50-TN Reserve de Marche was designed by a small team of passionate engineers with a serious weakness for motorsports in general, and sports motorcycles in particular. No wonder B.R.M. was recently asked to craft 10 unique timepieces to match the mind-blowing Ecosse Heretic Titanium Series, perhaps today’s rarest and most coveted street bike.

 

There have been hundreds of variations on the theme of the wristwatch as an accessory, or even a tribute, to a high-performance vehicle, car or motorcycle manufacturer, from Ferrari to Lamborghini, Porsche and Ducati to name just a few. Most of these watches  look great and succeed in exploiting the aesthetics associated with a brand’s logo and image. But the B.R.M. R50-TN Reserve de Marche is the real thing. You don’t need anyone’s seal of approval when you obviously embody the spirit of racing on your own, inside and out. In comparison with Swiss giants usually associated with motorsports such as Longines or Tag-Heuer, B.R.M. is a small manufacturer with genuine personal ties to the racing community. The word is out and many professional drivers, such as Henri Pescarolo, former Le Mans winner and current team owner, have already been seen, in action, wearing one of B.R.M.’s newest models. Then there are the regular people, like me and you. Well, without ever leaving your wrist, the R50-TN will make you feel as if you were riding your dream motorcycle into clockwork ecstasy.

 

Perhaps more than any other B.R.M. model, the R50-T Reserve de Marche echoes the Spartan features of a racing engine. Bare essentials are the key of high performance. You don’t need veneer panels, GPS and precious metals when your goal is to top the time sheets and to be the first to cross the checkered flag. You need high-tech materials and outstanding engineering, superior skills and absolute dedication. Let’s face it, there is something incredibly sexy and dangerous about keeping an engine entirely exposed, especially when this engine is rotating so close to your skin. Motorcycle comparisons aside, when equipped with bright red hands, the B.R.M. R50-TN reminds us of the classic Ferrari 360 Modena and its back window with the Italian V8 in full view. Something beautiful happens when raw power meets elegance. After making a name for itself in the past few years with gorgeous wristwatches, such as the V12-44, B.R.M. has stepped up to the next level with the R50-TN. The new timepiece has been a success in North America so far and was spotted several times at the Concours d’Elegance, last August, in Pebble Beach. As it opens a new chapter for the French manufacturer, the R50-TN foreshadows the Bi-Rotor, another masterpiece of Isolastic technology, and rumor has it that B.R.M. is about to unveil its first Tourbillon. The French is back. Keep an eye on the Reserve de Marche.

 Story by Mikael Jehanno

Bentley Flexes its Muscles

 

Lost amid the hype that marked Bentley’s debut of the new flagship Mulsanne two weeks ago at Pebble Beach was the company’s growing momentum to market its other new car, the Continental Supersports, which was unveiled at the International Geneva Motor Show last March.  Given that the Supersports wears an almost identical body to the Continental GT models that have become increasingly commonplace on the roads of America, it’s understandable why people’s focus would not remain on the new model for too long.  Make no mistake, though, in terms of innovation, technology and brand identity, the Continental Supersports is a far more groundbreaking vehicle than the Mulsanne.

 A week after displaying one of the two existing Supersports at the Quail Motorsports Gathering, Bentley trotted the car down to their Beverly Hills affiliate for an exclusive customer preview.  Though the Supersports has undergone minor aesthetic changes like the addition of functional hood vents, wider exhaust tips, larger side mirrors, and the implementation of a lightweight trim the company is calling PVD (physical vapor deposition – basically a spray-on chrome alloy), at a glance it looks no different than the Continental GT and GT Speed that accompanied it at the O’Gara Coach Company hosted event.  A peak at the interior reveals more noticeable changes, such as the removal of the back seat, a splash of carbon fiber trim, lightweight racing seats and Bentley’s first use of alcantara, the suede substitute widely used in Italian sports cars.  These measures have reduced weight by 250 pounds, and in concert with a retuned suspension and the biggest production brakes in the world (standard 16.5 inch discs), have transformed the once slightly lethargic Continental GT into a sprightly performer.

 The Supersports’ biggest innovation, however, lies under the hood.  Some major engineering has gone into transforming the GT’s six liter, twin turbocharged W-12 engine into Bentley’s strongest powerplant ever, capable of producing 621 bhp and propelling the car from 0 – 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.  Acceleration is also aided by a new “Quickshift” transmission that purportedly cuts downs shift times by 50%.  What really makes the performance numbers so impressive is that Bentley has simultaneously followed through on its 2008 declaration to reduce CO2 emissions by creating a powerplant that is flex fuel capable.  That is to say the Supersports can run on traditional gasoline or E85, the biofuel mixture largely made of corn-based ethanol that many environmentalists argue will help reduce greenhouse gases.  According to Bentley, running the car with E85 reduces CO2 emissions by 70% while increasing mpg by 45%.  

 Obviously this is an extremely unusual approach for a model that is supposed to be taking on the role of a performance-first sports car.  According to Jon DiVaio, Bentley’s Dealer Events Specialist on hand at the O’Gara event, “[We’re] trying to position ourselves as a pure driver’s car.  Bentley, in the past, even though the GTs have always been fast cars, they’ve also been luxurious cars.  So this is our attempt to directly compete with the likes of Lamborghini and Bugatti and Ferrari.”  According to DiVaio, the E85 capable powerplant will be implemented across the entire Bentley model line by 2012.  Bentley has slated a low production volume for the Supersports with only 200 units to appear in the first year, essentially about 4 per dealership.  Production models should begin to appear in November.

Another American Supercar, the 2010 Devon GTX

 

The 2010 Devon GTX debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours 10 days ago but has got little coverage on the blog circuit. So here it is……A true American Supercar. Devon Motorworks says they plan to build 36 cars beginning first quarter 2010 with a price tag of $500,000. I hope this car hits the show circuit for the upcoming east coast shows such as the Festivals Of Speed and the Amelia Island Concours. Below is the Devon Motorworks press release and additional photos.

 

August 15, 2009 (Pebble Beach, CA) Conceived by a visionary industrial artist, brought to life by some of the worlds leading automotive engineers and designers, and proven on some of the most demanding race tracks in America, the all-new 2010 Devon GTX stands ready to stake claim as the next great American supercar.

The 2010 Devon GTX was introduced today on the famed judging stand at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The limited edition supercar is the first product from Los Angeles-based industrial design house Devon Motorworks (devonmotorworks.com). It will go on sale in the first quarter of 2010.

We are so proud to utilize the hallowed Concours stand as the venue to premiere the first offering from our studio, said Devon Motorworks founder and CEO Scott Devon. Each year this event serves as a living homage to the great automobiles of our past, many of which served as our inspiration for the Devon GTX. By being mindful of classic design, and blending our own view of modern transportation, its our sincere hope that we will earn a permanent spot in the landscape of automotive history. The Devon GTX is on one hand a race-inspired performance car, offering a 650-horsepower engine and a complimentary transmission and induction/exhaust system that will make it the most powerful naturally aspirated production powertrain system on the market today. On the other hand, the vehicles muscular shape represents a new expression of modern industrial design, blending both classic and futuristic cues to warn of the awesome power that exists within its shape.

We set out to design a vehicle that was quintessentially American, both in its shape and in its performance, Devon said. Standing still, the Devon GTX tells a story of power, handling and beauty. Its classical, yet futuristic design promises an incredible experience. Once under power, the GTX lives up to its promise every heart-pounding second you’re behind the wheel.

The design was led by Devon and noted automotive designer Daniel Paulin. Their approach to the vehicle was to boldly blend power, tactility and aesthetics into one singular form.

The vehicles aircraft-quality carbon fiber body sits atop large lattice-structure center-lock wheels. The interior design reflects the companys progressive design philosophy and features carbon-fiber-reinforced racing seats, dual-grained leather surfacing throughout the cockpit and tasteful chrome appointments. Refinement, quality and uniqueness are conveyed in the cars up and forward articulating doors, distinctive body two-tone wheel surrounds, minimal front/rear overhangs, and dual center rear exit chrome exhaust ports.

Beneath the skin of the Devon GTX is an 8.4-liter (510 cubic inches) V-10 engine that produces 650 horsepower (484.7 kW) at 6100 rpm. The V-10 engine is mated with a track-proven six-speed manual transmission. While the Devon GTX has yet to hit an American road, it has made its mark on two of Americas most demanding road courses. In validation testing earlier this year, the vehicle set production car lap records at both Willow Springs Raceway and Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca.

It was not a specific goal to set track records at that stage of validation, but the car outperformed even our aggressive goals, said Devon Motorworks validation and testing leader Justin Bell, a former 24 Hours of Le Mans champion. We are looking forward to additional testing, where Im certain the GTX will eclipse any time weve set to date.

Devon, Paulin and Bell are just part of an international team of performance and design veterans that make up the Devon Motorworks team.

Former Ford executive engineer Andy Benedict leads the product development team, while manufacturing and assembly is headed by Clive Hawkins, founder of ARIA Group. Aerodynamic testing is supervised by Dr. Joseph Katz of San Diego State University while marketing is led by automotive veteran Jerry Deeney. They are supported by a hand-picked team of experts that will design, engineer, manufacturer and present vehicles on a coach-built basis to a select and discerning customer base. We have assembled an international team of highly qualified experts who have set out on an uncommon task. But with an American can-do attitude, our goal of creating an American supercar has been realized, said Devon.

Devon Motorworks will produce 36 cars per year at its manufacturing facility in southern California. On sale beginning in the first quarter of 2010, the cars will be sold for $500,000. An optional Racing Package will be available for $25,000. The vehicles will be sold and serviced directly through Devon Motorworks. Interested customers are encouraged to visit devonmotorworks.com/about/preorder to learn more about ordering the first Devon GTX.

Each of our customers will have individual needs that we will cater to, Devon said. Our philosophy is to blend their tastes with our exacting standards and in the spirit of bespoke craftsmanship, create a car that is both identifiably a Devon GTX yet singular to our customers specifications. We want to make sure we have a direct relationship with our customers.

Devon Motorworks is an industrial design company based in southern California. All of its design products have a common purpose of providing sculptural power with recognizable beauty. Devon Motorworks design language is classical, yet futuristic, with exquisite shapes in the modern mold. For more information, go to devonmotorworks.com.

Aston Martin One-77, One for the Ages in Carmel Valley

Aston Martin – Customer Courtship in Carmel Valley

 

 Aston Martin could hardly have selected a more picturesque setting for its Pebble Beach weekend customer event than the Bernardus Lodge, an aesthetically rustic yet ultra-luxury resort nestled in the hills of Carmel Valley next to a vineyard.  The manicured grounds of the Bernardus proved to be a perfect backdrop for the 5-star catered brunch that surrounded an unassuming grass-square placement of the superlative One-77, Aston’s new 700 bhp supercar.  Guests dined on smoked salmon and other culinary delights while taking turns carving up the Carmel Valley hills with a stunning assortment of Vantages, DB9s and DBS models.  Aston was particularly keen on getting customers into the new DBS Volante, the convertible version of the $270,000 DBS that invokes the traditional marque open top nomenclature, and will come to market this fall.

 Notwithstanding the enviable opportunity to drive the powerful sportscars on the challenging curvy hill climbs that surround the estate, the star of the event was clearly the One-77, the uber-Aston that has been appropriately greeted with awe since its unveiling at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza at Lake Como, Italy last April.  Though pictures merely suggest a more emphatic interpretation of Aston’s signature design language, in person the One-77 takes on new life, a sensuous and fluid combination of sinewy bulges and well-placed vents that cannot be described as anything less than awesome.  Only 77 examples of the $1.97 million supercar will be produced, ensuring a level of rarity unclaimed by even the most select of exotics.

 Aston’s commitment to customer satisfaction was cemented by the presence of now legendary CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, who casually roamed the event greeting customers and fielding questions.  In a brief interview, Dr. Bez described the One-77’s handmade engineering with words like “beauty, refinement and substance,” and asserted that the car would forever assume a position in the pantheon of Aston’s most collectible models, alongside the DBR1 and the Zagato-bodied cars.  Gently dismissing possible comparisons to competitors such as the Bugatti Veyron, Dr. Bez clarified that while VW’s car was engineered with a performance goal of 1,000 bhp, the One-77 was rather designed and built to be “a piece of art.”  Clarifying that the One-77 would sit atop the model range for decades to come, Dr. Bez commented, “We can’t make something more beautiful.”

 By Michael Daly

World Debut of the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

Spyker Cars, manufacturer of exclusive, hand-crafted sports cars since 2000, introduced the first prototype of the Spyder version of its all-new second-generation sports car, the Spyker C8 Aileron. The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder was unveiled at the Spyker lounge on Peter Hay Hill on Saturday, and subsequently displayed on the concept lawn at the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday.

Spyker Cars announced the development of a convertible C8 Aileron Spyder in March at the Geneva Auto Show, during the introduction of the production version of the Spyker C8 Aileron. The car presented today is the first prototype for the open-top model, scheduled to go into production in the first half of 2010.

“Spyker Cars has taken the next step in our short but intense history with the launch of our second-generation sports car,” said Victor R. Muller, Spyker Cars’ founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We are currently presenting the first Spyker C8 Ailerons to customers, dealers and press around the world, and the response has been very enthusiastic.”

“The C8 Aileron Spyder is a logical extension to our range of vehicles, since we have both hard-top and convertible versions of the short-wheelbase model,” said Muller. “The Aileron Spyder will offer open-top motoring along with all the usual Spyker characteristics, striking aviation-inspired styling and hand-crafted quality, based on the exclusive use of noble materials.”

Source: Spyker Press Release

Preview The Official Auction of Pebble Beach

 

If you’re in the market for a collector car, there will be no lack of options this weekend at the Monterey Peninsula as proceedings get under way for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Concorso Italiano, and a host of related events.  What began 59 years ago as one relatively modest exhibition of fine collector cars has burgeoned into an entire week of related events, races and auctions that has come to be a mainstay for every major collector car auction house.  While Bonhams proudly accompanies the ever-more-exclusive Quail Motorsports Gathering, RM Auctions maintains its reputation for volume and quality, and Russo and Steele continue to lead the muscle car bracket, one auctioneer has distinguished itself from the crowd with a growing reputation for the finest overall selection and its enviable affiliation with the Pebble Beach Concours as the official auction of Pebble Beach:  Gooding & Company.

 David Gooding’s event, a two night affair which is held a mere 200 yards from the 18^th hole fairway that hosts the Concours, will feature a stunning array of rare and desirable collector cars that range from prewar brass and classics to postwar vintage sports cars.  Particular attention has been paid to two cars that are expected to easily surpass the million dollar mark: a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Special Coupe with one-off coachwork that was purportedly used as a personal car by Ettore Bugatti, and a 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Roadster with a body that is regarded by many to be the finest coachbuilt Duesenberg ever produced by Pasadena-based Bohman & Schwartz.

 Sports car aficionados will be much more taken with the great selection of 1950s and 60s coupes and convertibles, including a 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Competition Spider, a 1954 Cunningham C-3 Coupe, a 1956 Talbot-Lago T14 LS, and a 1958 BMW 507 Series II.  Italian sports car lovers should enjoy the offering of a 1966 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 that was featured in the model’s original sales brochure as well as two Ferrari California Spiders and four different Maseratis.  Two legendary Italian-bodied Corvettes will also cross the block, the one-off 1963 Pininfarina Rondine, and a 1959 Corvette Coupe with coachwork by Scaglietti, the first of three ever produced.

 For more info see www.goodingco.com

Photos courtesy of Gooding & Company