“This is for the fans” Bugatti unveils its Vision Gran Turismo show car
Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo is the first stage on a new journey that Bugatti is embarking on following the successful completion of its Veyron chapter. Share
A unique show car makes its world debut: Bugatti has transformed its Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo from the virtual world of bytes and pixels into a real carbon-fibre racer specially for the 66th International Motor Show (IAA). In Frankfurt the French super sports car brand unveils the project that it has designed exclusively for the PlayStation video game franchise Gran Turismo to thank its millions of fans worldwide for their loyalty and enthusiasm.
Following the sale of all 450 vehicles in the Veyron series, Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo marks a new chapter in the luxury brand’s history that will culminate in the unveiling of the new Bugatti super sports car. The Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo design pays homage to Bugatti’s great racing tradition of the 1920s and 1930s, in particular its victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, and is based on cutting-edge motor sport technology. At the same time the virtual project also previews Bugatti’s future design language.
Florian Umbach, head of chassis development at Bugatti, had a lot of fun with the project. “For Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo, we’ve geared every parameter to maximum performance, unlike with our production car, where it goes without saying that comfort and easy handling are also key factors.” The systems that are responsible for luxury and comfort in the street-legal Bugatti super sports car have been dispensed with for the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo. That makes the vehicle more lightweight and creates space for the new, high-performance aerodynamics and a new radiator layout that we specifically designed for the virtual race track.
“Whether in the virtual or in the real world, a Bugatti needs to exude the values that the brand stands for”
The show car in Frankfurt is therefore the perfect realisation of the virtual concept. It was built by hand, using exclusive materials, with Bugatti’s signature attention to detail and workmanship.
The expressive design of the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo is marked by large convex surfaces, which contrast with concave transitions and strong lines. That lends the exterior styling precision and surface tensions of the highest quality. The proportions of the vehicle are uncompromisingly athletic and designed for maximum performance.
The cockpit lies as low-slung as possible between the four dominant wheel housings and is fully enclosed by the muscular wings. The extreme mid-engined proportions with the V-shaped front end and short rear overhang indicate powerful forward thrust even when stationary. The result is a dynamic, “ready-to-race” stance that gives the impression of immense power immediately at the ready.
