Bugatti has revealed its latest range of digital timepieces, created in collaboration with VIITA Watches of Austria. The new Carbone Limited Edition by VIITA is not only the world’s first limited-run smartwatch but also the first to be constructed with a housing of full carbonfibre – the lightweight material used extensively in the brand’s hypercars.
In the modern era of Bugatti, carbonfibre is a crucial material. Extremely lightweight, strong and dense, it is used both in the monocoque and in the bodywork of every Bugatti. Without its innate strength, the record-breaking performance of models like the Chiron Super Sport 300+ would not be possible.
The revolutionary material, which has a history going back to 1860, is finished with highlights of blue, a French racing colour forever associated with Bugatti. The carbonfibre elements are milled precisely from a solid block.
Unique to the latest Rolls-Royce Phantom is an area of the dashboard called The Gallery. It is a glass enclosure running almost the entire width of fascia and it has been incorporated to house bespoke artistic creations inside the limousine. The owners of the Phantom can insert whatever they wish as part of the personalization of their limousine and Rolls-Royce dealerships also come up with some creative ideas for their customers.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai is one of them and it has commissioned the Carbon Veil for the Phantom Gallery. The work of art was designed by the Rolls‑Royce Bespoke Collective in England and realized by artist and sculptor Alastair Gibson, who combined knowledge and expertise gained in Formula 1 to create his carbonfibre masterpieces.
The Carbon Veil took 2 years to create and unlike most automotive applications where just 3 or 4 layers of carbonfibre are used, no fewer than 150 sheets were permeated with resin and compressed to form a single, solid billet for the Carbon Veil. The construction technique is genuinely ground-breaking, with the result being ultra-stylish, contemporary and beautiful.
“It required a huge amount of experimentation to produce the Carbon Veil Gallery. The main challenge in creating the shape was ensuring that the weave of the carbonfibre remained horizontal and parallel throughout. It had to be perfect – because this is a Rolls‑Royce,” said Gibson.
As an original work of art, the Carbon Veil introduces a highly contemporary note to the Phantom’s interior. Its sharp, angular surfaces and the distinctive woven surface are synonymous with innovation, technology and performance. Depending on the customer’s preference, the carbonfibre is finished in either clear or matte lacquer which brings out the weave pattern and protects it from harmful ultraviolet rays. The whole piece is sealed under a single pane of glass.
The Gallery is a space protected behind glass. This space affords the opportunity to introduce sharp and aggressive forms, which are unprecedented for the interior of a motor vehicle. The design of the faceted milled carbonfibre sculpture was originally inspired by the angular, aggressive, stealthy shapes of the 118 WallyPower (a luxury yacht said to cost £14 million).
Each Phantom Gallery is individually assembled in the Clean Room at the factory. Completed in 2020, this medical-grade facility provides a 100% sterile environment where Bespoke items and other delicate components can be produced entirely free of dust and particles.
Two other examples of The Gallery.
The gunmetal exterior of the car is bolstered with an iced finish with gunmetal contrast bonnet, while the coachline and waftline are accented in a vivid mandarin orange. At the helm of the bonnet proudly stands the retracting Spirit of Ecstasy crafted from carbonfibre.
Within the interior, the anthracite brightwork provides moments of contrast, along with the colour-keyed rotary controls and leather detailing. The dark tones and light leather flourishes beautifully accent the Veil Gallery upon the Phantom’s fascia. The flawless Black Pack elements on the exterior include an alluring black trim on the windows, the grille and the exhausts.
The very attitude and nature of The Gallery has been extended to the other Bespoke details on both the exterior and interior of the Phantom it resides within. With a highly contemporaneous edge, the limousine exemplifies the spectrum of Bespoke potential, with the Phantom itself as a canvas quite like no other.
If you saw the 2019 movie ‘Ford vs Ferrari’, you will know that in the 1960s, Ford entered the Le Mans 24-Hour races and won, the only American racing car to win the classic endurance event. Now, as a tribute to the Ford GT prototype that was used to develop the racing cars, Ford is introducing a Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition.
6th Heritage Edition model
The limited-edition mid-engine supercar comes as the model enters its the final year of production. It is the sixth in the ultra limited production series related to the Le Mans cars. Many of the cars have the Gulf paint scheme that was distinctive in that era of motorsport.
Another version in the Ford GT Heritage Edition, this one inspired by the 1966 GT40 MK II in the background.
This latest Heritage Edition is based on the 1964 Ford GT prototype that debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April 1964. It has Wimbledon White paint with Antimatter Blue graphics, including an over-the-roof triple racing stripe. Exposed carbonfibre components are prominent, including 20-inch Antimatter Blue-painted carbonfibre wheels, a touch unique to Ford GT, as well as an exposed carbonfibre front splitter, side sills, mirror stalks, engine louvers and rear diffuser finished in gloss. Brembo brake calipers lacquered in silver with black graphics, plus black lug nuts further modernize the aesthetic.
The world’s first mass-produced carbonfibre wheel application that debuted as standard equipment on the 2015 Shelby GT350R Mustang is also available for the Ford GT.
Carbonfibre all over
Carbonfibre is also used around the cabin, for the door sills, lower A-pillars and console, along with matte registers, and Lightspeed Blue Alcantara-wrapped seats featuring silver stitching. The instrument panel is wrapped in Ebony leather and Lightspeed Blue Alcantara, while pillars and headliner are wrapped in Ebony Alcantara. Antimatter Blue appliques on the instrument panel, door register bezels and seat X-brace are coordinated with the unique wheels. The steering wheel is finished in Ebony Alcantara with black stitching, while dual-clutch paddle shifters are clear and polished.
The narrow-profile canopy reduces frontal area and caps a purposeful interior that provides state-of-the-art technology to ensure control, comfort and safety. The 2-seat cockpit is accessed by upward-swinging doors, and features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbonfibre passenger cell.
This configuration significantly reduces seating hardware and weight, and provides a consistent and direct sensory connection to the chassis. The fixed seating is combined with adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate a very wide range of driver heights.
An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalkless steering column that allows uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. A fully digital and configurable instrument cluster provides a wealth of driver-focused data. The display is configurable for multiple driving environments and different driving modes.
700 ps EcoBoost engine
The engine behind the cockpit is a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 with a power output of up to 700 ps and around 750 Nm of torque. The Powershift transmission is a dual-clutch unit made by Getrag. Ford’s high-performance division, Ford Performance, has been directly involved in the car’s development.
The current Ford GT is actually the second time Ford has built such a model. The first one was produced between 2005 and 2006 to celebrate the company’s centenary, with 4,038 units built. The second generation was introduced at the end of 2016 and production was planned to be 250 units a year until 2022. It is built at the factory of Canadian-based Multimatic, a specialist manufacturer.
During 2005 and 2006, Ford built around 4,000 units of the first generation Ford GT which was for the company’s centenary celebration.
The wheels for the first cars were made of wood, carrying over from the wheels of horse carriages. Eventually, metal was used, which provided much durability and complemented the auto industry’s manufacturing processes. Steel wheels were commonplace for many decades but as the need to reduce weight became more important, lightening the wheels led the industry to use aluminium alloy.
As the 1970s began, Michelin introduced in innovation for wheels – carbonfibre construction. The initial application was for a rallycar but before long, they were more widely available but still rare as they cost a great deal of money. It was only in 2013 that Koenigsegg offered monolithic carbonfibre wheels on its cars, with a set said to cost around US$40,000.
Why use carbonfibre?
One of the main advantages of using a composite material like carbonfibre is that it is lighter than steel or aluminium. The nature of the material also means it generates less noise and vibrations, making for a nicer, quieter ride. This makes such wheels desirable for luxury cars but their cost remains high.
After years of development with one of the world’s leading composite suppliers, Bentley now has a new carbonfibre wheel developed specifically for the Bentayga. The 22-inch wheel, engineered with Bucci Composites of Italy, is to be the largest carbonfibre wheel in production in the world. It offers a vast range of benefits beyond the initial 6-kg improvement in unsprung mass per wheel.
Meeting tough TUV standards
The new wheel has been subjected to the exceptionally rigorous TUV standards and is the first carbonfibre wheel ever produced to pass all tests. The newly developed rim has undergone the most rigorous testing for non-metallic wheels according to the new TUV standards including biaxial stress testing, radial and lateral impact testing for simulating potholes and cobblestones, tyre overpressure, and excessive torque tests exceeding the permitted limits.
One of the most severe tests of the TUV requirements – the impact test – has shown how the carbonfibre rim is extremely safe in addition to the performance benefits. After a severe impact which would crack or shatter an aluminium wheel, the carbonfibre rim allows a slow tyre deflation, thanks to the intelligent layering of fibre weaves, allowing the vehicle to come to a controlled, safe stop. This would be of great value to a vehicle like the Bentayga which has off-road capabilities.
The new wheel has also been subjected to extremely high speeds. Engineers ran numerous tests around the Nurburgring Nordschleife before final sign-off to go into production.
The technological benefits
Carbonfibre not only provides a significant weight saving, but also offers the additional benefits of increased strength and stiffness. This leads to increased safety – when the rim receives a high impact, the weave pulls apart leaving openings to allow gradual air loss rather than instant deflation like an aluminium rim.
There’s also increased steering agility, thanks to the weight saving and the high stiffness afforded by the properties of carbonfibre which create a more stable and consistent steering platform. In comparison, a forged aluminium rim can lose up to a degree of camber due to wheel flex, reducing grip and agility.
The driver will also have improved and more responsive braking due to the decrease in unsprung mass. Reduced tyre wear is also a long-term benefit as the stiffer carbonfibre rim does not suffer from the same amount of bending. It therefore allows for greater tyre stability and a more consistent contact patch on a larger tyre support surface.
The production processes
One of the main innovations lies in the rim manufacturing process, which involves the application of innovative concepts (covered by patents) combined with the use of high-pressure RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding). The materials and production parameters have been carefully studied to ensure the repeatability of the product without affecting its quality.
The process involves the cutting of carbonfibre cloth into prescribed shapes. The weave segments are then stacked, heated and draped into a mould to create three-dimensional preforms. The preforms are collated and arranged into a larger mould before resin and hardener is injected throughout. After curing time at temperature, the component assembly is removed from the mould, and the final surfaces are machined to the correct finish, before polishing.
Joining Mulliner products in late 2021
The new carbonfibre wheel for the Bentayga will be join Bentley’s existing carbonfibre products, which include the highly sought-after Styling Specification that adds a carbonfibre front splitter, sill extensions and rear diffuser, and the option of high gloss carbonfibre veneer to the interior.
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The American market was always a strong market for the Toyota Supra, to the extent that some generations were born at Calty, its advanced design centre in California. When it made its return after an absence of 17 years, it was the North American International Auto Show that was chosen for its global debut.
So the American market is special to Toyota, especially where the Supra is concerned, and to recognise that, Toyota USA has developed a limited edition of the GR Supra just for the market. It’s the most exclusive 5th generation Supra to date and only 600 units will be available.
Carbonfibre treatment
The highlight of the GR Supra A91-CF Edition, as it is known, is a carbonfibre front splitter and larger canards, with carbonfibre side rockers define the lower edge along the sides. The carbonfibre treatment (hence ‘CF Edition’) continues at the rear end, with a duckbill spoiler catching the air up top and lower canards doing so down below.
Wind tunnel-tested
The aerodynamic features are not just for looks. Extensive testing has been done in a wind tunnel to shape them to improve downforce and stability, especially when on the racetrack. The performance should be almost similar to the other GR Supra as it uses the same 3-litre 6-cylinder engine.
Additionally, unique 19-inch wheels sport a matte-black texture that complements A91-CF Edition’s available matte-gray Phantom paint colour. The other technical specs are the same too, with an 8-speed Z-F8 transmission, Adaptive Variable Sport suspension and active rear sport differential. The front brakes are from Brembo, with red calipers.
Exclusive interior trim
The interior, with a red-and-black theme, also has some exclusive features that include carbonfibre interior trim. The Alcantara-and-leather-trimmed cabin includes red stitching details with a leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel and sport pedals.
In Malaysia, the model is officially available through selected authorised dealers with the GR Garage. It is priced from RM589,987 (with sales tax exemption, without insurance). Visit toyota.com.my for more information or to locate a GR Garage showroom in Malaysia.
Donkervoort Automobielen, the 42-year old Dutch company that specialises in handbuilt sportscars, has developed the new D8 GTO-JD70 R as a track-only Donkervoort with ‘hypercar performance and technology for only supercar pricing’ of 198,000 euros (about RM966,000), ex-factory.
Least compromised Donkervoort
The new JD70 R takes the JD70 concept into areas of performance it can only reach on race circuits. Where the JD70 was launched this year to honour the 70th birthday of Donkervoort’s founder, Joop Donkervoort, the JD70 R has been developed to embarrass other sportscar and their owners and to make its own drivers feel like track superstars.
The 3.84-metre long car is presented as the fastest, most attacking, least compromised Donkervoort ever engineered, capable of smashing track records, winning races and doing it all on a fraction of the fuel, tyre and brake budgets of traditional sportscars.
Safety levels raised
“The changes we made were all considered during the JD70 development program,” Donkervoort MD, Denis Donkervoort, explained. “We made the JD70 R much faster on every racing circuit than the JD70, so naturally we also concentrated on crash safety as a priority. It has race ABS, a fire extinguisher, greater fire protection for the fuel tank, a standard 6-point harness and full race seats. For every jump in speed with the JD70 R, we added exponentially to its crash protection.”
The JD70 R has been designed, engineered and developed to be driven flat out for hours, then refueled and sent back out on the track for more. It has also been designed to give real-time data back to the garage, where Donkervoort’s support team can tune the car for each circuit and help the drivers reach their full potential.
Donkervoort engineers concentrated on the suspension, crash safety, braking and steering of the JD70 R, creating a car that ramps up the driver engagement as well as the lap speed.
So it is safer than its roadgoing sibling although faster, and it is also visually similar. It offers an unprecedented level of adjustability for its chassis and suspension.
There are major changes to the gearbox, the brakes, the steering, the safety package and the tyres to create a car 5 full seconds faster than the JD70 around the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix circuit. It’s even claimed to be a full 3 seconds faster than the 1100 horsepower, 2000-Nm Koenigsegg Regera.
About Donkervoort
Donkervoort Automobielen BV started business in 1978 as an independent maker of handbuilt sportscars. In its earlier years, it used Ford engines for its cars but in the 1990s, the company switched to Audi which not only provided the necessary know-how for engine development but also supported many other aspects.
During the partnership with Audi, the company saw good sales results. This meant that higher production numbers became necessary to grow. In 2000, a decision was taken to build a brand new factory with a production capacity of around 100 Donkervoorts per year.
Over the years, Donkervoort has amassed a great deal of knowledge and experience in the development and processing of carbonfibre as an ultra-lightweight material for its own sportscars. It also has an After Sales & Service department which maintains close contact with customers to ensure that their cars stay in top condition.
