Hispano Suiza, the Spanish manufacturer with a history going back to 1904, has launched a second model as a follow-up to its Carmen all-electric hypercar which debuted last year. The new model is the Carmen Boulogne, a sportier evolution of the Carmen, and it also fully electric.
The current plan is to build only 5 units for sale, each priced from 1.65 million euros (about RM8.2 million) and take approximately 12 months to complete. 14 units of the Carmen will be available, with the first unit to be delivered in 2022.
A name from 1921
The ‘Boulogne’ name dates back to 1921, when Hispano Suiza made a racing version of its high-performance H6 Coupe and entered it in the George Boillot Cup, an endurance race lasting more than 3½ hours around the French city of Boulogne. There, Hispano Suiza achieved three consecutive victories with its H6. The Carmen Boulogne pays tribute to these historic motorsport victories
Its powertrain produces 1,114 ps – 95 ps more than the Carmen – and it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.6 seconds, with a maximum speed limited to 290 km/h. Its weight of 1,630 kgs is 60kgs less than the Carmen, achieved by optimisation of structural elements such as the suspension and carbonfibre subframe. There are also new CNC parts and a carbonfibre roof, among other things.
Visible carbonfibre bodyshell
The entire carbonfibre bodyshell of the Carmen Boulogne is visible under a clear varnish that emphasizes its sportiness and preserves the timeless elegance of this model. It sports the same semi-circular headlights and aggressive ‘scowl’ as the Carmen, with the difference of an imposing copper-coloured grille.
The five customers can fully customize the model with the assistance of the brand’s ‘Unique Tailormade’ department. The sleek interior features suede or black Alcantara on the bulkhead and door panels.
The Carmen Boulogne is powered by four permanent-magnet synchronous motors, two on each rear wheel. The torque of each engine is controlled through sophisticated vectoring systems developed in-house with the expertise gained in Formula E.
1,600 Nm of torque from standstill
From 0 to 6,500 rpm, the engines are capable of generating up to 1,600 Nm of torque, allowing for the sizzling acceleration. The lithium-ion polymer battery pack that provides ‘fuel’ has a capacity of 80 kWh and is claimed to enable driving range of up to 400 kms.
The batteries are designed and produced in-house, including a complete temperature control system to ensure that the cells can operate optimally. The fast-charging capability at more than 80 kW DC is said to require 30 minutes to charge 30 – 80%.
The 2021 Carmen hypercar gets its name from the founder’s daughter, with design inspiration from Hispano Suiza’s iconic 1930s design called the Dubonnet Xenia (top car).Hispano Suiza has a long history going back to the early 1900s and was a well known name in motor racing.
After all the computer simulations, wind tunnel studies and laboratory testing, the Pininfarina Battista all-electric hypercar is now starting its real-world testing. The first exercise has been a high-speed test run at the 12.6-km long track of the Nardo Technical Centre in Italy. Laps were also done on the laps of the twisting 6.2-km handling track.
This is a landmark moment and the successful test marks the beginning of the next chapter in the development programme of the most powerful Italian sports car ever produced. After this, there will be 9 test and validation versions driven on public roads and in private test facilities to fine-tune, validate and homologate its bespoke chassis settings, advanced torque vectoring system and unique sound experience.
The Nardo Technical Centre track in Italy where very high speed testing can be conducted.
“We have undertaken extensive development using advanced simulation technology, and we can now fine-tune the calibration of Battista’s bespoke chassis and pioneering four-motor torque vectoring system on road and track,” said Automobili Pininfarina’s Chief Product and Engineering Officer, Paolo Dellacha.
The Battista’s 120-kWh battery pack provides electrical power to 4 electric motors – one at each wheel – for a combined power output of 1,900 ps and maximum torque of 2,300 Nm. Its advanced powertrain is able to intelligently distribute power between all four wheels for optimised traction in all conditions. Five unique driving modes (Calma, Pura, Energica, Furiosa and Carattere) allow customisation of characteristics to driver preference or conditions.
“The phenomenal performance potential of the Battista is clear. Our clients will never have experienced acceleration like this before, yet giving them the opportunity to tailor their experience using a range of drive modes means this hypercar offers much more than just speed thrills,” aid the company’s Test Driver and Vehicle Dynamics Manager, Georgios Syropoulos.
The prototype Battista tested at Nardo Technical Centre was not a stripped-down development mule. Within its carbonfibre bodyshell, it had a fully finished interior complete with luxuriously executed detailing so the engineers could assess every element of the car.
Tailored driving experience
During the testing, the engineers carried out tuning of the advanced racing-inspired Brembo CCMR carbon-ceramic brake technology. Work will focus on blending its operation with the high-speed aerobrake and energy recuperation system for optimum performance.
The 4-motor torque vectoring will be uniquely tuned to suit the characteristics of the Battista in all conditions. Energy-neutral torque vectoring will be optimised to recuperate and shift electrical energy seamlessly for enhanced range and efficiency.
After around 1,000 of hours of virtual dynamic testing; double-wishbone suspension components, forged aluminium wheels, torsion bars and elastokinematics will be evaluated and fine-tuned, taking maximum advantage of the Battista’s ultra-stiff carbonfibre monocoque.
Customers will have a choice of 20-inch forged aluminium front and rear ‘Prezioso’ wheels and 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminium ‘Impulso’ wheels, with a saving of 8.9 kgs in unsprung mass across all wheels. High-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R or Pirelli P Zero will be available on request.
Quicker acceleration than F1 cars
Customers who receive the first hypercars and put them to the test should be able to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in under 2 seconds. That promised performance is quicker than a current Formula 1 car. For those who can find a place to get up to 300 km/h, the time claimed from 0 to 300 km/h is less than 12 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h.
The fully electric hyper GT is the realisation of the company founder’s dream to see a car produced wearing the Pininfarina name. No more than 150 examples will be available, each priced from US$2.5 million (about RM10.2 million) at the time the prototype Battista was unveiled in April 2019.
Click here to read more about The World’s First Globally-Connected Hypercar
For most people who can afford Pininfarina’s Battista pure-electric hypercar, communications on the move will be with the best available devices. If they are in the remotest areas on the planet, they would have satphones which make use of satellite networks encircling the earth.
However, when driving, they may find that access to online services are inconsistent or unreliable when crossing different countries. Understanding this, Automobili Pininfarina and Deutsche Telekom have come up with a way for Battista owners to easily access online services in more than 50 countries worldwide – a first in the world of hypercars.
Optimised connectivity worldwide
Every Battista will come with an embedded SIM card and roaming technology for optimised connectivity worldwide. Using these components, Deutsche Telekom’s roaming partner network and roaming traffic steering logic enables the vehicle to search for the strongest network, so owners don’t find themselves in communication blackspots even as they cross international borders.
This superior connectivity also means greater convenience for owners to receive Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, the latest thing in the industry. By sending software updates online, the vehicle’s systems or devices will always be up-to-date and perform at their best.
The system is able to remotely update 26 individual electronic control modules in the Battista across functions covering the pure-electric powertrain, advanced safety and driving dynamics systems, vehicle control, infotainment as well as digital services.
Future-proofing the hypercar
These software updates can be delivered via wifi when parked within range in the garage, or using the embedded SIM on the road. In this way, the Battista is future-proof and owners will continue to benefit from the latest software advances as the years pass.
“All of these elements of connectivity contribute to our seamless ‘Life on Board’ Concept. Everything from the driver-orientated user-experience to the convenience features such as the global roaming and OTA updates have been developed and engineered to bring heightened convenience to our luxury hyper GT,” said Paolo Dellacha, Chief Product and Engineering Officer of Automobile Pininfarina which is owned by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Digital concierge
The ‘digital concierge’ experience includes Smart Diagnostics technology, which monitors the car’s system to spot potential issues before they arise to ensure the pinnacle of electrified performance and safety at all time. If the system detects an issue that cannot be dealt with remotely by a software update, Automobili Pininfarina will dispatch one of its team of engineers to resolve the issue – wherever the car is parked in the world.
A specially developed smartphone app keeps owners connected to their Battista at all times, enabling customers to remotely lock and unlock the car, view telemetry, check the state of charge and monitor the location of Battista. On the move, drivers can seamlessly link their smartphone which will mirror key apps and functions within the vehicle for enhanced music streaming and real-time navigation capabilities.
This wider connected and digital ecosystem is enhanced by the Battista’s advanced infotainment system. The two logically-arranged and intuitive touchscreens and an additional slim display located in the centre, deliver all the key telemetry, dynamic functions and information as well as featuring selected media and navigation elements and controls. All have been designed and positioned in a way to ensure minimum driver distraction while providing all the required information while on the move.
The Battista will be the most powerful car ever designed and built in Italy, with the claim that it will deliver a level of performance that is unachievable today in any road-legal sportscar using internal combustion engine technology. With 1,900 bhp/2,300 Nm, it will be faster than a current Formula 1 race car in its 0 -100 km/h sub-2 second sprint and, with a 120 kWh battery pack, travel over 500 kms. 150 hypercars will be built, each said to cost no less than US$2.5 million (almost RM10.3 million).
For a manufacturer to make a production model, the design cannot be too complex so as to not be too expensive to manufacture, and safety and emission regulations also need to be met. Designing a car for track use offer more freedom technical though safety is still important and there are also competition regulations to conform to.
Concept cars are the best then as they can do not need to meet regulations and can be have advanced technology that is still not ready for commercialisation. Typically, they show the design direction of the brand, and perhaps some new ideas being explored.
This is the case with the Bugatti Bolide, which is being presented as the answer to the question ‘what if Bugatti built a radically light vehicle around its iconic 8.0-litre W16 engine?’. The Bolide concept is a track-oriented hyper sportscar derived from production model intended to be the most extreme, uncompromising, fastest and lightest Bugatti concept car in the company’s recent history.
A ‘what if’ experiment
“Bugatti stands for the continuous quest for technological innovations – in alignment with the company’s brand values of excellence, courage, dedication. And Bugatti never stands still. We are perpetually aiming for new and exciting goals, and the question that we always keep in mind is: what if?” said Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti.
“We asked ourselves how we could realise the mighty W16 engine as a technical symbol of the brand in its purest form – with solely four wheels, engine, gearbox, steering wheel and, as the only luxury, two seats. Important aspects of our considerations were fine-tuning our iconic powertrain without any limitations as regards the weight-to-power ratio. These considerations resulted in the Bugatti Bolide.”
Powertrain designed specifically for the racetrack
Explaining the concept further, Stefan Ellrott, member of the Board of Management of Bugatti and Head of Technical Development, said that the Bolide is the ultimate answer to the question of what if Bugatti built a track-focused hyper sportscar that met the FIA’s safety requirements.
“Designed around the W16 powertrain with the minimum body structure and unbelievable performance data. The result: the smallest possible shell for a breathtaking performance vehicle that allows the W16 to truly come into its own,” he explained. “All of Bugatti’s expertise has been condensed into the Bugatti Bolide. It is therefore an innovative information source for future technologies. The Bolide is thus more than just an intellectual exercise.”
In terms of technology and organisation, the Bolide is one of the most ambitious projects for its lead engineer, Frank Gotzke. After playing a crucial role in the development of the Veyron 16.4 and the Chiron, he was given the responsibility for the technical concept of the Bolide. In only 8 months, he created a completely new sportscar around the Bugatti W16 all-wheel drive powertrain, which was highly modified for the project.
The 8-litre 16-cylinder 1,850 ps engine was engineered specifically for use on the racetrack and has an optimised engine and gearbox, especially for higher engine speeds. Among other things, there are 4 specially developed turbochargers with optimised blades in order to build up more boost pressure and power at higher engine speeds. In order to achieve optimum lubrication even under extremely high centrifugal forces, the oil circuit, oil pressure, check valves, baffles, oil tanks, oil reservoirs, and pump design of the dry sump lubrication have been optimised. The weight of the drive system is also significantly reduced.
Instead of water-to-air intercooling, the Bolide has air-to-air intercooling with water pre-cooling for optimal performance on the racetrack. Two water coolers, which are arranged in front of the front axle, provide a more effective radiator system in terms of flow than is customary even in Formula 1. Three air-cooled oil coolers for engine, transmission, and differential with water pre-cooling reduce the temperature, while newly developed and hybrid carbon titanium turbofan radial compressors ventilate and cool the high-performance racing brake system.
In order to achieve a dry weight of 1,240 kgs for that impressive weight-to-power ratio of 0.67 kg per ps, every avenue was explored, both in terms of what is currently feasible and what will be possible in the future. These included expensive features like having all the screw and fastening elements of the made completely out of titanium. In addition, hollow, thin-walled functional components made of an aerospace titanium alloy are used in many places.
A worldwide innovation is the morphable outer skin of the intake scoop on the roof, which provides active airflow optimisation. If the car is driven at a slow speed, the surface of the scoop remains smooth. In contrast, a field of bubbles bulges out when driven at fast speeds. This reduces the aerodynamic drag of the scoop by 10% and ensures a 17% reduction in lift forces. In addition, the flow onto the rear wing is optimised. At 320 km/h, the downforce is at 1,800 kgs at the rear wing and 800 kgs at the front wing.
As in Formula 1, the Bolide uses lightweight brakes with ceramic discs and coatings. The front forged magnesium rims with central lock weigh 7.4 kgs, while the rear ones weigh 8.4 kgs.
Carbonfibre monocoque
The Bugatti team developed a light monocoque made of carbonfibre around the drive. The integral front end flanged to it is also made of high-strength carbonfibres, as are the fully aerodynamically effective underbody and the monocoque itself. The rear frame is designed as a welded steel assembly made of high-strength stainless steel usually found in aviation.
With an overall height of only 995 millimetres, the Bugatti Bolide is exactly the same height as the historic Bugatti Type 35, and about 300 millimetres flatter than the Chiron. Like in an LMP1 racing car, the occupants fold up the doors that are hinged at the front at an angle, sit on a sill that is only 70 mm wide and then position their feet in the interior.
Inspired by X-1 experimental jets
The stylistic challenge was to transform the unyielding demands of aerodynamics and lightweight construction into an aesthetic that reflects the unique Bugatti DNA, but at the same time illustrates the ambition of an impressive weight-to-power ratio. The overall appearance is dominated by air ducts that are more reminiscent of aerodynamically sophisticated Formula 1 racing cars than classic sportscars.
The appearance of the Bolide invokes the so-called ‘X-planes’ of aviation history that pushed the edge of the performance envelope. It is indirectly reminiscent of the Bell X-1 jet aircraft which was flown by Chuck Yeager, who was the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947. The Bolide does not get up to that speed, of course, but it is claimed to be able to go past 500 km/h.
“For the first time, we are showing what the W16 engine is really capable of. We have freed the vehicle of all baggage and have illustrated and combined the engine with the lightest possible chassis to create the ultimate Bugatti and to ensure the ultimate driving experience. With the Bolide, we are presenting our interpretation of a Bugatti track car of modern times to Bugatti enthusiasts all over the world and finally make their most fervent wishes come true,” said Winkelmann, adding that production plans are not decided yet.
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.
This weekend sees the running of the 88th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was originally scheduled for its usual date in June but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On this weekend too, Peugeot and TOTAL officially commence their Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) project. This will see a new racing car, developed to new regulations, for the top tier endurance category.
“Le Mans is the holy grail of the automobile world,” said Jean Philippe Imparato, Peugeot brand CEO. “It is the race who determines its winner. For us, this represents 3 victories but also the endless sweat, tears and joy and an incredible team spirit with TOTAL, with whom we celebrate 25 years of collaboration.”
“The Le Mans Hypercar project provides us possibilities for joint development on the entire energy system of the car. We can work on the efficiency of our fuels – for all the competitors, as the exclusive supplier- or for the lube, specifically designed for hybrid vehicles. It will also allow TOTAL and SAFT to study new battery solutions alongside Peugeot,” said Philippe Montanteme, TOTAL’s Strategy/Marketing & Research Director.
The choice of the LMH category was dictated by several criteria, one being that of a certain aerodynamic freedom. This makes it possible to incorporate, with the support of Peugeot Design, the aesthetic detail of the brand. Draft sketches have already been prepared which show the first design thoughts and verify the fundamental required elements, particularly in terms of dimensions.
The hypercar specifications
After various phases of studies for the general structure, the aerodynamic concept and the choice of engine architecture will come the final decision of the electrical framework. This will lead to development of the hybrid powertrain that can generate 500 kW.
“The hypercar will have 4-wheel drive, equipped – as required by the regulations – with an electric motor and a maximum power of 200 kW on the front axle. The total power level will be identical to that of a 100% thermal 2-wheel drive car (500 kW or approximately 680 ps) that will be distributed between the 2 axles. In comparison with what we currently know in LMP1, the car will be heavier so as to be compatible with road vehicles. It will also be longer and slightly wider,” revealed Olivier Jansonnie, Technical Director WEC program at Peugeot Sport which will be involved.
“This regulation is also different because it incorporates ‘BoP’ or ‘Balance of Performance’. It certainly sets limits, but also allows room for many technical possibilities in our development, specifically on the general shape, as long as a certain overall aerodynamic efficiency is not exceeded. This will be measured in a 1:1 scale wind tunnel and which will be part of the BOP,” explained Jansonnie.
Debut in 2022
He added that the aerodynamic concept has been confirmed, engine framework has been decided and the functionality of the hybrid system and its fundamental design are chosen. “We still have several steps left before our debut in endurance in 2022,” he said.
Peugeot is no stranger to Le Mans and endurance racing, having successfully competed with the 908 turbodiesel in earlier years. It stopped participation suddenly after 2011 due to a decline in sales as the company needed to conserve resources on the launch of new models.
“This category unites our entire company and all of our entities, with features and technologies similar to those of our production cars. We are coming back to endurance racing because we have the opportunity to work the sport in a different way, with the hybridization of petrol and electricity. Peugeot Sport is changing its identity and launching its label of electrified high-performance vehicles. This endurance program allows us to integrate ourselves fully into the transition of energies,” declared Imparato.
Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA and also a racing driver, will be the official starter of the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans race today. He will be in a Peugeot 908 which the brand used in endurance racing between 2007 and 2011.
Three years after being shown to the world for the first time, the development of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar is entering a new phase as several pre-production models are now clocking fast laps at the company’s own proving ground and technology centre. Testing is now largely transferred from the test stands to concentrate more and more on actual running.
For the first time, the project leaders have also authorised testing of the comprehensively electrified and highly complex hybrid power unit with its full output of more than 1000 hp. The objective of reaching a new dimension of driving dynamics and performance for a road-going vehicle with the Project ONE and thereby setting a new milestone in automotive history is thus gradually drawing closer for Mercedes-AMG.
Along with the dynamic test programme and some refinements to the car’s driveability, development work is also focused on its active aerodynamics. The complex interplay between the various active components such as the louvres, the air outlets in the front fenders or the large rear aerofoil is now confirming its effectiveness even outside the wind tunnel as a means of delivering the car’s exceptional lateral dynamics.
Making the Project ONE road-legal
The adaptation of a complete Formula 1 drive unit for a road-legal hypercar must also deliver perfectly in terms of everyday performance and be able to drive in all-electric mode, This represented a tremendous challenge; as far as many aspects were concerned, such as noise level, the development team ventured into uncharted territory with this project and had to find solutions that could be developed for production cars.
In parallel to the extensive dynamic testing being undertaken with the project vehicles, the attendant development work also continues. The various vehicle systems are put meticulously through their paces on the engine test beds and in the in-house simulator. The next step in this extensive programme of testing and development – testing on the north loop of the Nurburgring.
All 275 units – each priced from 2.28 million euros (around RM11.38 million) – that will be made already have customers waiting and the first one will get their hypercars sometimes in 2021 (originally 2019).
“With Essenza SCV12, we wanted to elevate not only performance and driving pleasure but also the experience off the track.” And with that promise, Stefano Domenicali, CEO & Chairman of Automobili Lamborghini, unveiled the Essenza SCV12, a track-only hypercar in a limited edition of 40 units.
Developed by Lamborghini Squadra Corse and designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile, the Essenza SCV12 is the direct descendant of cars such as the Miura Jota and Diablo GTR. It is propelled by the most powerful V12 naturally aspirated engine ever developed by Lamborghini, combined with aerodynamics inspired by racing prototypes and new technical solutions designed for the ultimate driving experience.
“Essenza SCV12 represents the purest track driving experience that our brand can offer, an engineering feat that highlights the inextricable link between our cars and the asphalt of the track. Lamborghini is a brand constantly looking to the future and searching for new challenges, but we never forget our roots and who we are: Essenza SCV12 is the perfect combination of our unconventional spirit as a super sports car manufacturer and our true passion for motorsport,” said Mr. Domenicali.
Born for the track
The Essenza SCV12 was created for exclusive track use, with engineering solutions derived from racing. The V12 engine can generate over 830 bhp, with a significant power uplift from the RAM effect at high speeds. The exhaust pipes were designed by Capristo to reduce the back pressure, improving performance and emphasizing the unique sound of the engine.
The power is handled by a new X-trac sequential 6-speed gearbox as a structural element within the chassis, combined with rear-wheel drive to ensure compactness, structural continuity, and greater torsional stiffness.
Not surprisingly, the Essenza SCV12 has an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 1.66 bhp/kg, thanks to the lighter weight of the new-generation carbonfibre monocoque chassis without internal rollcage. It is also the first GT car developed in accordance with FIA prototype safety rules.
To ensure maximum agility and stability on even the most demanding tracks, kinematic solutions inspired by racing prototypes have been adopted. These include the pushrod rear suspension installed directly on the gearbox. Specific slick Pirelli tyres are mounted on magnesium rims (19 inches in front, 20 inches at the rear), which frame the brake discs and calipers developed by Brembo Motorsport.
“Essenza SCV12 is the ultimate expression of the V12 naturally aspirated engine, the symbol of our brand since 1963. It is a project in which we combined the pursuit of engineering perfection with refined aerodynamics, futuristic design, and innovative solutions such as the carbon monocoque without internal roll-cage. The result is an engaging and uncompromising car, born to race and to showcase on the track the characteristics that have made Lamborghini famous worldwide, guaranteeing unique and special emotions for both the driver and onlookers,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini.
Aerodynamics from racing experience
The aerodynamics benefit from Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s GT racing experience to ensure a level of efficiency and higher downforce levels than a GT3 car, with a value of 1,200 kgs at 250 km/h. The front bonnet has a double air intake with a central rib, typical of the Huracan racing cars, which separates the hot airflow coming from the radiator and conveys the cold air to the airscoop located on the roof.
The front features a splitter and two lateral elements; on the sides, the flows for engine and gearbox cooling have been optimized through the use of vertical fins situated on the side sills. The aerodynamic package is completed by the large adjustable double-profile rear wing.
Lamborghini DNA in design
The sleek yet taut and dynamic lines combine the appeal of 1970s prototypes and elements typical of Lamborghini’s DNA, like the hexagonal geometry that characterizes the front headlights, and the roof airscoop and air vents that frame the steering wheel. There is also the unmistakable “Y”, the stylistic feature repeated on the livery and in the cockpit, where each element represents the best compromise between lightweight, functionality and design.
The instrument panel and dashboard are supported by an asymmetrical carbon ‘Y’, a load-bearing and stylistic element that frames the cockpit, designed to put the driver at the centre of an absolute driving experience.
Exclusive driving experience for owners
Essenza SCV12 customers will become part of an exclusive club that will give them access to special programs to drive their hypercar on the most prestigious circuits in the world. The program includes storage service in a new hangar built in Sant’Agata Bolognese for the Essenza SCV12 club. Each car will have a personalized garage and dedicated services, including webcams to allow customers to monitor their cars 24 hours a day using an app.
The facility also houses the Lamborghini Squadra Corse Drivers Lab by Tecnobody to offer athletic training programs similar to those followed by the official Lamborghini racing drivers.
Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s track-only hypercar, the Lamborghini SCV12, has completed its development programme and is now ready to hit the track for its world premiere in the near future. It is propelled by with the most powerful V12 naturally aspirated engine from Lamborghini to date, capable of generating over 830 bhp, thanks to aerodynamic supercharging at high speed.
The SCV12 – designed by the in-house Lamborghini Centro Stile – benefits from Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s GT motorsport expertise, using its racing experience to produce increased aerodynamic efficiency and higher downforce levels than a GT3 car.
Its front bonnet has a double air intake and a central rib directing airflow to the ram-air intake scoop located on the roof. This directs dynamic air pressure created by the car’s movement to increase static air pressure in the engine’s intake manifold, creating greater airflow through the engine and increasing power.
Aerodynamic efficiency enhanced
The car’s clear track intent and aerodynamic efficiency is further enhanced by the prominent splitter at the front, lateral flicks and vertical fins on the side sills, while at the rear is a custom-built carbonfibre rear wing.
Racing solutions developed
Several aspects of the SCV12 have been developed particularly for the hypercar, with specific racing solutions devised by Squadra Corse engineers. These included a new fully carbonfibre chassis that allows for a greater power-to-weight ratio as well as the best handling and circuit driving experience.
The lightweight chassis with rear-wheel drive incorporates a sequential 6-speed gearbox as a structural element within the chassis, reducing weight and enhancing weight distribution. Pushrod rear suspension is system installed directly on the gearbox, while power is delivered on the track courtesy of specially developed slick Pirelli tyres fitted on magnesium rims.
Video Player
Media error: Format(s) not supported or source(s) not found
A limited edition, the SCV12 will be assembled entirely within the Lamborghini Squadra Corse factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese. Customers will become members of a very exclusive club and can participate in advanced driving programmes at some of the world’s most prestigious circuits. There will also be technical assistance from Squadra Corse engineers and the special tutoring of Emanuele Pirro, 5-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Lamborghini Squadra Corse Special Projects Consultant.
In 2019, Bugatti and Jacob & Co. signed a partnership to create unique timepieces. To inaugurate this partnership led by performance, two timepieces were created. These watches, based on the Twin Turbo Furious and the Epic X Chrono, were directly inspired by the unique design and spirit of Bugatti hypercars.
This year, new watches in the Twin Turbo Furious collection are being introduced, as well as now the Bugatti Chiron, a completely new line. After the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon, the watchmaker has created the Twin Turbo Furious 300+ – inspired by the fastest hypercar ever created.
Last year, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ made Bugatti the first carmaker to break through the mythical 300 mph (480 km/h) barrier. Behind the steering wheel of the car was Le Mans winner Andy Wallace who set the world speed record at 304.773 mph (490.484 km/h).
Only 3 pieces for sale
In order to celebrate the world’s fastest series production hyper sportscar, Jacob & Co. captured the essence of the Super Sport 300+ in the design as well as the sophisticated technology of their new creation. Only three pieces will be made for sale.
The Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+ features a black titanium twin triple-axis tourbillon movement, that includes a decimal minute repeater and a mono-pusher chronograph with reference time. It is housed in a forged carbon and black DLC titanium case, to echo the exposed carbonfibre bodywork of the record-breaking hyper sports car.
Exclusive technology
The presence of a tourbillon in a watch’s movement already places a timepiece among the elite of the watchmaking world. Jacob & Co.’s Twin Turbo Furious goes one step further incorporating two accelerated triple axis tourbillons into its striking design. The tourbillons work together to compensate for the effects of gravity on the precision of the movement.
Another very rare component is the Twin Turbo Furious 300+’ decimal minute repeater. In order to simplify the audible indication of time, the Twin Turbo Furious chimes on demand the ten minutes intervals after the hours and before the minutes.
“In Jacob & Co., we have found a partner who understands the way we see exclusivity and how every object carrying the Bugatti name has to combine extreme power and the most sophisticated technology with pure luxury and the unmistakable Bugatti aesthetics and elegance. The Twin Turbo Furious is another product created in the spirit of this partnership,” said Bugatti President, Stephan Winkelmann.
