Gilding the Lily: Bugatti announces new 'convertible' Grand Sport
The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport was unveiled on 16 August 2008 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Distinguished by a unique removable roof, the Grand Sport also includes significant alterations to the vehicle’s complex structure to make possible open-top driving. Also incorporated are a host of new and innovative safety and equipment features, including a slightly higher windscreen, stylized daytime running lights, and lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof.
The main challenge in developing the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with removable roof resulted from the unique structure of the fixed-roof Bugatti Veyron. An optimum combination of rigidity and lightweight engineering ensures the monocoque passenger cell of the original model is extremely strong while weighing an absolute minimum – it is a central element of the vehicle’s structure. As the roof is an integral part of this, removing it meant the load paths had to be completely redesigned to maintain the vehicle’s rigidity and crash safety, and to offer additional protection from side impacts and rolling.
Veyron Grand Sport Introduction at Pebble Beach
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