Ducati

In 1926, Adriano and Marcello Ducati founded a company that specialised not in motorcycles, but the production of radio components. During the war years, they turned their attention toward electronic military equipment. This move made their factory a target for allied bombing, but despite frequent, serious damage, they managed to remain in production. In 1950, Ducati launched their first motorcycle, which was based on the already well established Cucciolo engine. This power unit, designed by Aldo Farinelli, was originally created as a strap on motor for push bikes. By the time Ducati adopted it, 200,000 units had been produced. This first creation by Ducati was capable of 40mph and 200 mpg and weighed in at 98 pounds. These bikes were badged as 55M or 65TL.

Post-war economic growth put more money in Italians' pockets and with it the need for something more sophisticated, so at the Milan Show of 1952, the company introduced the 65TS and the cruiser, which was the first four-stroke scooter in the world. Unfortunately, the public didn't embrace the idea as Ducati had hoped, and the model was withdrawn the following year with sales barely reaching the 2,000 mark. At this time, Ducati were still making electronic equipment, so the decision was made to split the company and Ducati Elettronica SpA was created under separate management.

Ducati Meccanica SpA, led by Dr Guiseppe Montano, became the motorcycle manufacturing company that we know today, and by 1954 were turning out 120 units per day as the factory was modernized with government aid. Although Montano was appointed by the government, he was a genuine motorcycle lover and realised the potential of racing to induce customers to buy his machines. By 1956, the Desmo Ducati 125 won its first race in Sweden. The Grand Prix at Hedemora saw the Ducati lap every other motorcycle. Sadly, the man who achieved this feat, Gianni Degli Antoni, died during practice for the following race. This unfortunate accident hit Ducati hard, and it wasn't until 1958 that they could once again challenge MV Agusta.

As the 50's drew to a close, the Berliner Brothers picked up the American franchise and pushed Ducati to the forefront in the USA. With no little flair, they began punching above their weight and mounted a serious challenge to the wave of Japanese machines that were coming into the country. At this time, the company was also enjoying success in other export markets as well as at home. In the mid sixties, Ducati became the Italian outlet of Standard-Triumph cars and Leyland vans and trucks. It seemed as if they could do no wrong, but the American market was about to give them a reminder of the fragility of success. Ducati insisted on pushing their 50cc two-strokes on the American public. Although these machines had accrued many sales in Italy, the contrary was true of the USA, as the nation snubbed what were in fact very good machines. Rather than heed the warning, the company pressed ahead and created a 100cc two-stroke, when they really should have been developing their much loved sporting four-strokes. Berliner suffered to such an extent, that they refused one shipment of bikes because they didn't have the money to pay them, even if they could have sold them in the States.

As Ducati struggled to compete with the mass produced Japanese motorcycles, the future looked gloomy, but once again they turned to their racing roots, creating 750's which took first and second places at Imola in 1972. A major coup for the company was the securing of the services of rider, Paul Smart, who was at that time racing for Kawasaki. The story goes that he wasn't at home when the call came, but the financial lure was so strong that his wife accepted the offer on his behalf. Success at Imola sparked the beginning of the love affair between big racing bikes and Ducati.

Today, Ducati riders are some of the most loyal when it comes to brand allegiance. Their reward is to be the owner of one of one most strikingly beautiful machines available. The company has achieved success by following its racing roots. At the company's headquarters, you can visit the museum and re-live over 50 years of racing history.

Jaguars

The Jaguar is the third largest "big cat" species in the world, only the tiger and the lion are larger. The size of a jaguar depends on the region it lives. Geographical barriers such as the Amazon river keep certain gene pools from mixing. Jaguars in Central America tend to be smaller then ones in Brazil.

The geographic range of jaguars stretches over 19 countries from northern Mexico to Northern Argentina. Jaguars are almost extinct in the United States. The only known population of jaguars in the United States lives south of Tucson Arizona. Before the 1900's jaguars in the United States ranged from mid-Louisiana to the Pacific Ocean and as far north as Phoenix Arizona.

Jaguars are strictly carnivorous and can only eat meat. Scientific research shows that there are over 80 species of animals that a jaguar will prey on. Jaguars usually will kill only animals that are under 700 pounds but, is capable of killing an animal as heavy as 800 pounds. However, a jaguar may only eat about 55 to 65 pounds of meat in a single sitting, starting with its' preys chest and neck areas.

Deep in the rainforest is the preferred habitat for the jaguar. However, the terrain a jaguar can be found in, ranges from heavily forested to open grassland. Jaguars love being around water and is noted, along with the tiger, as one of few feline species that enjoys swimming.

One difference that jaguars have compared to other "big cat" species is that jaguars will very rarely attack a human being. Most cases where a jaguar has been reported to have attacked a human means that the animal was probably weak, so a human was the easiest prey option and that person was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

If you ever happen upon a jaguar in the wild, or if one ever approaches: STAND STILL! And, this one goes against most people's instinct to turn and run, however, you should NEVER turn your back on a jaguar! Please, make sure you stay safe when walking in jaguar territory and NEVER go alone into an area that is known to be inhabited by jaguar. ~Anthony Benjamin~

Lamborghini

According to legend, the birth of Lamborghini has taken place after a fight between Enzo Ferrari and Ferruccio Lamborghini. The latter complained to the Drake's not lofty quality of the GT cars from Maranello. The debate between the two occurred in the early 60s Ferrari and Lamborghini dismissed, telling him to "think about the tractors that I take care of self."

See pride, Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to give his life to a car manufacturer. Thus, in 1963, left the development of the first Lamborghini vehicle. The seat of Cento (FE) - where the Lamborghini tractors were produced - working team composed by the designer Giampaolo Dallara Giotto Bizzarrini the engineer and designer Franco Scaglione.

350 GTV
The "trio" gave birth to the Lamborghini 350 GTV prototype supercar exhibited at the Turin Motor Show of that year and featuring the 3500 V12 engine which provided a top speed of 280 km / h. Also in '63, started the work of the plant in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

350 GT
At the Geneva Motor Show in 1964, was presented the Lamborghini 350 GT production version of the 350 GTV. The car was designed by Carrozzeria Touring and was moved by 3500 V12 engine with 270 horsepower pushing the car up to 250 km / h top speed. In addition, the Lamborghini supercar had the cockpit configured in the unusual pattern 2 +1. Debuted in the '65 Lamborghini 350 GTS Zagato and 3500, while at the Turin Show was presented the prototype P400 rear engine. This was the new unit 3900 V12 350 hp and 430 hp in standard version S.

The Miura
The prototype P400 prefigured the first vs Ferrari model of Lamborghini. The Miura, officially presented at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Besides being the symbol of Lamborghini, the Miura was the first model to bear the name of a herd of bulls. In fact, bull officially became the brand identity of Lamborghini, zodiacal sign as owner of Ferruccio. The car was designed by Marcello Gandini, at that time head of Centro Stile Bertone. The Miura was equipped with a 4000 V12 engine from 350 horsepower that can reach a top speed of 270 km / h.

400 GT
In '66 was also presented the Lamborghini 400 GT, a GT 2 +2 always moved from the 4000 V12 engine but with reduced power to 320 hp. In addition, two prototypes were presented as the 400 Monza and the Flying Star.

Two years later, based on the 400 GT was born his deputy, or the Lamborghini Islero, also driven by the 4000 V12 engine with 320 horsepower. In 1968 he was also presented the Miura Roadster, remained at the prototype stage.

In '69, however, the range was enlarged from 370 hp to the Miura S and the Espada. The latter adopted the 4000 V12 320 hp engine and was the standard version of the prototype Marzal, designed by Bertone and presented two years earlier.

Jarama
In 1970, at the Geneva Motor Show Lamborghini Jarama was introduced that replaced the Islero, with whom he shared the 4000 V12 engine with 320 hp. In '71 debuted the Miura SV, the latest evolution of 385 hp. Instead, at the Geneva Motor Show the same year he was presented the prototype LP500 engine mounted longitudinally rear.

In 1972 the range was expanded again with the Lamborghini Urraco, 4-seater sedan designed by Bertone, moved by the 2.5 V8 engine 220 hp. In '73 he left the scene the Lamborghini Miura, Countach superseded by version serial protoripo LP500.

In 1974, with the presentation of the prototype Bravo. In addition, other versions of the Lamborghini debuted Urraco: the P300 and P200 from 265 hp from 182 hp, it is intended solely for the Italian market.

The crisis
The Lamborghini crisis was caused by the development of a luxury SUV and alliance with BMW to design the M1. Shortly after the presentation of the prototype in 1980 Athon, Lamborghini went to meet with failure. The company revived the next year thanks to the French group that presented the Jalpa Mimran supercars like the new course.

Countach
Then came the Lamborghini Countach Quattrovalvole in 1985 and the following year, the LM-002 SUV. But in order to survive, Lamborghini needed a strong international partner. Thus, in 1987, the House of Sant'Agata Bolognese was taken over by Chrysler Corporation, headed by Lee Iacocca.

The first step was the creation of Chrysler Lamborghini Engineering Division, led by Mauro Forghieri, which was designed by Formula 1 V12 engine which was adopted a year later and stables used by Larousse, Lotus and Minardi.

At twenty-five years, in 1988 Lamborghini Countach 25 and presented the prototype Genesis. But in '90 debut the first model designed by Chrysler, Lamborghini Diablo with retractable headlights. Three years later the range was expanded versions SE VT-wheel drive. Also in 1993, Ferruccio Lamborghini was missing, exactly thirty years after founding Lamborghini auto.

Instead, in 1994 Chrysler ceded Lamborghini to the consortium formed Asian MegaTech Indonesian and Malaysian MYCOM. During this period, it happened that new models but the range was expanded with the Diablo VT Roadster in '95, and versions SV and SVR in 1996. Among other prototypes were presented Cala and Raptor.

Audi acquires control of Lamborghini
The most important event in the history of Lamborghini occurred in '98, when the control passed in the hands of Audi. The House of Ingolstadt expanded once again the range of Lamborghini Diablo GTR and GT versions in '99, while in 2000 were submitted versions 6.0 and 6.0 SE.

Come the Murciélago and Gallardo
The care of Audi bore fruit in 2002 with the Lamborghini Murciélago, designed by Belgian designer Luc Donkerwolke and equipped with the 6.2 V12 engine from 580 hp. In addition, the following year presented the Lamborghini Gallardo, moved by the 5.0 V10 engine 500 hp Audi source.

Subsequently, the Murciélago Roadster debuted in 2004, the Gallardo Superleggera in 2005, the Murcielago LP640 in 2006, the Gallardo LP560-4 Coupe and Spyder in 2008. Instead, the latest models are represented by the Murcielago LP670 and Gallardo LP570-4 SV-4 SV Superleggera, and the Estoque concept and custom-Reventon.

BMW 3 series

Karl Friedrich Rapp is the name of the founder of BMW - one of the biggest world wide car manufacturing companies. BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works) was founded in 1916 as a successor to the Rapp Motor.

Many people think that the logo of BMW comes from a spinning white propeller seen in the background of the blue sky. This may be so but in fact it is known that it also comes from the white and blue flag of Bavaria - the largest state of Germany. The capital city of the state is Munich and this is the place where even today we can find the BMW Headquarters.

In 1916 with the foundation of the company a contract was secured for building V12 engines. These engines were about to be used in the creation of the automobiles from Austro-Daimler. These 12 cylinders V engines were at first used in aircrafts which is the original plan of the BMW Company. Taking in account the time when the company was founded it was very likely for them to continue like that.

However in 1919 after the World War I and the Treaty of Versailles the production of aircraft in Germany was prohibited and that quickly changed the politics of BMW. They began making brakes for the Rail transport. Soon after that BMW was able to design a motorcycle engine which was used for the creation of a motorcycle called with the model name Victoria. However Victoria was not built by BMW but by another company in Nuremberg.

In 1924 BMW made a model of a motorcycle which was the first one they built - the R32. This was a turning point in the BMW history because it was a major achievement and for decades they used its technology - 500 cc engines cooled down by the air. Soon after that BMW added one new innovation - the driveshaft. It came to replace the chain for driving the rear wheel and became a mark of BMW for quite some time.

In the German city Eisenach in 1927 began the production of Dixi - under license but only a year after that the Dixi Company was bought by BMW and they began mass production together with the model Austin Seven.

When the World War I began BMW took its place in it because of the German army's motorized division. They used BMW R75 together with BMW R12. Because of the high need of engines BMW note that period as highly profitable. BMW was the main supplier and even today words like Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht brings many memories. Some of the best planes in that historical time used the BMW aero-engines and till the 1945 more than 30 000 planes with these engines were manufactured.

BMW even made researches which enabled the company to make different jet engines for weapons. With the use of some men power consisting mainly by prisoners of the war BMW made many rocket-based weapons that were used in the war.

Soon after the creation of the rocket-based weapons parts of the company were bombed. Soviets razed to the ground most of the company located in eastern Germany and the base factory in Munich was almost completely destroyed.

After the war BMW was not able to quickly recover because of the need to rebuild the factory in Munich. After that when the restrictions from the Allies applied BMW was banned for three long years in which the company was forbidden from producing motorcycles until 1948 and cars until 1952.

In 1951 the Bavarian company was able to regain all trademarks and it looked like it was finally able to recover and start again from what was left. In 1959 Herbert Quandt became the "wheel" which turned the BMW around because he denied a deal with Daimler-Benz and soon after that he increased his share in the BMW Company up to 50%.

The name of Kurt Golda is stated as the man who incited Quandt to do this step and in the same year BMW began production of the BMW 700 which was based on the BMW 600. This small car used 2-cylinder, air-cooled engines and some years later it was renamed to "LS". Coupe and some cabriolet series were also manufactured.

In 1963 BMW offered dividends to the shareholders of the company and in 1966 the factory in Munich reached its maximum capacity and BMW bought Hans Glas GmbH. This deal enabled BMW to use factories in Landshut and Dingolfing.

With some new style provided by Bertone in 1972 BMW began production of 5 new series and in the years to follow the company made a big progress in the market. For 6 years under the leadership of Bernd Pischetsrieder BMW was able to expand its deal in the market by buying from British Aerospace the Rover Group. Rover Group's history starts in 1986 and till the moment when BMW owned it this company was able to achieve many things like for example the Rover 400 in 1990.

However the Rover was sold to Phoenix Venture Holdings and Ford Motor Company because of some years of losses for BMW. Jokingly the press called the Rover "The English Patient" after the release of the namesake film. This however was not very hard on BMW and they were spared from taking the blame. It looks like that even the British press was not very enthusiastic about the Rover.

BMW began production outside of Germany in 1994. New factories were made in South Carolina and even today the manufacturing of BMW X5 and BMW Z4 is made there. There are factories in some other places too like Oxford, Goodwood and others. After some time of assembly BMW began production in South Africa. Today BMW exports more than 50 000 3 Series vehicles yearly to Japan, USA, Africa, Australia and the Middle East.

In order to serve the market in Eastern Europe and Middle East BMW are planning to begin construction of a new plant located in Cyprus or Greece. A plant in Chennai, India already opened production in 2007.

Porsche Carrera

The origins of the Porsche Carrera GT laid on the drawing board in complete abandonment back in 2000 while Porsche shifted its manpower and resources toward the development and production of the Cayenne. The 2006 Carrera GT was slated as a race car and a stand alone prototype made it to the floor of the 2000 Geneva Motor Show.

There were rumors that a member of the Porsche family who held a seat on the board of directors did not want the Carrera GT to hit the track against the newly released Audi R8. Though the company officially cited rule changes in the FIA that enticed them to drop the project, the interest taken at the 2000 Geneva Motor Show that Porsche decided to re-launch the project as a street legal vehicle.

The designers returned to the table with new plans and modifications to create the new 2006 Porsche Carrera GT. Production began on the select few Carrera GTs in 2004. The planned 1,500 cars were reduced to 1,250, 340 of which were sold in the United States.

The Carrera GT began with a powerhouse 5.7 litre V-10 engine riding on 605 horse power. The factory released statistics that claimed she had a 0 to 60 mile per hour time of 3.9 seconds but road tests produced figures closer to 0 to 60 in under 3.5 seconds. The factory claims a top speed of 204 miles per hour and the road tests produced 211 miles per hour. The Carrera GT comes only with a 6 speed manual transmission, one of the few performance cars on the road in the last few years without the optional sequential shift transmission. New ground was broken with the installation of the ceramic composite clutch which is only 6.65 inches in diameter.

Lightweight is the name of the game when it comes to the styling and design of the Carrera GT. Following in the footsteps of the trendsetting 959, Porsche went for the lightest design possible while still maintaining body integrity. At 3043 pounds, the designers accomplished their goal and then powered her accordingly. She runs a beautiful 181.5 inches long and 75.6 inches wide. She stands 45.7 inches high.

Natural Porsche styling enhanced the face with a swept back hood, screaming the potential for speed and power with graceful lines that surpass other Porsches. The elevated wheel arches announce her potential with fanfare and the mid-engine concept is sweetly accentuated by the forward moving cockpit and long running midline between the door and the rear axel. Her overall styling can be described in one word. Sexy. Powerful. Graceful. Pick the word of your choice. It will fit.

Porsche came forth with an innovative design styling with the Carrera GT. By combining the qualities originally designed for the race car version and toning down only what was necessary to produce a production car, The Carrera GT is a hybrid of track performance and road desired features.

The large, functional air dams and side inlets combine form and function as they cool the 5.7 heart nestled under the carbon fiber rear hood. The 15 inch ceramic brake pads beautifully contrast against the 19 inch front tires and the 20 inch rear tires. In typical Porsche fashion, the braking system is equally as top of the line as her acceleration system, outfitted with Porsche's latest racing brake system. The entire drive train was lowered to lower the center of gravity, which of course led to sharper handling and responsiveness. The automated rear wing spoiler engages as needed at higher speeds- meaning 60 to 70 miles per hour- like most Porsche designs.

The chassis and suspension system was tested under the extreme conditions of the 24 hour LeMans, and thus it was carried over from the 911 GT1. The composite carbon-fiber chassis of the Carrera GT is identical to the tough tested 911 GT1. Double wishbone pushrod axels in the front and rear have individual guide sleeves and springs allowing for sensitive response and perfect spring balance regardless of speed. This is a huge improvement over the usual Porsche installed McPherson spring struts. Driver response is additionally enhanced thank to the agile power steering system.

The monocoque chassis were created from a bonded layer of carbon fiber tissue, aluminum, plastic honeycomb materials, and resin. This created lightweight but superiorly strong chassis. The chassis weight in at just above 220 pounds. A high tech stainless steel exhaust system and the addition of a modified intake system created a crisper engine sound, but also boosted output power by 3.76%. The steering wheel enhanced the customized interior with its unique ergonomically shaped precision and the final leather and carbon fiber rim touch. Even the shifter knob was perked up with exposed carbon fiber. No single detail was overlooked in the design and enhancement of the 2006 Carrera GT. Then again, how often can Porsche be accused of overlooking details?

Still locked in the competitive war with Ferrari, the Carrera GT is available for a mere $440,000 while the comparable Ferrari, the Ferrari Enzo, runs about $200,000 more. Canadians will pay closer to $550,000 for the Carrera GT.

The 2006 Carrera GT has become the new legend of super car technology, design, styling, and driver enticing performance. Production was stopped short due to the pressing desire to return resources to the Cayenne, and the simple rarity of this super car adds to its desirability. Porsche has long held the philosophy that when concentrating on the essentials the creation surpasses expectation, and of course the Carrera GT is no exception to this time tested rule.

Despite all of her remarkable design features and super car personality, Porsche prides itself on creating a super car that can be driven on a daily basis. The air conditioning, traction control, the GPS navigation system, an incredible Bose sound system, and a complimentary 5 piece matching leather luggage set were offered as standard equipment. She is performance and pleasure all wrapped up into a package that can't be denied.

Ferrari Enzo

 The car is referred to as the "Enzo Ferrari", "Ferrari Enzo", or just the "Enzo". The Enzo Ferrari is named after the founder of the business, Enzo Ferrari, race driver and entrepreneur who first created the Scuderia Ferrari racing team and then the Ferrari car manufacture.

Being one of the most powerful and fastest naturally aspirated (NA) cars, the Enzo sports many features found in Formula One cars. Interestingly, the McLaren F1 still remains the fastest naturally aspirated car despite being produced a decade before the Enzo. The Enzo makes use of many F1 technologies, such as sequential shift transmission and a body composed of light yet strong carbon fibre. Equipped with traction control and dynamic rear wing, the car also has features to improve the cars performance which are not allowed in Formula One. The Enzo was produced between two thousand and two and two thousand and four, with a total of four hundred units produced within the two years. Many Enzos trade for close to one million British pounds now.

The initial units produced were sold before the actual production even began. Ferrari sent letters to its existing customers who had purchased the F40 or F50, and three hundred and forty nine cars were sold in this effective manner. Additional cars were then produced due to the demand, bringing the total number of units to three hundred and ninety nine. The four hundredth Enzo was produced and then auctioned at the world renown Sotheby's auction house, selling for nine hundred and fifty thousand Euros, a sun which was presented to the Pope to aid the Tsunami survivors of two thousand and four. The money was presented by the legendary Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher.

Bugatti Veyron

One quickly runs out of superlatives when trying to describe the Bugatti Veyron. I'm not even sure if one should use the word "car" to refer to such a monster. Endowed with absolute power and a daunting maximum speed, the Veyron looks and sounds like it just came out of some impossible future inhabited by gigantic gas pumps.

50 years after Ettore Bugatti's death, Volkswagen used its magic wand to resurrect the legendary firm, and to say the least, the German carmaker did a mindblowing job.

Motorsports enthusiasts will instantly refer you to the mythical Bugatti Royale from the 1930s, a colossal and majestic masterpiece, sold at such a prohibitive price that only three people were able to afford to buy it at the time. The Royale turned out to be one of the most rare and prestigious automobiles of all times, but despite record-breaking performances, its endless and fairytale-like silhouette became above all a symbol of unequivocable luxury able to make any Rolls Royce look like your everyday sedan. Instead of trying to match the Royale's incredible legacy, re-Volkswagen decided to look for inspiration in Bugatti's racing history to design the Veyron, rightfully using the name of the famous driver who won at Le Mans in 1939 behind the wheel of a Bugatti Type 57.

We got to drive this exceptional vehicle for a few miles in the parking lot of a San Diego country club. It's easy to feel intimidated by this incredible machine, so we carefully and promptly handed it back to its official tutor, French race car driver PierHenri Raphanel.

The Veyron is unbeatable. Its wide and massive shape sets it aside from other supercars such as the sleek Mercedes McLaren SLR or the angular Ferrari Enzo. But the real thrill comes from the Veyron's unrivaled performances: with an engine delivering 1001 hp and a top speed neighboring 250 mph, the new Bugatti flies over the road like a rocket in the morning sky. The Veyron goes from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds, which is no less than a second faster than a Ferrari Enzo. Pedal to the metal, you can reach 200 mph in little more than 15 seconds. This is a first in the field of street-legal vehicles, and you would have to steal a Champ Car to have a chance to catch up with the Veyron. To be frank, at the end of the day, I still wouldn't put a dollar on you.

Revolutionary techniques were involved in the making of this 21st Bugatti. In order to gather the 1001 horsepower needed to establish a new automotive legend, Volkswagen has designed an 8 liter W16 engine by mating two narrow-angle V8s. Peak torque is 922 lb/ft at 2200 rpm No less than four turbochargers garnish this frenzied powerhouse and engineers had to come up with a special seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to allow for all this wild energy to be transferred to the road. Needless to say, fuel efficiency was never an issue in the process, and you'll be delighted to learn that the Bugatti Veyron has given a new meaning to the term gas-guzzler by settling for a little more than 2 miles per gallon at top speed. In this configuration, the tank would go from full to empty in less than 12 minutes. All kinds of rumors are surrounding this unbelievable ride: pushing hard on this monster will make a set of tires last about 125 miles.

It took several years of trial and error to achieve the Bugatti Veyron's final version. Launched by flamboyant CEO Ferdinand Piëch in 1999, the project started with a prototype equipped with a W18 engine (three flatV6's side by side).

Soon, engineers realized they needed a more compact structure, and the W16 was adopted and installed in a mid-rear position. Fine tuning the beast was a long and difficult task, and many incidents occurred during the testing. A lack of stability at high speed even provoked an accident and the destruction of a prototype. In 2003, Piëch was replaced by Bernd Pischetsrieder at the helm of Volkswagen, and the new leadership took the project back to the drawing board. Under the supervision of engineer Wolfgang Shreiber, the Veyron became more stable and drivable. Gordon Murray, the famous and brilliant father of the astounding McLaren F1 of the early 90s who had in the past harshly criticized the Veyron initial concept and prototypes, was recently revealing his thoughts on the Bugatti's final version: "One really good thing, and I simply never expected this, is that it does change direction. It hardly feels its weight. Driving it on a circuit I expected a sack of cement, but you can really throw it at tight chicanes."

Only 300 Bugatti Veyrons will be made over the next five years. It will cost you no less than $1.5 million to get your hands on one of them, but apparently, Bugatti has already received 70 firm orders. In a classy move, Volkswagen moved Bugatti back to Ettore's original headquarters at Saint Jean Castle in Molsheim, Alsace, and the resurrected firm should even increase its production in 2006 to meet the demand. Believe it or not, all in all, the Veyron is a good bargain: its manufacturing costs far exceed its selling price. Following the steps of its respectable ancestors, this unique automobile is first and foremost a magnificent and decadent study announcing the end of an era. Stepping away from the cockpit of this unforgettable machine, lost in a state of denial, it was almost hard to keep in mind that the days of gasoline engines are numbered.