Veyron Speed-Record Debrief

[TJHooker]

0-60 talks to Bugatti test driver, speed-record pilot Pierre-Henri Raphanel

Last week, Bugatti test driver, er, pilote official, Pierre Henri Raphanel set the production-car speed record in Bugatti’s new Veyron Supersports 16.4. The 1,200 horsepower, 1,106 pound-feet monster propelled Raphanel to timed runs of 265.9 and 269.8 mph on Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test track near Wolfsburg, which according to the Guinness people, averages to a V-max of 267.81 mph. That’s more than enough to bring the title of world’s fastest production car back to the VW fold. We phoned the former F1 and Japanese touring-car driver to get his take on what it’s like to approach the 270 mph mark in a production car, why the forest is his friend and whether or not he’s up to try for 300.

0-60 Magzine

[Max]

Although I despise this car, I will give my imput: Going 300 MPH would require a special type of tire. I don't know if we have developed a rubber compound for that to withstand the heat. I suppose that it would require a very thick tire, one that could absorb that much heat. A lot of rubber would be necessary. I read that the tires cost $20,000 for a set. Another way to break 300 would be to drop the weight. This thing weighs 2 tons. All it is designed for is to go in a straight line. And on top of that to top it off, it doesn't even come with manual transmission. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? They just ruined it, it is supposed to be a super car.

[tigger]

Originally Posted by Max

Although I despise this car, I will give my imput: Going 300 MPH would require a special type of tire. I don't know if we have developed a rubber compound for that to withstand the heat. I suppose that it would require a very thick tire, one that could absorb that much heat. A lot of rubber would be necessary. I read that the tires cost $20,000 for a set. Another way to break 300 would be to drop the weight. This thing weighs 2 tons. All it is designed for is to go in a straight line. And on top of that to top it off, it doesn't even come with manual transmission. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? They just ruined it, it is supposed to be a super car.

They have tires that can handle it. As to what are they thinking, can you make a car from the ground up??????????? Is your bike auto or manual. How fast can you peddle it?

[Max]

Originally Posted by tigger

They have tires that can handle it. As to what are they thinking, can you make a car from the ground up??????????? Is your bike auto or manual. How fast can you peddle it?

there is more to a car than 0-60 or top speed.

[mart]

Originally Posted by Max

there is more to a car than 0-60 or top speed.

Exactly Max!, who actually needs a car that can go 270mph. As long as the car can get me to A to B and back again, that'll do me.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by mart

As long as the car can get me to A to B and back again, that'll do me.

My car goes 0-60 in 2.4mins. Assuming the engine or transmission doesn't blow-up. haha

[Max]

Originally Posted by mart

Exactly Max!, who actually needs a car that can go 270mph. As long as the car can get me to A to B and back again, that'll do me.

There's much more to a car than that for me

1: Manual Transmission
This is a subject I talk about ad nauseam, but I really feel that it is that important. There is no advantage to an automatic transmission, unless you are a New York taxi cab driver. No matter what you are looking for whether it be fuel economy, power, or torque, a manual transmission will just get the job done better. Finally it is just easier to drive if you ask me.

2: Fuel Economy
No matter how much anyone wants me to, I will never see a purpose in owning a hummer. Yes, it gets you from point A to point B, but it costs you a lot of money, and it is a car that makes you a (can't use my favorite word here because too many of them will get offended.)

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Max

And on top of that to top it off, it doesn't even come with manual transmission. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? They just ruined it, it is supposed to be a super car.

This car has a twin-clutch gearbox that can change gears more efficiently, smoothy and faster that any driver in the world.

I don't know the specifics but Rob explained it to me once when we were in his. Basically it has like 4 clutches or something like that.

[Max]

Originally Posted by Raymond

This car has a twin-clutch gearbox that can change gears more efficiently, smoothy and faster that any driver in the world.

I don't know the specifics but Rob explained it to me once when we were in his. Basically it has like 4 clutches or something like that.

I don't care if it is more efficient, that just makes it harder to drive. So what if it shifts faster than I can. It's harder to drive.

[tigger]

Originally Posted by Max

I don't care if it is more efficient, that just makes it harder to drive. So what if it shifts faster than I can. It's harder to drive.

So going from park to drive is too hard for you???????

[mart]

Originally Posted by Max

I don't care if it is more efficient, that just makes it harder to drive. So what if it shifts faster than I can. It's harder to drive.

aaarrrgghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
enough about gears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DWM222]

Mart...I have to ask Max one more question..off the subject of the thread of course..
Max..I you were going to buy a car & you could only choose from these two..which would it be

1970 Ford Pinto 3-door hatchback with manual transmission
1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 with automatic transmission