Bugatti T110
Country: Italy
Price: Slightly less than the Sears Tower.
Birthday: June 1992
How to say it: “Boo-GOT-tee.”
Any company seeking to resurrect this revered name ought to adhere to the real Ettore Bugatti tradition, embroiling itself whole hog in back-room politics, mano~a-mano power struggles, and wild ?nancial loops. Bugatti Automobili of Campogalliano has done exactly that, having generated little news about its proposed exotic car but plenty of news following shareholder squabbles and a messy takeover attempt by director Paolo Stanzani. Stanzani, widely recognized as the brains behind the whole deal, has since departed in a rancorous huff, which may scuttle Bugatti’s plan to introduce its V-12—powered exotic car as planned this September. (The date was signi?cant, marking the 1 10th anniversary of Bugatti’s birth, hence the “110” in the model’s name.)
What is known about the all-wheel-drive Bugatti is that its (SO-valve, quad-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-l2 is up and revving—humming happily to 10,000rpm, in fact—and reportedly produces a healthy 550 horsepower. At least one development mule has been spotted moving under its own power both at the factory and at a test session at Michelin’s Clermont-Ferrand track. The company insists the T110 will meet emissions and safety requirements worldwide. Oh, sure.