600 bhp Bentley drop-top, Modulo Sports S2000, BRM reborn and two stellar Bugattis

[Wouter Melissen]

Dear Ultimatecarpage.com visitor,

A week ahead of the official launch at the North American Interntional Auto Show in Detroit Bentley has released the full details of the Continental GTC Speed. As the name suggests this is marriage of the convertible Continental body with the 600 bhp version of the twin-turbo W12. The fastest ever drop-top built by Bentley, it can reach a top speed of 312 km/h with the roof down!
Rumor has it that Honda will ax the S2000 in the very near future. Nevertheless they will display this Sports Modula S2000 Concept at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon. Built by subsidiary Honda Access Corporation the striking show car features a revised nose and interior. If it will become available, it will most likely be limited to the domestic market only.
One by one old names are revived. This morning we received that BRM is among them, for the second time. The legendary name has been applied to the Bee Four ERV hillclimb car. Developed by Bee Automotive, the single seater racer is powered by a 750 bhp electric motor and will be raced in the British Speed Hill Climb championship. BRM originally started off with unconventional designs, so this is a fitting way of celebrating the company's 60th anniversary.
A classic Bugatti has been making headlines around the world this week. More specifically this barnfind Type 57 S. Fitted with an Atalante body, it will be offered by Bonhams in their Retromobile auction next month. It is expected to fetch well over 3 million Euro. Reason enough to take a look at a sister model that we shot last year. This Gangloff Atalante Coupe is even rarer and has the highly desirable supercharged Type 57 SC chassis. Bonhams' Retromobile auction will feature another exceptional Bugatti; the Type 18 Labourdette Torpedo. Better known as Black Bess, this is one of the oldest original surviving Bugattis and still sports its original chassis, body and engine. Furthermore, it is one of just six or seven cars Bugatti ever built with chain drive. It will be a worthy addition to any Bugatti collection and the estimate of 1.3 to 1.5 million Euro could very well be exceeded.

Enjoy the links:

2009 Bentley Continental GTC Speed - Images, Specifications and Information

2009 BRM Bee Four ERV - Images, Specifications and Information

1912 - 1914 Bugatti Type 18 Labourdette Torpedo 'Black Bess' - Images, Specifications and Information

1936 - 1938 Bugatti Type 57 SC Gangloff Atalante Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information

2009 Cadillac SRX - Images, Specifications and Information

2009 Honda Sports Modulo S2000 Concept - Images, Specifications and Information

Regards,
Wouter Melissen

[LeonOfTheDead]

I suppose there is a little mistake in the BRM's article, since according to it they announced the intention to race on the 16 october 2009. was the plan announced on the 16 october 2008, or the race will be held the 16 october 2009?

[teatako]

Yay! Now I know what that SC stands for. Thanks W. I thought it was "supercharged" like everyone else. Although in a sort of roundabout way, it is

EDIT: I posted FAIL from here on. Disregard.

Little question to our French-speaking members. Since "voiture" (car) is female, shouldn´t it be "Sousbaissée"? Wikipedia lists it as "surbaissé" which sounds just plain wrong.

[Wouter Melissen]

Originally Posted by teatako

Little question to our French-speaking members. Since "voiture" (car) is female, shouldn´t it be "Sousbaissée"? Wikipedia lists it as "surbaissé" which sounds just plain wrong.

Chassis is masculin, so it might be in reference to that.

[teatako]

Originally Posted by Wouter Melissen

Chassis is masculin, so it might be in reference to that.

Apparently, and against all odds, it´s said "surbaissé", the following is copy pasted from wikipedia french:

Type 57S - Sport [modifier]

En 1937, châssis surbaissé et raccourci de 3.30 à 2.98 m, l’essieu AR passe à travers les longerons, et au moteur plus puissant. Exclusive et chère, habillée de carrosseries élégantes et sportives à 2 places, reconnaissable à son radiateur en coupe-vent.

and here is the definition of surbaisser. which is "to lower more than normal"

And yes, it refers to the chassis. Apparently.