Think you know your Bugattis? Here's every speed-obsessed model that matters
The touchstone for all modern Bugattis, the Type 35 of the 1920s won over 1,000 races in its competitive life. Not bad for a car with (at its most powerful) 138 horsepower. Advertisement - Page continues below
Over six metres long, three tonnes in weight and powered by a 12.7-litre inline eight that Bugatti put in a high speed train. Possibly the ultimate luxury statement. And a complete commercial flop. You might like
Could this be the prettiest aircraft of all time? Designed to win speed trials in the late 1930s, the contra-rotating props lightweight never flew in period because of World War Two. Advertisement - Page continues below
The only product of Bugatti's mid-1990s revival celebrated the 110th anniversary of Ettore Bugatti's birth with a quad turbo AWD V12 supercar... just in time for a global recession.
Before the Veyron came the... huh? Yep, this 1999 concept car previewed Volkswagen-led Bugatti's future with a 6.3-litre W18 engine good for a mere 555bhp. Took six years to evolve into the Veyron.
VW boss Ferdinand Piëch's dream of a 400kph, 1,000 horsepower car was finally realised. And the company only had to make a loss in the region of €4m on every one sold to achieve it.
You didn't expect Volkswagen to stop at a mere 1,000PS (986bhp), did you? New turbos, suspension, aero and tyres later, the SS managed a record breaking 268mph vmax on the VW test track. Advertisement - Page continues below
Veyron successor continued the quad turbo W16 recipe, now up to 1,479bhp with Le Mans racer levels of chassis stiffness, a limited top speed of 261mph and a £1.8m price.
Can a two tonne Fabergé egg moon rocket be a hardcore track special? With Bugatti now under the stewardship of spinoff specialist Stephan Winkelmann, oui , for sure. Advertisement - Page continues below
Longtail Chiron packing a beastly 1,578bhp engine tune was the first factory road car to breach the 300mph barrier in history. And it was still accelerating.
One more trophy for the quad turbo W16 engine. The roofless Mistral (named after southerly French breeze) took the cabriolet speed record with a 282mph run in late 2024. Roll on the Tourbillon.
The first Rimac tech-infused Bugatti teams a tilted Cosworth V16 with three e-motors for 1,775bhp. Intricate aero and horology-tastic cabin seal the deal, this is the next all time great hypercar in waiting. See more on Supercars
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Geeky Gadgets
38 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Kia EV5: The Electric SUV Built for Your Family Adventures
The Kia EV5 is set to transform the concept of a family-friendly electric SUV. This mid-sized SUV has been carefully designed to accommodate the diverse needs of modern families and their active lifestyles. With its bold styling, advanced electric performance, and spacious interior, the EV5 seamlessly combines practicality and innovation. Built on Hyundai Motor Group's innovative Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), this vehicle offers a smooth transition to sustainable mobility without sacrificing comfort or utility. The EV5's global debut is scheduled for the second half of 2025, initially launching in Korea and Europe, followed by North American sales in early 2026. Although official pricing details are yet to be released, Kia aims to position the EV5 as an accessible option for families seeking a versatile and eco-friendly vehicle. Given its competitive features and advanced technology, the EV5 is poised to provide excellent value within its segment. Cutting-Edge Features and Spacious Interior The Kia EV5 features a rugged SUV design that exudes boldness and confidence. Its exterior is complemented by a spacious cabin equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The panoramic wide display seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5-inch climate control panel, creating a sleek and user-friendly cockpit. The interior also features second-row full flat folding seats, a sliding center console, and rear seat-back tables, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility for families on the go. The EV5's interior is designed with the needs of modern families in mind. The spacious cabin provides ample room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for long road trips or daily errands. The second-row seats can be easily folded flat, allowing for the accommodation of larger items such as sports equipment or camping gear. The sliding center console adds an extra layer of convenience, providing easy access to storage compartments and cup holders. Additionally, the rear seat-back tables offer a practical surface for children to engage in activities during long journeys. Impressive Electric Performance and Range The Kia EV5 is equipped with two battery options: a 60.3 kWh and an 81.4 kWh battery. These advanced batteries enable the EV5 to deliver an impressive WLTP-estimated range of up to 530 km. This extended range ensures that families can embark on longer adventures without the need for frequent charging stops. The EV5 also supports DC fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, providing a convenient and time-efficient charging solution for busy families. In addition to its impressive range, the EV5 offers a host of advanced features that enhance its electric performance. It comes equipped with all-wheel drive, providing improved traction and stability in various driving conditions. The regenerative braking system captures energy during deceleration, helping to extend the vehicle's range. Furthermore, Kia's i-Pedal 3.0 system enables smooth and intuitive one-pedal driving, allowing drivers to accelerate, decelerate, and stop using only the accelerator pedal. The EV5 also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, making it a versatile power source for outdoor adventures or emergency situations. With V2L, the EV5 can power external devices such as camping equipment or electronic devices, while V2G allows the vehicle to feed electricity back into the grid, potentially reducing energy costs for homeowners. Advanced Safety and Technology Features The Kia EV5 prioritizes the safety of its occupants, incorporating a range of advanced safety features. It comes equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include technologies such as lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These systems work in unison to provide a safer and more convenient driving experience. The EV5 also features seven airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin to ensure maximum protection for all passengers. With its robust safety features, the EV5 is expected to achieve a Euro NCAP 5-Star rating, further solidifying its commitment to passenger safety. In terms of technology, the EV5 offers a wealth of innovative features. It includes Digital Key 2.0, allowing owners to unlock and start the vehicle using their smartphone. Fingerprint recognition technology adds an extra layer of security and convenience, allowing personalized settings for each driver. The Kia AI Assistant provides voice-activated controls and intelligent recommendations, enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, the Harman Kardon premium sound system delivers an immersive audio experience, making every journey more enjoyable for the entire family. Versatility for Every Adventure The Kia EV5 is designed to accommodate the diverse needs of modern families, whether it's a weekend getaway or a trip to the grocery store. With a towing capacity of up to 1,200 kg in Europe and Korea, or 1,800 lbs in North America, the EV5 can easily tow small trailers or recreational equipment. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, boating, or cycling. The EV5's spacious interior and flexible seating configurations further enhance its versatility. The second-row seats can be easily folded down to create a flat cargo area, providing ample space for luggage, sports equipment, or even furniture. 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The Sun
42 minutes ago
- The Sun
Drivers need to do three checks before using their car during hot weather, RAC says
DRIVERS are being urged to carry out three vital checks before hitting the road in scorching weather. As UK temperatures soar, motoring experts say failing to prep your car properly could leave you stranded in the heat. 3 3 Breakdowns are already on the rise - leaving thousands of drivers are being left stranded every day. And with the heatwave chaos, rescue wait times are soaring. Experts are warning Brits to act now before hitting the road and say a few simple checks could save your motor - and your wallet - from a summer meltdown. RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: 'We're seeing a surge in breakdowns as this latest period of hot weather takes hold, with up to 20% more vehicles failing than expected at this point in July. "With above-average temperatures in many parts expected for the foreseeable future, very high volumes of breakdowns will persist through this coming weekend and well into next week. "Our teams are working incredibly hard to help thousands of stranded drivers every day, but waiting times are longer as a result." What to check? Drivers are being urged to check oil and coolant levels, as well as tyre pressure and tread, before setting off. And if you spot a problem, don't risk it - get it looked at by a mechanic or trusted garage before heading out, or you could end up broken down on the hard shoulder in blistering heat. Alice continued: 'Drivers should do whatever they can to avoid their vehicles letting them down in these conditions - oil and coolant levels, as well as tyres, must be checked before journeys are made. "If anything isn't right, get the problem diagnosed by a mobile mechanic or reputable garage, rather than running the risk of driving. "Taking plenty of breaks on long journeys, to give themselves and their cars a rest, is also important." Breakdown Survival Tips Motorists are also being told to prepare for the worst - just in case the car does conk out. Always carry plenty of drinking water, especially if you're travelling with kids or pets, and don't forget sun cream, a sun hat, and even an umbrella to provide shade while you wait for help. Experts say if you do break down, it's vital to get out safely and seek shade where possible - as sitting in a sweltering vehicle can be just as dangerous as being stuck outside. Alice added: 'Staying safe in the heat, especially if a breakdown is unavoidable, should be in the mind of every driver. "Carrying plenty of water for all passengers is a must, as is keeping sunscreen and a sun hat or even umbrella to hand to reduce the ferocity of the sun. "When waiting for assistance, look for a safe location in the shade and well away from moving traffic." 3 Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace * Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check, with no impact on your score 60-second decision, get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match, only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo
Top Gear
an hour ago
- Top Gear
Volvo EC40 Driving, Engines & Performance
Driving What is it like to drive? To cut a long story short, it drives rather like you'd expect a 2.1-tonne, 402bhp EV to drive. Which is to say monstrously quick in a straight line (that 4.7-second claim feels modest, if anything) but completely disinterested in cornering. It's neat, tidy and grips well at sensible speeds, but it could never hope to be a sports car. So we're glad Volvo's ditched anything approaching a drive mode. It doesn't need one. This is a car that knowingly coerces you into a calmer way of life. Your only options dynamically are whether you want one-pedal operation on or off, and its firmer steering mode activated or not. Advertisement - Page continues below What do I want? It depends. The strong stopping power of the regen makes the one-pedal setting less smooth than on some rivals, with careful use of the throttle required to slow down accurately. If you crave some driver interaction in the new electric age, where heel 'n' toe is banished to history, perhaps it's a challenge you'll gratefully take on. We suspect many will, and never go back. But for the easygoing nature the EC40 encourages, it's simpler to leave it off and stick to well-practiced two-pedal driving. At least until zero-pedal driving becomes a thing in the far, far future. The firm steering, meanwhile, is nowhere near on the level of something like Audi's Dynamic settings (thank the lord) so we've no strong opinion either way. You might switch it on to sample it, then forget you've done so from then on. And why is there an *even* faster version? Heaven only knows. Volvo offers a £550 'Performance' software upgrade for the Twin Motor, which you can buy on Volvo's app. Such is the modern world, huh? When engaged it finds an extra 36bhp, sharpens up the acceleration, sends more torque to the front wheels and nudges the 0-62mph down to 4.6s. Advertisement - Page continues below Volvo says it's for 'increased margins when overtaking', which sounds pretty pointless when that amounts to all of one tenth of a second. In practice, you won't notice the difference. Weird. Tell me about the Single Motor. If you don't want your organs shoved rearwards on a regular basis, the RWD Single Motor and its 235bhp offer a far more agreeable approach to everyday driving. Sure you lose the savage acceleration of the Twin, but 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds is still a decent turn of speed; more than enough to ghost past stragglers on the motorway and the smooth delivery of the power still lives up to Volvo's premium billing. The shift from front- to rear-wheel drive isn't transformative, although it does make the front end a little more fluid when you turn the wheel. In a car this dynamically sterile, it might just be one to have. Especially in Extended Range guise. Is it comfortable? The ride is decent for the most part, although the EC40 bounces around with little composure on uneven surfaces. Annoying given the state of our UK roads, but hardly a surprise on the top-spec car's fat 20in wheels, which inevitably thunk a bit over speed bumps and potholes. Refinement is strong, though wind and tyre noise are evident at motorway cruising speeds with not a jot of powertrain hubbub to counteract its presence. What's the range like? The EC40 Single Motor gets a 69kWh battery for a claimed 300 miles of range, while the Extended Range version gets 78kWh and 346 miles of official range. The Twin Motor has 82kWh of battery for 341 miles on a single charge. But in real-world driving you'll find these figures to be lofty at best, as you would with any electric car. Over a hundred miles or so with the Extended Range version we got around 3.6mi/kWh, which is a respectable figure and shows 300 miles of range is doable if you drive carefully. How does charging work? All of the EC40 models will charge at up to 11kW on an AC charger, taking around eight hours depending on the model. Maximum charge rate on a DC charger is 200kW, and as a guide the Single Motor variants will get from 10–80 per cent battery in 33 minutes on a 175kW rapid charger. The Twin Motor will do it in 28 minutes. To help ease the pain of working out what's what, Google Maps mines its charger knowledge to drop in where to plug in along the way, with live data of how many sockets are occupied. Highlights from the range the fastest 325kW TM Perf Plus Pro Black Ed 82kWh 5dr Auto 0-62 4.6s CO2 0 BHP 435.8 MPG Price £61,295 the cheapest 175kW Plus 69kWh 5dr Auto 0-62 7.3s CO2 0 BHP 234.7 MPG Price £52,345 the greenest 175kW Plus Pro 69kWh 5dr Auto 0-62 7.3s CO2 0 BHP 234.7 MPG Price £54,345
