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Double Vision – Bugatti Vision GT is for Real

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Often talked about, the Vision GT program is unique in every right. After all, there’s much to be said about the way the next generation thinks about cars and technology. In this very vein, the Bugatti Vision GT is every bit the front runner you expect it to be. After all, it is Bugatti.

Our first interaction with the famed Bugatti Vision GT was at the SEMA Show. We’ve long covered SEMA, the largest automotive aftermarket car show on Earth. Of course, finding the Bugatti Vision GT nestled within the many exhibition halls was quite the adventure in and of itself.

Bugatti Vision GT

Look inside the Bugatti Vision GT

Set against the backdrop of the Vision GT program, and next to the McLaren was this remarkable machine. Indeed, the Bugatti Vision GT looks far different than it’s counterparts. The carbon fiber wing and aggressive body lines are every bit art as they are meant for performance.

Hidden beneath a thin veil of race bred styling cues is a purpose built machine. Every single part of the Bugatti Vision GT is meant for the ultimate in uncompromising performance. From the aggressive wing, those front dive plates, the center seat cockpit, this Bugatti has it all.

In the words of Bugatti’s CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer :

“We’re building the world’s fastest, most exclusive, most luxurious and most powerful production super sports car.”

The Bugatti Vision GT was originally conceived as an addition to ranks of digital Vision Gran Turismo concepts. Where many other manufacturers such as Subaru have built one off concepts, Bugatti took this one step further.

Building a full-scale car rendered with production ready accuracy. Bugatti has set the bar extremely high. Fittingly, the entire design process was computer based and without a hint of clay anywhere. This is a departure from traditional car design engine approaches, but then again when talking about video game based production luxury race cars, what is normal anyways?

Behind the making of the Bugatti Vision GT

Easily one of the biggest things you take away from the Bugatti is the remarkable design and build quality. For anyone familiar with supercar performers, this is not a new impression. But even the most hardened SEMA Show goer will admit to the stunning badassery that is the Bugatti Vision GT.

With the Bugatti front splitter pushing forward, the running boards outwards and the wing jutting out daring downforce to come knocking. Even with all of these extreme and at times, garish looking design features the Vision GT is all business.

There’s nothing superfluous, no vent added for mere effect. Nothing that’s built without purpose, and we love it.

Beneath the carbon fiber body is the powerplant of a Veyron. Bugatti’s incredible quad turbo 8.0L W16. There are no official horsepower numbers from Bugatti, but we can guess it’s nothing to sneeze at. According to most video game experts in the know, the Bugatti Vision GT that will appear in Gran Turismo will be a monster.

At the front end of the Bugatti Vision GT is another purpose built component. The front end that’s designed to direct fresh cold air into the engine, the front dam splitters meant to keep tire contact patch to the tarmac, it’s all there for the taking.

Fresh air that’s gulped  through the horse shoe grille and lower intake is expelled through a side bonnet vent. The headlights double as extra intakes, giving Bugatti engineers a true nod for innovation. These intake channels bring cool air to the front brakes, bringing the Bugatti Vision GT to a halt faster.

Inspired by F1 and LeMans design, the Bugatti Vision GT takes aerodynamics solving an automotive air flow problem. But that’s not where the inspired design stops.

A high center console, similar in shape to the exterior side scoops,houses a thin strip of controls. The steering wheel is covered in a special lightweight and durable fabric usually reserved for professional racers.

Keep looking and you’ll notice more glimpses of design brilliance. Two curved screens, one on the wheel and one behind it, give you all the information you need. Feeds from the three exterior cameras give you the information on where you are. The Bugatti Vision GT really is a stroke of genius.

What do you think about the Bugatti Vision GT? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

First Drive – Lexus IS200T Review

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Lexus IS200T Review

There will undoubtedly be a part of this Lexus IS200T review where you think it can’t get much better. Everyone has experienced that one perfect moment, where the stars seem to align. That’s a good way to sum up the Lexus IS200T, that’s designed to do everything well.

The current generation of the Lexus IS was launched in July 2013. We’ve taken a look at this early model before, in our previous Lexus IS200T review. This IS200T had one exception, it didn’t carry the 3.5 liter V6.

Lexus IS200T Review
Images courtesy Motor Trend

2018 Lexus IS200T review

The later IS200T now carries much more of a punch. In fact it now comes equipped with a 2.0L turbo four, lifted from the Lexus NX SUV. For those looking for more displacement, the 3.5L remains dressed as the IS350 F Sport.

This increase in power and performance is really remarkable given the IS200T’s overall fit and build quality. In reality the IS200T doesn’t have much in the way of weakness. The newest part of the IS is the suspension and handling. One of the biggest differences between this and our last Lexus IS200T review is in fact the suspension.

The suspension has been retuned and chassis rigidity enhanced by fitting Yamaha’s patented shock technology. Yamaha’s performance damper is known in motorsports to provide a superior dampening feel with increased feedback.

During our first drive of the 2018 Lexus IS200T, we found the suspension changes welcoming at first.

Lexus IS200T Review

First Drive – Lexus IS200T review

Over the first section of track we chose, it became clear that this IS could just have the best ride in its class. Although the first increase in rigidity and dampening feedback made the IS200T feel more sporty, it wasn’t at the risk of ride quality.

As we continued to drive the course, the possible became absolute. The turboed IS remains a lot of fun, despite the turbo lag. Shedding some weight from the heavy IS200T could go a long way for the turbocharged version of this Lexus.

Yet that dreaded heft seems to disappear when cornering. Handling remains neutral at the limit, which is extremely reassuring driving the Lexus at speed. During our Lexus IS200T review drive, the IS fought every bump and rut with absolute confidence.

You don’t have to take our word for it either. This Lexus IS200T review showed us that there’s a lot to enjoy with this luxury performance whip. Take the Lexus IS200T for a drive and you’ll find a fun and confidence inspiring drive.

If fact after our Lexus IS200T review drive, we wanted to send Lexus engineers a thank you note. Inside the IS200T’s interior is a masterful cockpit and steering feedback system. The IS200T’s steering is fairly accurate and borders on linear to predictable which is uncommon for the average electric system.

In the end of our Lexus IS200T review time, we’ve found a car that’s happiest when it can willingly comfort you through any track. The Lexus IS200T will comfort you instead of constantly challenge you.

Best in the class? Too far of a reach? We think not. What do you think about our Lexus IS200T review? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

Porsche Mission E Complete

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This Porsche Mission E concept car is Porsche’s deadly serious pitch for an all-electric super-saloon. It appeared at the Frankfurt show in September, making everyone who clapped eyes on it palpitate slightly. And it’s as fast as it is beautiful.

On the surface, the Porsche Mission E might look like some futuristic, stretched 911. To many, that’s just the starting point to the sexy overall appeal of this concept. Powered by two seperate electric motors at each end of the concept, the Porsche Mission E is a rocket on wheels.

Inside the Porsche Mission E

Looking at the layout of the new concept from Porsche, it’s easy to see a lot of similarities between it and Tesla’s Type S. Taking a look at the battery tray and configuration of the chassis is the first giveaway.

Porsche Mission E
Image courtesy Porsche

This tech may be reminiscent of the Tesla Model S, but Porsche wants to go a stage further by raising the voltage, so it can be recharged even faster. The 800v system is claimed to take the battery from flat to 80 percent full in 15 minutes.

That kind of time can make the concept of electric vehicles largely more viable, especially to the average driver.

“Potential Porsche full-electric car customers don’t only want to drive fast. They want to charge fast, too,” according to project head Stefan Weckbach.

But back to the performance of the Porsche Mission E. According to Porsche, the goal is “under 3.5 seconds” for the all important 0-100kph time. Given the track record of Porsche, we wouldn’t bet against them. And you might remember that the last time Porsche presented a revolutionary concept, it was the 918.

The legendary 918 was and still is the gold standard in Porsche performance. And to be honest, the 918 performance has only improved as it edged to production.

Porsche Mission E Drivetrain Specifications

The Porsche Mission E has a lot going on under the hood. Powered by a four-wheel-drive, torque-vectoring, four wheel steering and a lizard-low centre of gravity,handling should be mesmerising.

Porsche’s uncannily accurate simulation software says it’ll lap the Nürburgring in just eight minutes. The Mission E is a four-seater , smaller than the Panamera, so there is clear distinction in Porsche’s range.

True to it’s cutting edge design, the Porsche Mission E takes tech to the next level when it comes to the interior. The dash uses holograms, and the driver and passengers can use gestures to control electronic functions.

At  the moment, an 800v charging system seems further away than the car itself. No infrastructure like that exists, and no standard has been agreed. So it’s unlikely to occur in the time frame Porsche is talking about.

Still, a network of 400v chargers is planned in Germany, and onboard electronics can use that and step it up. But it doubles the charge time. At least early buyers would get a car future-proofed for charging system upgrades. Porsche also plans to use inductive wireless charging, which is convenient, but again much slower than the 800v cable.

What do you think about the Porsche Mission E? Leave us a comment below and let us know!