Bugatti has surprised us today with the revealing of its open top targa version of the Veyron 16.4 called, Grand Sport. The new Bugatti will receive its public debut at this year’s Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance, on August 16th, 2008 at the lawn in front of the Pebble Beach Lodge.
Bugatti is calling the Grand Sport a roadster with a removable roof. Bugatti has incorporated “innovative structural solutions”, to compensate for a lack of structural integrity normally provided by a roof, however, without sacrificing performance and safety.

The very first build slot for this new car, to be built in Spring 2009, will be auctioned the next day at the renown Gooding auction at the Equestrian Center at Pebble Beach.

 

Just was emailed the press release. Here it is:

Chassis Number 001 To Be Auctioned For Charity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: PCGCampbell - Jeff Green (310) 224-4961 (jgreen@pcgcampbell.com)

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (August 1, 2008) - Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. plans to unveil its new supercar-the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport-on the awards ramp of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Saturday, August 16. The following day, soon after the Concours presents its Best of Show award to some deserving collector car, chassis number 001 of the new 2009 production model will be sold at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company to raise funds for one of the Concours charities-the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, which supports educational programs to aid the youth of Monterey County.

"We're pleased to be able to partner with Bugatti in this manner, not only introducing the world to an elegant new high performance car but also raising money for a worthy cause," said Sandra Kasky Button, Concours Chairman.

The Grand Sport, which comes with a unique removable roof, is set to be the world's fastest roadster. Its 8-liter, 16-cylinder, double V engine generates 1,001 bhp and is capable of propelling the car from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and attaining a top speed of 252 mph.

This engine is paired with a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.

The Grand Sport's sophisticated bodywork and aerodynamic components and its innovative structure ensure that its driver and passenger enjoy a high level of comfort and safety no matter the speed.

The Grand Sport will make its world debut at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, on the awards ramp of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, situated on the lawn of The Lodge at Pebble Beach, overlooking the famed 18th green of Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Chassis number 001 of the new 2009 Grand Sport will be sold to the high bidder during the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The high bidder will have the opportunity to specify the car in Molsheim, Alsace, Germany, making certain that all details are exactly to their liking.

"The Grand Sport is the most exciting contemporary car to come to auction," said David Gooding. "There has already been a great deal of interest shown and we expect the bidding to be as fast as the car."

Proceeds in excess of the MSRP will go directly to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation. Since its founding, the Foundation has directed $2.6 million to local educational organizations and activities spanning the arts and sciences.

 

 

welcome to yesterday ...
https://teamspeed.com/forums/superca...-roadster.html

 

Now the question is whether those people not wanting to wait for the original hardtop can "cut the line" and get the roadster.