There are four Bugatti sports cars that represent automotive innovation like no others cars do.

It would come as a surprise that the four cars that represent innovation in automobiles in its purest form are all Bugatti sports cars. Showcasing the evolution of automobiles in a way that is unique and amounts to flexing the boundaries of what machines can really be or do what they are expected to do to the fullest, the four Bugatti cars are the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, Chiron Super Sport 300+ and the W16 Mistral World Record Car.

Successful in carving out a niche, each of the four cars – ultra super cars – have come to represent Bugatti’s incomparable legacy. The Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, on a beautiful day of April 2010, achieved a new land speed world record for production cars on the proving grounds of the Volkswagen Group at Ehra-Lessien (nearby its headquarters at Wolfsburg). In the presence of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV) and a representative of Guinness Book of Records, the Super Sport achieved an average top speed of 431 kmph!

Bugatti’s Pilote Officiel Pierre Henri Raphanel put his helmet and gloves on, pulled the safety belts tight whilst the engineers checked the car a very last time for tyre pressure, temperature and all the systems.

The orange-black Super Sport crossed the light barrier within one hour by driving from South to North and then in the opposite direction. The driver being the only one to touch the car during the record run, the description of the Veyron as its headlights appeared at a certain point of the track was of a jumbo jet coming closer and simply jetting by.

The GPS-tachometer recorded a speed of as much as 933 kmph. The average speed generated by the TUV and Guinness representatives was a whopping 431.072 kmph, which surprised even the Bugatti team.

The roadster version of Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, set the world speed record for open-top production sports cars at the Volkswagen Group’s proving grounds in Ehra-Lessien.

TÜV, the renowned independent German organisation for technical inspection and certification, officially confirmed that a top speed of 408.84 kmph was achieved when the super car was driven by the Chinese racing driver Anthony Liu in 2013.

On the market since the spring of 2012, the open-top sports car is fitted with an 8.0 litre W16 engine that pours 1,200 PS and a torque of 1,500 Nm at 3,000 to 5,000 rpm on the road. Its high-performance handling can be attributed to a racing chassis, which together with extremely fast-acting shock absorbers and reinforced anti-roll bars, guarantees exact control of both the four-wheel drive system and the entire vehicle.

The other factors that enable such performance at the upper limits include a standard carbon monocoque with high torsional rigidity and an outer shell made entirely of carbon fibre. With wind noise and air turbulence a particular concern with open-top vehicles, the Vitesse is offered with a specially developed roof spoiler along with an intricately designed windbreak that guarantees calm open-top driving.

The Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the fastest Bugatti ever made, redefining what is possible when it comes to speed and aerodynamics. Piloted by Bugatti’s Pilote Officiel Andy Wallace, the hypercar smashed through the 482.803 kmph (300 mph) barrier in 2019. Never had a production car reached such speeds ever!

Occupying a spot in the history and standing as a marker in the quest for greater performance and speed, the hypercar was fitted with a re-engineered version of Bugatti’s legendary 8.0 litre W16 engine that produced 1,600 PS of power. A new thermal management system for the engine and gearbox were developed. Refinements to the software governing the engine, gearbox and turbochargers were also made.

To ensure top notch stability, the car was fitted with a ‘longtail’ that extended the car length by approximately 25 cm. This allowed the laminar flow to pass over the body for a longer period of time, reducing aerodynamic stall by more than 40 percent. Air curtains adorning the hyper sports car’s front corners dispersed excess air pressure towards the car’s sides. Simultaneously, air outlets at the wheel arches and behind the front wheels guided excess pressure away from each wheel arch, reducing drag by also producing a small amount of negative lift. Liberal use of exposed carbon fibre – flowing through into the car’s engine cover and the windscreen wiper, thereby contributing to crucial weight-saving that helps the hyper sports car push the envelope of performance – was resorted to. Extremely light and strong magnesium alloy wheels were deployed.

Andy Wallace – Bugatti Pilote Officiel and winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours – assumed the controls of the one-off W16 Mistral World Record Car, warming up the vehicle’s bespoke high-performance tyres on a first anticipatory lap. Ascending to a specified speed of 200 kmph into the banking of the track (of ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH), he increased the speed before unleashing the full power of the vehicle as the straight opened up coming off the banking, taking it to new heights of record speed in November 2024. Under the meticulous control of SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH, the achievement of a new world top-speed record for an open-top car was officially confirmed at the end of the run, with Andy reaching an incredible 453.91 kmph.

The EUR 14 million hypercar is powered by an 8.0-litre, quad-turbo, W16 engine that does an impressive 1,578 bhp. Innovative is the W16 Mistral’s X-taillight arrangement, which channels hot air from the radiators through ducts towards the rear of the vehicle. The air is expelled through the vents in the X-taillight arrangement.

The hypercar’s ramp-design diffuser accelerates the air’s journey from the rear of the vehicle, which increases downforce and helps the model excel at high speeds. Contributing to the vehicle’s excellent stability are bespoke high-performance tyres.

MT

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Volvo Car UK has appointed Matt Benns as its new Commercial Operations Director, effective 30 March 2026. Reporting to Managing Director Nicole Melillo Shaw, he will join the UK Executive Management Team. In this capacity, Benns assumes responsibility for New, Used and Fleet car sales, alongside the Direct-to-Consumer offering, Network Development and Aftersales.

Benns brings a diverse automotive background defined by delivering transformation across OEM brands, retail networks and software ecosystems. He joins from his role as CEO of ELLA Digital, with prior global positions at Auto.Works, Keyloop, Connect Auto, Volkswagen Group UK and Mazda UK. His extensive experience will be instrumental in driving commercial performance across Volvo Car UK’s operations.

Nicole Melillo Shaw, Managing Director, Volvo Car UK, said, “Matt has a proven track-record and deep industry expertise, coupled with digital and direct-to-consumer experience, which make him a fantastic addition to our team in the UK. As we continue to accelerate our growth, and strengthen our position in the market, his vision and energy will play a key role in shaping our future success and I am looking forward to working together.”

Benns said, “Volvo Cars has long stood for innovation, safety and progressive thinking, so it’s a privilege to join the business at such a pivotal time with the upcoming launch of the Volvo EX60. I’m looking forward to working with the talented teams across the organisation and our retail partners to build on the brand’s strong foundations and unlock new opportunities for growth.”

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Volkswagen-owned luxury brand Bentley Motors has recorded its seventh consecutive year of profitability, with a reported operating profit of EUR 216 million for 2025. The results reflect an operating return on sales of 8.3 percent, achieved despite global market contraction and one-off accounting charges.

The company reported revenue of EUR 2.6 billion, a flat degrowth of one percent compared to the previous year. This resilience was attributed to disciplined pricing and a shift toward higher-margin derivatives.

Key financial factors included:

• Model Mix: Increased demand for Mulliner bespoke personalisation and Speed derivatives supported average revenue per vehicle.
• Volume: Customer deliveries declined by 5 percent, driven primarily by market conditions in China.
• External Impacts: Profitability was affected by the discontinuation of a Volkswagen Group D-segment platform, U.S. tariffs and foreign exchange fluctuations.

The Bentayga remains the brand’s best-selling model, bolstered by the market entry of the Bentayga Speed in late 2025. The year also saw the introduction of the fourth-generation Continental GT and Flying Spur, both featuring a new V8 hybrid powertrain.

Bentley is currently self-funding a transformation of its Pyms Lane site in Crewe to prepare for its first Battery-Powered Electric Vehicle (BEV). Construction is nearing completion on the A1 building, which will house the future BEV assembly line, and a new paint shop is scheduled to open later this year.

To improve long-term competitiveness, Bentley has announced a consultation programme that may result in the removal of 275 positions. These adjustments affect management, agency, and non-manufacturing roles as the business prepares for its next phase of electrification.

Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO, Bentley Motors, said, “2025 was a pivotal year for Bentley as we continue our preparation of the next generation of Bentleys including our upcoming all-electric model. Our high-performance Continental GT and Flying Spur have set new benchmarks for desirability, while the Bentayga remains our best-selling model with the new Speed derivative entering key markets. The all-new Bentley Supersports opened a new chapter for Bentley and underlines our sportiness and driver orientation. We are investing at unprecedented levels in the Pyms Lane site, including the Design Centre, opened in July last year, the near completion of the A1 building for BEV production, and the upcoming opening of the new Paint Shop later this year. At the same time, we are making some difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business, including an organisational adjustment potentially impacting approximately 275 positions. I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected - we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition. These actions, alongside our investments and Beyond100+ strategy, ensure Bentley remains financially resilient, strategically focused and well-positioned for the next generation of luxury vehicles.”

Axel Dewitz, Board Member for Finance and IT, Betley Motors, commented, "Bentley has delivered a seventh consecutive year of profitability, demonstrating strong underlying financial performance despite a challenging macro environment. While reported results reflect a non-recurring accounting impact and external trade effects, the underlying business remains resilient. Revenue quality is supported by disciplined pricing and a rich model mix, with Mulliner bespoke demand continuing to grow. These results give us confidence that Bentley’s financial foundation is solid, whilst highlighting the need to continue to invest in our future product portfolio and site transformation.”

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Skoda Auto India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has commenced customer deliveries and announced pricing for the updated Kushaq SUV. The refreshed line-up introduces segment-first technologies and a restructured variant hierarchy aimed at increasing the accessibility of its European engineering and safety features.

The new Kushaq maintains its turbocharged petrol engine range with significant updates to its transmission and braking systems:

• 1.0 TSI Engine: Produces 85 kW of power and 178 Nm of torque. It debuts a segment-first eight-speed torque converter automatic alongside the existing six-speed manual. Fuel efficiency is claimed at 19.66 kmpl (MT) and 19.09 kmpl (AT).
• 1.5 TSI Engine: Delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG automatic. This variant now features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) and all-wheel disc brakes on the Prestige and Monte Carlo trims.

The Kushaq retains its Global NCAP 5-star safety rating and now includes over 40 safety features. Standard equipment across the entire range includes – 6 airbags, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper and defogger.

On the exterior, it features LED headlamps, LED taillamps, sequential rear turn indicators and alloy wheels. 

It gets electric sunroof, climatronic auto AC and touchscreen infotainment.

The SUV is available in five trims with eight colour options, including the new Shimla Green, Steel Grey, and Cherry Red.

All variants come with Skoda Super Care, which includes a standard 4-year/100,000 km warranty, 4 years of roadside assistance, and four labour-free services for up to two years. The warranty is extendable to eight years.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “At Skoda Auto India, our focus is on democratising European technology and making it accessible to a wider set of customers. With the new Kushaq, we truly redefine value across the range. The new Kushaq leads the way through competitive value pricing across variants, enhanced standard safety features and all-round performance. Segment-first additions such as the eight-speed automatic gearbox, Rear Seat Massager, and standardisation of essential features provide fantastic value right from the entry variant. Class-leading safety, unmatched driving dynamics and pride of ownership come standard with the new Kushaq, as with every Skoda.”

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TATA.ev has expanded its electric vehicle range with the introduction of the Fearless+ QWD 75 persona for the Harrier.ev. The model features a dual-motor Quad Wheel Drive system and is positioned at a starting price of INR 2.64 million (ex-showroom).

Built on the acti.ev+ architecture, the Harrier.ev Fearless+ QWD 75 delivers 504 Nm of torque and achieves a claimed zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds. It features Quad Wheel Drive – a dual-motor system for traction across varied terrains. Six terrain modes supplemented by Off-Road Assist and Boost Mode. In terms of safety, the Harrier.ev has 5-star Bharat-NCAP certification. A 15-year lifetime battery warranty for the first owner.

The Fearless+ QWD 75 includes several cabin and convenience features:

• Seating: 6-way powered driver seats with memory, 4-way powered co-driver seats, and ventilated front seats.
• Audio and Vision: 360-degree camera and a JBL Black 10-speaker system.
• Climate: Voice-assisted dual-zone automatic temperature control.
• Exterior: R19 alloy wheels and the introduction of a new Seaweed Green paint shade.

The Harrier.ev is now available in seven configurations. Prices listed are ex-showroom and exclude charger installation costs (available for an additional ₹49,000).

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “We are thrilled to witness the love that the Harrier.ev has received from our customers. With over 13,000 Harrier.ev’s delivered in just 6 months, its capability and potential has received strong interest from customers who have harnessed its go anywhere capability to successfully cover over 100 mn km across the length and breadth of India. It proves to be the perfect representation of how we are making performance SUVs aspirational yet attainable. With the introduction of the critically acclaimed dual-motor Quad Wheel Drive technology in the Fearless persona, we now want to drive this accessibility even further by unlocking more value and inviting more customers to Delete-Impossible with the Harrier.ev.”

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